Hammersmith K4 - TalkBass Special Model

[NOLA Bass]

Next up will be some better renders of the finishes that look to be winner here.

We're going to run all three of TB Blue, White Tux and Rootbeer Metallic, all with bound bodies.

I have a special request from a sorta special player for Olive Drab (army green) with binding, so there may be two or three of those available only.
.

I would def be interested in that color!

 

[NKBassman]

Sorry for the delay guy, things have been a little nuts here. I got super sick on the weekend (Norovirus) and it's been a heavy week with lighting work. We didn't get videos shot last week with Remco as we had a mixup with the time he needed to be at the airport... 15:50 vs 5:50 means we lost 2 hours that we thought we'd have.

In any case, both Josh and I have been messing around with the Black 33.25" K that we have here, and I've started messing around with video editing software. We'll be posting more of these as we figure it out, but we'll certainly be creating some more pro grade clips as well once we have a player or two visit and can shoot with better equipment than my Samsung G5.

The clip below is just Josh noodling around. I asked him to keep playing the same riff while I cycled through some of the tone models in the practice amp we have here. The tone on the bass is wide open and the amp is set flat in terms of EQ, so it's just the various tone models that you hear changing the sound. It starts clean, then goes through models like Brit Grit, Dirty FNA, Bassman, 80s Session, Disco Freak, etc... Nothing fancy, but a start:

More than a couple of nice sounds in there!

 

[Meyatch]

put my deposit in this morning!

 

[MarkoYYZ]

put my deposit in this morning!

...and confirmed! I'll have an email over to you with build details and everything in a proper document.
(this usually comes first, but hey, we'll take the money first too if that's how you roll )

 

[GregC]

Sorry for the delay guy, things have been a little nuts here. I got super sick on the weekend (Norovirus) and it's been a heavy week with lighting work. We didn't get videos shot last week with Remco as we had a mixup with the time he needed to be at the airport... 15:50 vs 5:50 means we lost 2 hours that we thought we'd have.

In any case, both Josh and I have been messing around with the Black 33.25" K that we have here, and I've started messing around with video editing software. We'll be posting more of these as we figure it out, but we'll certainly be creating some more pro grade clips as well once we have a player or two visit and can shoot with better equipment than my Samsung G5.

The clip below is just Josh noodling around. I asked him to keep playing the same riff while I cycled through some of the tone models in the practice amp we have here. The tone on the bass is wide open and the amp is set flat in terms of EQ, so it's just the various tone models that you hear changing the sound. It starts clean, then goes through models like Brit Grit, Dirty FNA, Bassman, 80s Session, Disco Freak, etc... Nothing fancy, but a start:

Sounds good, thanks for posting this. In addition to hearing higher-quality audio in future clips, I'd like to hear some that feature the two-pickup model before plunking down a deposit. And I just noticed it's less than two weeks now till the Feb. 28th deadline.

 

[Meyatch]

...and confirmed! I'll have an email over to you with build details and everything in a proper document.
(this usually comes first, but hey, we'll take the money first too if that's how you roll )

I thought maybe I read somewhere about sending an email first, but I reread the first post and I didn't see it, so I just sent the money over.

 

[MarkoYYZ]

Sounds good, thanks for posting this. In addition to hearing higher-quality audio in future clips, I'd like to hear some that feature the two-pickup model before plunking down a deposit. And I just noticed it's less than two weeks now till the Feb. 28th deadline.

We'll probably allow a little more time on the deadline. We have to order 5 of each finish, meaning if we want the 3 finishes we have to order 15. We're doing that anyways, but in order to make them available to TB members first, the deadline can be stretched a little. I think we're at 8 here now, so I'm hopeful we can get to 15+. A couple of you want colors other than the 3 TB specials, so anything that doesn't get allocated for TB will be made available to for sale from stock later, I guess, but with with no TB special price or special run serial #.

I thought maybe I read somewhere about sending an email first, but I reread the first post and I didn't see it, so I just sent the money over.

No complaints, I just prefer to have an exchange on the build details and send over an invoice/build order that is reviewed by the customer. The completed paypal deposit becomes the customer's formal agreement to the build order details. Also, we prefer to receive payment in $USD for US customers (but we're fine with what you sent in $CAD). Watch your inbox later for the build invoice - and thanks again!
.

 

[Meyatch]

We'll probably allow a little more time on the deadline. We have to order 5 of each finish, meaning if we want the 3 finishes we have to order 15. We're doing that anyways, but in order to make them available to TB members first, the deadline can be stretched a little. I think we're at 8 here now, so I'm hopeful we can get to 15+. A couple of you want colors other than the 3 TB specials, so anything that doesn't get allocated for TB will be made available to for sale from stock later, I guess, but with with no TB special price or special run serial #.


No complaints, I just prefer to have an exchange on the build details and send over an invoice/build order that is reviewed by the customer. The completed paypal deposit becomes the customer's formal agreement to the build order details. Also, we prefer to receive payment in $USD for US customers (but we're fine with what you sent in $CAD). Watch your inbox later for the build invoice - and thanks again!
.

paypal automatically converted it to $CAD. I will be on the lookout for build invoice. Also, these "other colors," will we know what they are and have an option to switch to them? I'm happy with the color I chose, but you never know. I absolutely don't want any binding though, so all the talkbass colors are right out.

 

[petersland]

G'day Marco, just waiting on your PayPal invoice do I can send my deposit.
Cheers Mate,
Pete Borg

 

[petersland]

Deposit paid Marko

 

[Fishheadjoe]

Marco, is there an opportunity for those of us who are local to try these basses out at your shop, should we be inclined. I'm not really in the market right now for a new bass, but the interest from TB has piqued my curiosity.
Fishheadjoe

 

[MarkoYYZ]

Marco, is there an opportunity for those of us who are local to try these basses out at your shop, should we be inclined. I'm not really in the market right now for a new bass, but the interest from TB has piqued my curiosity.
Fishheadjoe

Yes. Right now Hammersmith is borrowing space within my lighting company, so it's not the usual builder sort of place you'd be visiting, but we've had a few dozen people come by at this point. We just have to schedule it right so that we have builds on hand to check out, as we generally build to order and ship when things are done. I'm working towards Hammersmith living in its own separate space by summer - which involves some maneuvering with my lighting stuff too - but will still likely be in the airport area. If you wanted to come by, please send me a PM and we can try to overlap at some point soon.
.

 

[NOLA Bass]

Is that olive green you mentioned a possibility?

 

[DDXdesign]

Hiya @MarkoYYZ! Just found this thread and am seriously thinking about preordering... Couple questions:

1. Does the binding make the body edge sharp like it does on Rics? I hate that about Rics.

2. Can't decide between the 2TSB and the TB Blue. Do you have actual photos of bodies in these colors yet? (Was the 30" at NAMM 2TSB or just brown?)

3. For preorders, can we have a maple FB pretty please with carrots on top?

4. With their different fret counts and bridge placements, it looks like the reach down to 1 is exactly the same distance between the two scales, is that the case?

Thanks!!! I tried to look at your website, but I can't see much since I don't have a facebook account.

 

[BassmentPlayer]

Hi,

I am still interested in one. I think I am going to go with the TB Blue. (Would love a maple neck and would pay for it)

But I need to hear some sound clips of the two pickup short scale model, to know if it is something I want.

Just a thought, on the demo show the versatility of the bass. Different pick-up / tone settings and different hand positions.

Thanks again for making a short scale.

 

[MarkoYYZ]

Is that olive green you mentioned a possibility?

Yes. 2 are spoken for, possibly a 3rd, so I guess we have 2 left t anyone who wants that finish. I'll get some better renders up this weekend.

Hiya @MarkoYYZ! Just found this thread and am seriously thinking about preordering... Couple questions:

1. Does the binding make the body edge sharp like it does on Rics? I hate that about Rics.

2. Can't decide between the 2TSB and the TB Blue. Do you have actual photos of bodies in these colors yet? (Was the 30" at NAMM 2TSB or just brown?)

3. For preorders, can we have a maple FB pretty please with carrots on top?

4. With their different fret counts and bridge placements, it looks like the reach down to 1 is exactly the same distance between the two scales, is that the case?

Thanks!!! I tried to look at your website, but I can't see much since I don't have a facebook account.

1) The binding won't be a hard 90 degree edge. We're going to radius the body for those just a little and try to make it feel more like a PRS style edge, but it's still a binding and will be sharper that a regular roundover bass. If you're sensitive to it, best to stick to the non-bound bodies.

2) The NAMM bass was "old barnboard brown", at the request of Jesse Keeler who those two were built for. Our 2TSb will not be the usual black edge, as we're shooting for more of a dark-contrast violin burst. Will update with better renders/pics this weekend.

3) Our OEM is really trying to narrow us to fewer choices as opposed to more. We're doing the maple only with blocks for the White Tux version since the headstock is a light color. I don't want to be doing maple necks with matching dark color headstocks, which is what all the other finishes are.

4) It won't be exactly the same, but close. For the protos, we used the exact same neck (as in wood) and just fretted them differently. In production, the 30" neck will be about 3/8" shorter than it is now (removing all that extra after the 24th fret) and the 33.25" neck will be about 3/8" longer, to allow for the 21st fret to be added. The difference in reach to 1f will be about 3/4" different, with the other 2.5" made up by moving the bridge forward. I realize this isn't perfect for some, but keep in mind it's already a very compact bass and that the 30" scale will probably have a reach/feel more like a 32" bass, with tighter/easier fret spacing of the 30". This was done because we need the clear access to 24 frets and a forward bridge to emulate the Dan Armstrong acrylic bass. It's possible we do a different 30" scale later that is 21 frets total, which shifts both the neck and bridge further "inwards" by another 1.5" or so. I just can't run 10 different necks this time around.

Hope that helps.
.

 

[DerekW]

Thanks Marko. And yeah, it's a limited edition bass, the fact there's even more than one color choice is fantastic.

I'm sure once it's more into full production, it will be more customizable, but I think people aren't afraid to keep asking for more options, but you have to draw the line.

 

[BassmentPlayer]

the other 2.5" made up by moving the bridge forward. I realize this isn't perfect for some".

Funny about that.

This is the main reason I am interested in the bass.

 

[DDXdesign]

Yes. 2 are spoken for, possibly a 3rd, so I guess we have 2 left t anyone who wants that finish. I'll get some better renders up this weekend.


1) The binding won't be a hard 90 degree edge. We're going to radius the body for those just a little and try to make it feel more like a PRS style edge, but it's still a binding and will be sharper that a regular roundover bass. If you're sensitive to it, best to stick to the non-bound bodies.

2) The NAMM bass was "old barnboard brown", at the request of Jesse Keeler who those two were built for. Our 2TSb will not be the usual black edge, as we're shooting for more of a dark-contrast violin burst. Will update with better renders/pics this weekend.

3) Our OEM is really trying to narrow us to fewer choices as opposed to more. We're doing the maple only with blocks for the White Tux version since the headstock is a light color. I don't want to be doing maple necks with matching dark color headstocks, which is what all the other finishes are.

4) It won't be exactly the same, but close. For the protos, we used the exact same neck (as in wood) and just fretted them differently. In production, the 30" neck will be about 3/8" shorter than it is now (removing all that extra after the 24th fret) and the 33.25" neck will be about 3/8" longer, to allow for the 21st fret to be added. The difference in reach to 1f will be about 3/4" different, with the other 2.5" made up by moving the bridge forward. I realize this isn't perfect for some, but keep in mind it's already a very compact bass and that the 30" scale will probably have a reach/feel more like a 32" bass, with tighter/easier fret spacing of the 30". This was done because we need the clear access to 24 frets and a forward bridge to emulate the Dan Armstrong acrylic bass. It's possible we do a different 30" scale later that is 21 frets total, which shifts both the neck and bridge further "inwards" by another 1.5" or so. I just can't run 10 different necks this time around.

Hope that helps.
.

Oh, hmmm, well, seems I can't preorder what I want then, barring some more pics of the available options changing my mind - I hope I can at least "regular order" what I'd want, which right now would be old barnboard brown with a maple fretboard, probably in the longer scale =0\ But if you're saying you'll never do maple with dark bodies, then, well, crap.

 

[MarkoYYZ]

Not never, just not now as part of our first batch order.

Further, the barnboard - for now at least - is a Jesse Keeler specific thing and otherwise unavailable.

We'll be bringing in some unfinished bodies from now on to allow us to do some custom stain and/or finish work, so a different aged wood thing can maybe be done.
.