Author Topic: Further Guitar Body Style (Read 192 times)

jalevinemd · « **on:** March 19, 2004, 03:27:32 PM »

This is another question for either Val or Mica. Can the Further be built using the same electronics and same sandwich, but with a different body style - say a standard omega? If it's at all possible to do, what roughly is the new price, assuming all else remains original?

Appreciative as always,

Jonathan

valvil · « **Reply #1 on:** March 19, 2004, 03:59:02 PM »

Hello Jonathan,

sure we can do it. A Further retails for 6500$, the standard Omega body style adds 500$ for a total of 7000$. The case is an extra 280$ retail.

Valentino

jalevinemd · « **Reply #2 on:** March 19, 2004, 06:35:30 PM »

Val,

If you guys are anywhere near as quick with production turn-arounds as you are with messages, I will kick myself for not having gone with Alembic sooner. Anyway...as you may have guessed from my few posts, I'm looking for a neck through, standard omega guitar. The best options, thus far, seem to be an omega Spectrum and an omega Further - both of which will be around $7000. One major advantage of going the Further route seems to be the wonderful sandwich, that I don't think I would get on the Spectrum without adding extra laminates. Other than that, could you tell me the pros and cons of each. Two paths diverged in a wood and I, being somewhat ignorant of Alembics, sat idly by until one got paved by the highway department.

Thanks as always,

Jonathan

hollis · « **Reply #3 on:** March 19, 2004, 07:02:40 PM »

No good kicking yourself...If that did any good, there'd be a lot of sore folks around here! Just be thankful that you've come around....I'm sure you'll be amazed with which ever you choose. Although you might want to prepare for a little wait....These things take time, but well worth the wait.

jalevinemd · « **Reply #4 on:** March 19, 2004, 09:34:19 PM »

Hollis,

Thanks for the words of wisdom. Unfortunately, if patience was a virtue, I'd be fanning away the flames of hell as we speak. I suppose, in the end, it will all be well worth it...the seemingly endless process by then a fond memory.

Jonathan

valvil · « **Reply #5 on:** March 19, 2004, 11:25:38 PM »

A couple of Further features the Spectrum does not have; one is the inlaid logo on an ebony peghead veneer, which is really stunning, the other is the neck made of maple/purpleheart/cherry versus the maple neck with walnut pinstripes of the Spectrum. The Further's AAA Quilted maple top would be an upgrade on a Spectrum and the purpleheart core would be extra too.
The electronics are different as well; the Spectrum has 2 STR pickups and one HG pickup at the bridge. The Further has one STR at the neck and 2 HG; the Further also has an effects loop and an on/off switch next to it. The Spectrum has volume, a low pass filter with 'q' switch and a 5 position selector switch.
The Further has one volume and 3 filters, one for each pickup, plus three 3-position switches, again one for each pickup; the positions are on/off/bright. It can be had with a five-position selector instead, as well.
I consider Further/Tribute electronics to be more versatile than the Spectrum, but that 's me. Either way you can't go wrong.

Valentino

cdf · « **Reply #6 on:** March 22, 2004, 07:25:17 AM »

Jonathan,

Sounds like you have some really cool ideas for your guitar. To throw my two cents wrth in I would echo Valentino's comment above. The Tribute/Furthur electronic package is extremely versatile. I have not played a spectrum so I could not compare (would love to heear what the Q-switch does on a guitar) ,but I can tell you theat the Tribute/Furthur electronic are outstanding. I have had a Tribute for about 3 months and I still am finding new tones everyday, also love having the on-board effect loop. It has been like having three or even more guitars in one body. Anyway whatever you choose you can't go wrong with an Alembic.

Good luck,
Court

jalevinemd · « **Reply #7 on:** March 22, 2004, 08:09:37 PM »

Court,

Love your Tribute. I agree with you all regarding the versatility of the Further/Tribute electronics and I can't wait to get started. Less than a year ago, I was ready for my first truly hand crafted guitar and had considered Alembic. I wrongly assumed that b/c they were an established company, I'd lose that personal touch. I wound up going with Resurrection Guitars who are currently building me a spectacular custom Lightning Bolt (with a few Alembic parts). Having followed the FTC site for awhile now, I realized that my assumption couldn't have been further from the truth. Val and Mica are so incredibly thoughtful and helpful and I can't imagine more personal attention. As soon as the Bolt is finished, I shall begin my journey with Alembic. And since it has a few parts courtesy of our friends in Santa Rosa, I'll post pictures when it is done. I guess a little Alembic is better than none at all. More in the near future...

Jonathan

cdf · « **Reply #8 on:** March 23, 2004, 07:14:17 AM »

Jonathan,

Hey thanks, yeah I am more than a little psyched with my Tribute. As much as I love the look of it the sound is even better. As for Alembic and the personal touch, it is what they are all about. You could not be in better hands. The care, expertise and advice I got from Alembic has been by far and away the best customer service experience I have ever had. It is evident that they, on top of being professionals and artisans of the highest order, also really care about the customer. And the end results, well I can't say enough good things. The Omega Cut and the Furthur body styles are both great looking, but from a purely selfish point of view I hope you opt for the Furthur. Then we can follow it on FTC where I havw only seen one other Furthur so far. ;-)

BTW I live not too far from Resurrection and stopped by to check it out recently. They had several Bolts and J. Garcia inspired projects in various states of completion. I wonder if I saw yours there?

jalevinemd · « **Reply #9 on:** March 27, 2004, 04:03:21 PM »

Val,

I was going to start this guitar in the summer/fall, but have since decided that I can't wait any longer. My project with Resurrection is taking longer than I had expected and I'm chomping at the bit to get something else going. I've decided to go with the Further guitar, standard omega body and, most likely, coco bolo top. Just wanted to find out how to get the ball rolling. My wife fully supports the horrible case of GAS I've come down with as of late. I guess there could be worse afflictions and vices with which to be saddled!

Let me know,

Jonathan

valvil · « **Reply #10 on:** March 27, 2004, 06:56:04 PM »

Hello Jonathan,

I understand your GAS, look where I ended up working...
Give me a call on Monday if you can, at 707-523-2611; we get there at 10 (pacific time), so anytime between 11 and 4 pm is ideal. We can finalize the all the details and have a quote made out for you. You can also e-mail me at valentino@alembic.com

Valentino

jalevinemd · « **Reply #11 on:** March 27, 2004, 08:19:58 PM »

Val,

Wow! Another lightning fast response. I'll call on Monday to begin ironing out the details. Very excited at the prospect of working with you guys. I'm sure my experience will be as good as with Resurrection Guitars - a truly first class outfit! Hopefully, as finances dictate, I'll be able to do several future projects with both companies.

Jonathan