From basses to guitars...

[sstillwell]

I was poking around on the website and saw the Skylark guitar...darn it, I knew I shouldn't be looking at those...now I want one.
 
What can you tell me about the sound and feel of the guitar?  I know that's a VERY subjective question, but it's all I've got to go on for now.  How does the semi-hollow body affect the sound?  How does the HG pup compare to the STRs that are used on some of your other models?  Your pickups aren't voiced, what's the difference, then?
 
My Epics are getting lonely, they need some company.  Something to sing soprano to their bass and tenor.

[thrill74]

Yesterday I got a chance to tour the Alembic shop and we passed by a Skylark in it's early stages.  I had this question in my head for awhile and this was the perfect time to ask!  I asked Mica if the chambers were 'tuned' or if they were just for weight reduction (one heavy guitar if not chambered).  She let me know that it was for the weight factor.  Playing the Skylark is awesome.  All the chunk of an LP but with neck pickup clarity.  The contours are great too.  When I get the cash for my Further, it will have Skylark electronics in it.  Well my Further will basically be a Skylark in a different body I guess.  That's just my experience so far.

[mica]

The STR pickups have a narrower aperture magnet due to the side constraints of the pickup shape. The HG and HGR (with the 4-screw mount and rounded mounts) use a wider magent. We like wide magnets to get the best idea of what is going on along the length of the string.  
 
I've got to update the pictures for the Skylark, we changed the body slightly - not the shape, but we added a large roundover on the back for comfort and some nice tummy carving too.  It tucks close to your body really well.