...about to join the club, a little advice?

[lbpesq]

Peter:
 
You got it.  The only difference is I run from the little blue box DS-5 to an A/B box into which I also run another guitar, then out from the AB into the pedal board, and then on to the amp.  That way I can quickly change to the 12 string for the songs I use it on.
 
Bill, tgo

[paulman]

Good luck today moonk!  I was lucky enough to get to Ed Romans (before he went non-Alembic, go fig) when he had 2 Furthers in stock.  My buds (friends) said I was nuts to go to Vegas for a guitar, but sure enough I came back up as I found one of the Furthers to just make me go yeeeaaahhh.  
 
I too thought LED's were gimmicky, until the dark stage scenario hit.  My bass player wants them now hah!  
 
Personally I like the effects loop as I tend to wander around a bit and like not having to come out of my funk to run across the stage.  Just slipping down and hitting a switch to be natural or effected is like 2nd nature now.  
 
I've also come to a realization with the pickup switches.  During a live performance it's difficult to do a quick pickup change as 2 switches need to be moved sometimes.  The blade type of switch seems more accessible now.  
 
I would never have realized that had I not had My Further.  My Skylark was like, easy since it only has the two switches.  
 
Dude, update when/if you get it.  We'll want pics too...lots of them!  Maybe 1 or 2 here and the rest in the Showcase for documentation and salavia generating purposes!
 
(Message edited by paulman on March 31, 2008)

[moonkeyhead]

Will do on photos, I'm headed out soon (it's Monday morning). We'll see how it goes. I'm ready, but cautious too, so as I leave the house there is a 50/50 chance I'll be coming home with something.

[bsee]

When you think you're sure, ask them to hold it for you for an hour or so while you go grab lunch/dinner.  If you're still sure when you're done eating in a normal environment outside the store, go back and get it done.  Otherwise, go back or call in to let them know you want to look at some others before you jump.  
 
Even then, it would be great if they could hold it on (refundable) deposit long enough for you to see Bill to try his guitar, and to get a factory visit in.  You should go into this purchase with your eyes wide open and knowing your options.  It's not quite like buying a car, but it's not that far off.
 
Good luck today!
-bob

[moonkeyhead]

Bob,  
 
Couldn't agree more.  
 
I am fresh back from San Jose. I sat with both guitars a good long while, played on a couple amps, both clean and with drive/distortion. I did quickly realize that the Further had a tone more suited to me. I tried lots of different pickup selections, tone settings, and just really sat with it a good long while. I got right up to the edge, as it were, and I must say, Terry (Showcase guy) is a very nice and patient guy; just gave me a chord and free reign, opened the case holding the Alembics and suggested I take all the time I wanted.  
 
Before going I set myself a little failsafe (prompted by the nice advice you folks have given me), in that I deposited the cash to pay for the guitar just this morning. Since I know that transactions take a couple of days at my bank, I couldn't possibly have left with the guitar today.  
 
I really, really dig the Further. I was very happy with my play test, and I did the the things you do when buying such a thing (close eye inspection, testing for buzz, etc.) and it stood up great to everything. And really, it just sounded fantastic. The action is very low. I noticed what others have reported here on buying Alembics, that it showed every little sloppy thing I did through the speaker of the amp. That is, when I left a little noise in moving one string to the next, the flub was quite pronounced...but I quickly got used to that and even kind of used it to my musical advantage. Obviously Alembics make you play, 'better'.  
 
I wanted to talk to Doc, as per Bill's advice (and thanks Bill for the offer to try yours, which I most certainly will do if a good window of time opens, really, thanks) but didn't find him until I was leaving. I introduced myself, and asked his impression of the Further, though he didn't really have one, as he'd not played it. He nicely offered to give it a whirl later today, and to correspond with me via email with his impressions, and answers to my questions. Very cool.  
 
I left after talking to Terry and asking what I should do if I decide it's a go and I want them to to hold it. He just told me to call, and that they'd set it aside, AND that they'd extend their normal return policy to 10 days with refund if and when I take it home.  
 
So, my plan now is to sleep on it, see what else I can get in for comparison, and talk to Doc a bit.  
 
I'm right there on the edge, and I know if I take my time I'll be happier for it.  
 
Thanks all for your input, and I will update this thread as I move closer to closing!

[moonkeyhead]

Hi all,  
 
Just a little update here. As detailed above, my last trip to showcase resulted in a really nice play test. I have corresponded with Doc a little, and his thoughts on the guitar are in line with my own...
 
I asked the guy I've been dealing with at Showcase if they'd take the price of the Tribute.... for the Further, which is a couple hundred dollars cheaper, and they were up for that. Cool. I'm going in this week to play again and make my final decision. If I feel wobbly about it, I'll just put it aside until I do get to the factory (haven't yet), but I really liked it so much that I'll feel confident in buying if it feels right in the moment. Of course, I've given it all a lot of thought, so if I pull the trigger it'll be because I'm sure.  
 
It really is a damned nice guitar, sounds great, fantastic action...and a stunner, of course. I think I'm going in Wednesday (I've put in for that day off...which should be no problem).

[tbrannon]

Sounds like you're taking a smart approach- I've enjoyed reading about your search.
 
Be sure to give us an update after Wed
 
Toby