Guitar Advice

[5a_quilt_top]

OK - this a bit embarrassing to admit, but I've surrendered to the inevitable.
 
My recent Alembic visit has worked its magic and the concept that wouldn't leave me alone during my vacation has turned into a full-blown G.A.S. attack in the form of a Further guitar.
 
So I need some advice from our experienced Alembic Further-owning members.
 
I've decided that the Stage version would be best for me due to simplicity of use, but, beyond that, I need some help.
 
I'm guessing that the 5-way blade switch functions like a Strat 5-way switch - ? And the controls are volume and two tones - ?
 
Re: pickups - standard arrangement is single (STR), hum (HG), hum (HG) - what happens if the middle pickup is changed to a single (STR) instead of the hum (HG)?
 
Re: on-board effects loop - I could use the guitar either with or without the loop, correct?
 
If so, I would probably use it most of the time with just a single standard 1/4 guitar cable out to a pedalboard or direct into an amp. Considering this, should I make things really simple and eliminate the loop altogether? What would I be missing if I did this?
 
Thanks in advance for any thoughts on any or all of this.

[lbpesq]

David:
 
Most excellent choice!  On my custom Further, I too replaced the middle pickup with the STR.  I use it when I want a more countryish rhythm sound.  I also opted to forgo the OBEL.  I did this for several reasons:  I didn't want the extra wires, I wanted the option of going wireless, and I already accomplish essentially the same result, (effects always seeing the same signal), by leaving my guitar volume on 10 and placing a volume pedal after my effects chain.
 
As for the 5 blade, I believe it works just like a Strat.  I've actually been thinking about having Alembic replace my 3 off-on-bright toggles with a blade.  It certainly is quicker on stage.  You can see my Further here.  Good luck with your build, and don't be hesitant to ask questions.  The more you think about before the build, the closer it will be to your perfect guitar.
 
Bill, tgo

[David Houck]

I'm on the way out the door, but noticed your post, and thought I would share this link, as it explains a little about the controls.  Volume, Filter, Effects Loop Blend, 5-Way Pickup Selector.

[cozmik_cowboy]

Would it be a hijack to inquire as to the physical (other than width) & tonal differences between the STR & the HG?  There has been much disscussion here on AXY/MXY/SC1/FatBoy comparisons, but I don't recall ever seeing anything on the guitar p/ups.
 
Peter

[5a_quilt_top]

Hey guys - thanks for the input & links.
 
You've been most helpful.
 
We're going to figure this out today and hopefully be able to hammer out a spec for this project.
 
Bill -
 
Cool guitar! Very personal statement, which is what a custom is all about. I'll bet it sounds as good, or better than it looks.
 
Peter -  
 
No hijack, I was actually going to ask the same thing. I assume the STR is thinner and has more sparkle (for want of another word) than the HG. Sort of an equivalent to a single coil vs humbucker comparison. I'll ask the experts to clarify when I speak with them. If so, it's what I want in the neck & middle positions.

[jazzyvee]

here is  a link to the Furthur/Tribute manul. http://www.alembic.com/info/manual_tribute.html
 
I'm sure I read somewhere on here that the Str and HG are the same pickup and it is only the container that is a different size. So i don't think it is the equivalent of a fat boy for guitar. I may be wrong though.  
 
Jazzyvee

[cje]

I'm pretty sure they are not the same pickup.  I thought one pickup (HG) has a wider aperture than the other (STR).  On my guitar they sound markedly different.  I tend to gravitate to the HG which sits in the middle position.
 
And yes - I guess unless you specify otherwise, the 5-way blade pickup selector acts just as you'd expect it to.  When I ordered my custom, I knew from the start that the 5-way was the way to go for me (see here: http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_dej.html).  I further specified that there be no cover plate for the pickup selector (because the wood is so awesome) - like on the Electrums.  The blade they use is very high quality, and has a nice, satisfying and secure 'click' to it.

[cozmik_cowboy]

How would you characterize the difference, CJ?  
 
Peter

[jazzyvee]

Here is an old thread i found with mica's entry with pictures of some of the alembic pickups.  
http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/18132.html?1117265820
 
Jazzyvee

[David Houck]

Yes, the HG has a wider aperture magnet than the STR; thus the HG sees more of the string than the STR.  The STR will thus sound cleaner than the HG.

[grateful]

I'm sure the HG and STR are different as they have different sounds.  The STR has a Stratocaster sort of sound and the HG doesn't.  It doesn't sound like a humbucker either.
 
The one thing that really limits the Stage Further electronics for me is the single filter.  Using two pickups with different filter settings produces wonderful tones unlike any other guitar I've ever heard.
 
Mark

[jacko]

Hi Mark, long time no see. Hope life's still good in sunny Robin hood's bay. You'll be glad to hear I've joined a grateful dead tribute band :-)
 
Graeme (hijack over)

[grateful]

Hijack!
 
Life's good thanks Graeme:  I've moved to the neighboring (this is a U.S. website!) village.  If you're dead band ever plays south of the border let me know.
 
Mark (End Hijack)

[keith_h]

Graeme, I could make it if you play South of the Border.

[jacko]

Tell you what Keith. if you get us a gig - all expenses paid - we'd be over like a shot :-)
 
Graeme