Alembic StratoBlaster Preamp
Submitted at: 22:37, 7/10/2001
Product Info
Pickup features: On-board pre-amp for Strat
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: N/A
Purchased from: Ring Music Toronto
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: 75 Strat
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: None
Other pickups on guitar: Originals
Artists using this pickup: I'm sure I've seen a pickture of Jeff Beck with a "Blaster"
You musical style(s): Blues Rock Country New Age
Reason for pickup change: Wanted a switchable boost for the Strat - either ROARS or just sets the amp into distortion, depending on setting
Sound
Perceived output level: Up to double
Tone: exact!
Sonic evaluation: I've used this with Fender Black Fronts (Tremolux, Super Reverbs, etc.) Silver Face Twins, Champs, Garnet Amps (Cdn.) etc. It was a little too much for my 56 Fender Super!
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Great for screaming strat or mild overdriving of amp (depends on how set)
Overall Rating
Comments: If it were stolen, I would cry. I have been playing 32 years (touring for a few) and this unit is truly unique. I bought it in the early '70's. The previous review really says it all.
I have not seen one for sale for a couple of decades. I needed the manual from Alembic, so I asked them it they had one. They had it to me in no time at all! Now THAT'S customer support
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value
Submitted by: Scruffy56
Submitted at: 8:53, 5/26/98
Product Info
Pickup features: Used on a 1972 Stock Stratocaster
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: N/A
Purchased from: Mail order
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: '72 Fender Stratocaster,
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: n/a
Other pickups on guitar: Stock Fender single coils
Artists using this pickup: ??
You musical style(s): Everything
Reason for pickup change: I purchased this in the mid 70's. People I jammed with all used humbuckers and they out volumed me. I did not want to change the tone, just boost the volume.
Sound
Perceived output level: Doubles volume without distorting it. Adjudtable gain.
Tone: Original tone only considerably louder.
Sonic evaluation: I am now using a Marshall head and Fender cabnits. I have used this with several amps through the years.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Rock, blues, jazz
Overall Rating
Comments: I certainly would buy a truck load of them if I could find them. I have been playing for over 30 years and love the sound of a strat but was not able to keep up with LP volumes. The StratoBlaster fits in place of the original jack on the guitar. It has a small on/off toggle switch and adjustable gain (small hole that takes a small straight blade screwdriver). At full gain it picks up police calls and radio signals but a brass pickguard shield it all out. It uses a 9 volt battery that last for over 5 years. Easy to wire in with no modifications. Does not change the tone at all buut when turned on while using a Hi Gain amp it outscreams anything out there. Works great with low wattage amps. Doubles the volume. I only use 1 pedal. A Digitech XP-100 which works best on low gains. Setting the volume down while the Preamp is turned on only increases the quality of the sound. I don't know if this is still available but if not someone should consider making re-issues. It is a godsend for Strat owners. You don't have to mess around with changing pickups or altering your guitar in any way. Takes 15 minutes to install. I have been using it for over 20 years with no problems. I changed the battery twice.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value
Submitted by: peatea <peatea@snugcove.com>