As to pickups, I find that the K&K Pure Mini is the best I have heard at reproducing the actual tone of the guitar.  The simplicity is also great as there is no battery.  I have pulled out hundreds of LR Baggs and Fishman systems and replaced them with the humble Mini, and nobody has been disappointed. That is not to say that if Ron applies his magical sense of tone to an Alembic acoustic pickup,  it won't be the greatest thing ever....just like the bass pickups and circuitry.  In the meantime, I strongly recommend the K&K.  Oh, and strap buttons are an option. 

I see it is now listed as SOLD!