oh boy...I might have to chime in at the end of this one,
 
here

I know this has been covered before but how do you re-name links like this?

Jonathan: Click here
 
(Message edited by fc_spoiler on September 25, 2006)

It's at about  $3,450 with 6 days to go...

I'm new here. Thought this would be a good place to ask this question.
How close in tone is a Further (or Tribute for that
matter) to the originals given that they don't use
the same pickups? I've seen Dead copy bands and the
lead players have guitars that copy Jerry's electronics (modified strats) with very good results.

i have been at alembic and have heard the further pleayed by guy from string cheese
sounds wonderful
they are class instruments
you wont be dissapointed- imho

hees another headsup
you dont see these on ebay often or in here
that goes for the tributes also

Welcome to the board David.  To my ears, Jerry's sound changed dramatically when he started playing the wolf.  Originally the wolf was fitted with standard strat electronics with a Blaster.  Compare Morning Dew from Europe 72 with one from Dick's Picks 14.
 
Alembic's electronics are in a different league to conventional, high impedance pickups.  You can certainly obtain Jerry-like tones from one, but the unassisted sustain is what really counts.  These instruments (Alembics in general, though I've only experienced my Further) are so superior to anything else I've played.
 
To echo Flax, you won't be disappointed.
 
Mark

I am constantly getting that sounds like Jerry's guitar comments on my Further.  Once I even got a You bought the Wolf!.  
 
You will not be disappointed with a Further.