In 1986 I had to give up playing fulltime for financial reasons (that and a lack of real talent). Kids will do that to you. But, I always dreamed of owning an Alembic. Well, grown kids and a deal on Ebay and I have my Series II. I used to think no bass could make you a significantly better player. I don't think that now. Had I had this bass while I was in the Air Force Band, I might still be there (or retired and moved on to greener pastures by now).