Carvin is not Alembic, but they do appear to make a quality instrument. In fact, I'm awaiting completion of a LB76. Since I bought my Alembics used, it is the first bass I've had custom built. It was an anxiety producing endeavor to make all the choices regarding woods, PUPs, electronics, etc. While Alembic will pretty much build you an instrument anyway you want it, there are some odd limitations with Carvin. For instance: I wanted the Icon body style with an alnico HB in the bridge, but they won't put that PUP in that body!!! I think the biggest difference will be the philosophy behind the electronics. Carvin has traditional tone controls(although I think the sweepable mid will actually make them usable) while Alembic has the low-pass filter/Qswitch. As such, Carvins will have a signature sound while Alembics are much more flexible. But I guess that's the case with pretty much all the other vendors.
