My advice would be simply this. If you can afford it, buy one. I did and I have not been disappointed in any aspect of their instruments at all. I confidently bought an Elan bass and also an Orion guitar without ever hearing or playing one. Not something I think I would do readily with any other company.
As for their worth, the old adage, it's only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. So ... only you can decide for sure. Like you say most people are put off by the high price and many feel they are not worth the price.
If price is a major consideration, You could look at some of the lower priced models which are within your range. I think you will find members here who have them and will extol their virtues vs other premier basses in the same price range.
From a playing point of view, I don't have a lot of experience playing many other quality basses and my only high quality bass was the Musicman and I much prefer the sound and feel of the Alembics to that. ( so much I sold the Musicman).
You can check the forum here as often members are selling their basses to upgrade to a higher model and you can get a good price on a well looked after used Alembic.
Yes you do get a better deal price wise from a dealer than buying direct from Alembic but you can still have access to the alembic team with any questions on any of their instruments.
I'm sure you will get some good advice on here as to which flavour of alembic bass you could check out.
JAzzyvee
Ps: sorry how rude am I.... Fluke, welcome to the forum and I hope you decide on getting an alembic. Once you do, be prepared to buy another one........... that usually happens.
