I don't think folks are Warwick bashing as Shaun notes as much as displaying the passion that most of us here feel for our Alembics. I own 15 basses of different makes, ranging from a $400 Japanese made Fender Jazz, to my Alembics. I have three Gibsons (well, two for now - a '77 RD77 Artist is enroute to my house), three Fenders, three Alembics, a Pedulla, a Peavey, a Rickenbacker, a Musicman, an Ovation, and a Godin. All appeal to me in one fashion or another. However, I think I can honestly say based on experience that Alembics are the finest instruments I've ever owned or played, bar none. Each of my basses have their strong and weak points, but I find that the Alembics have far fewer weak points than the others I own.
All of us, I think, like different instruments for different reasons, and this applies to me as well. However, if I were on a desert island and I could have only one instrument, my choice would unhesitatingly be an Alembic.
Expensive doesn't necessarily mean good, nor does inexpensive mean bad. But I think that generally, one gets what one pays for. A used Epic or Essence that goes for $1500, say, is, IMHO infinitely superior quality-wise compared to a Fender, Warwick, etc. of the same price. Tone, playability, comfort, affordability etc. are also factors in one's choice of instrument, but I think the Alembic wins hands down every time quality-wise.
If one is fortunate enough to be able to afford an Alembic, Pedulla, Fodera, etc., that's great. If not, there are other basses while not as finely crafted will fit the bill nicely. Again, it is all personal preference and financial werewithal.
Alan
