There is nothing like reading the wood card for an instrument thanking the individual for supporting their family business. I would rather spend thousands of dollars on something that is in effect a reinvestment into our country (regardless of how we may feel about it)than buy something that would be considered just as good but cheaper because well, it wouldn't be just as good. Of course this company should be on television where people could see that there are individuals who still really care about what they put out to market, and they are also being taken care of.
Back when Fender was a tiny fledgling company (when making 40 instruments a week was considered mass production), a television station came out to meet the people who were making Fender instruments. Everyone except Leo Fender came out dressed like it was prom night or something. Leo was in overalls -- the never ending tinkerer he was. This was in 1954 I believe.
I think it's a brilliant idea. I brought my Alembic into work (at a music store no less) and everyone who saw it was flabbergasted and asked What kind of bass is it? and again the obligatory What? came out of everyone's mouth but everyone who played said Man, this neck is perfect and Oh my God it's not neck heavy! A brilliant idea. Then I told them it was a cheap one and they all gasped. Though there are no cheap Alembics...I will take a set neck Alembic any day. And if somebody would loan me another $4K I think I could swing the fretless that I want...as long as you don't need the money back...
