Most of the original thread dealt with how much Alembic charges for the same things others use, e.g., wood, hardware, etc. The basic premise is that every manufacturer uses the same wood, etc., so why does Alembic charge more than, say, Fender for swamp ash, or Fodera for Buckeye Burl?
I can't comment as to the reason. I do know this - I visited the factory in person. These guys make their own tools. They handwire everything. Shaping is done by hand, as is finishing. Frets aren't put in by a machine, they're done by hand. All of this costs a lot of money. Some can pay it, some can't. So be it.
Can you buy a bass for less that will bring you the same amount of pleasure and enjoyment? Sure. I guess for some of the problem is the inability to justify it, and that translates to what we've seen here - if one can't justify it, it must be overpriced, overrated, etc.
There have been discussions that Alembic owners are hobbyists with money, and there are many here who fit that designation. However, there have been too many famous players past and present who played/still play Alembics for this moniker to accrue. Folks will buy what they like and can afford, period. I've repeatedly said that a bass, any bass, is only worth what someone's willing to pay. If an Alembic isn't worth it to other folks, fine. Buy and play what you like. For me and many others here, an Alembic is worth every penny. I'll continue to play and buy them, and the naysayers be damned.
Alan
