Kevin,
Any product is only worth what someone will pay for it, and Flitz is no exception. If $12.95 is too much for you and you can get it cheaper via the Flitz company's website, I say go for it. As Charles notes, Alembic's not in business of selling Flitz or straps - they're here to sell what I consider the finest basses and guitars on the planet, cost be damned.
To me, you're buying more than an instrument when you're buying an Alembic. Without waxing too philosophic here, I submit that you're buying into the idea of excellence. One look at any Alembic instrument, from the lowest model to the highest in terms of cost, tells the potential customer that at least in terms of craftsmanship, no corners are cut, and no detail is too small. I can say this because I own two Essences, one a '91 and one a '92, as well as an '03 Spyder, an '03 Europa, and an '04 Dragon's Wing. I've also seen older Alembics elsewhere, to include an '81 Series 1 Standard Point while I was in Korea. In every case the quality was the same - without peer. I also own four Fenders - a '73 Jazz, a '76 Precision, an '05 Jazz Bass Deluxe MIA, and an MIJ Jazz ('94). I can say confidently that the quality varies from bass to bass. Same goes for the other 10 or so instruments from other manufacturers that I have (Rickenbacker, Peavey, Godin, Musicman, Ovation, Gibson). Not so with Alembic.
While mass produced instruments have come a long way in terms of quality, Alembic's quality has always been what it is today - superlative. Whether someone likes the Alembic sound, look, and feel is a purely subjective thing, but there is no denying what I consider unparalleled quality and attention to detail. I can't say that about Fender, Gibson, Musicman etc. to the same level of fidelity. They make fine instruments, but their quality control and attention to detail in my experience is not remotely close to the level of Alembic, nor should they be for the price. Again, you get what you pay for, and it's only worth it if you're willing to pay it.
You're also buying into something that sadly is fading from the American landscape - that of the family owned business. You need only look around at the plethora of chain stores, restaurants, Walmarts, etc. to see this. These corporate entities offer the same things everywhere, and usually at the same price. There is nothing remarkable or unique about them, nothing to make the dining, shopping, or purchasing unique or worth remembering. It's just another restaurant, store, etc. When I order a custom from Alembic, or buy a used piece, I feel I'm getting something unique, something made with care by people who put their souls into the contstruction of an instrument rather than a faceless corporation whose sole concern seems to be the bottom line. In short, if you gave me a choice of one Alembic vs. 10 Fenders, I'd go with the Alembic every time. I can buy a Fender anytime and it will be the same everytime (though quality won't be the same in my experience). With the exception of their quality construction and materials, I can't say that with Alembic, but that's what's attractive to me - it is different, it is unique, and in the case of a custom, it's made only for me to my specifications. Sure, you can order a custom shop Fender, Gibson, etc., but it will be a modification (usually) to an existing model rather than something made wholly for you. If you look at the COM thread, you will see numerous examples of instruments made wholly to a customer's wishes. The Alembird comes to mind, as does a doubleneck there, and this month's COM.
The Moody Straps are worth every penny IMHO. A Guitar Center bought strap doesn't even come close IMHO. I have one from Alembic and one I bought off Talkbass. They both cost roughly the same, so I suspect that Alembic is making as least as much on these straps as Talkbass is.
Bottom line is you should pay what you're comfortable paying, regardless of make or manufacturer. If you think Alembic charges too much, you can look for a used piece or not buy at all and choose another marque. In the end, only you can determine whether the expense justifies the cash outlay.
Alan
(Edited spelling of member's name)
(Message edited by davehouck on February 18, 2006)
