Hi Davide, great to hear from your part of the world. If the photo above is where you live, you are one of the richest people on this forum, beautiful.
If I may, a couple of thoughts on the professional vs hobby point.
I am a full-time professional firefighter in a city of 160,000 bordering Detroit. The outer ring small towns typically use volunteer or part time firefighters. After 20 plus years in this business and having my hat handed to me numerous times, I give the part time, or hobby firefighters, as much if not more respect as the full-time. These guys do the work and take the risks not for the money, they do it because they love the job.
I was a full-time musician for ten years. I think as humans we become complacent with time. I was making good money for a while but spent little time honing my craft as I spent so much time working. I was playing bass or guitar depending on the band.
Unfortunately, my full-time music experience paralleled my firefighter career. Way too often the full time guys become complacent or satisfied with where they are. This is displayed at the hobby level as well. Their gear is usually old and dirty, they are resistant to new ideas, have the been there done that attitude.
I am often suspicious of the poverty plea. I did, and watched others, spend a fortune on babes, beer and fun(God I miss those days), while the equipment languished. While a new Alembic can be a tall order for the average working guy, there are plenty of great deals on wonderful used pieces that anyone working should be able to afford.
I feel it is a case of priorities. What is important to you, are you a student of your craft, do you want to be and play the best you can. Not just as a musician, but in your work as well. I have been slapped around twice by the IRS for taking deductions that were work related. Both in my fire and music careers my equipment investments were so out of line with my income, I got red flagged. I vividly recall arguing with the IRS agent that I needed these items to do my job well. Her crushing reply was, If you want to be the best, you have to be prepared to pay for it, not the American taxpayer.
Are Alembics worth the money if all you want to do is make music? Depends on what you want, and your style. If you are a Jamerson type laying down a big fat foundation for a rhythm section, maybe not. If you are the next Clarke flame thrower, you may want to ante up.
My point is that this forum, and most Alembicians, appear to be heavily represented by students of the craft. They may be wealthy collectors or hobbyists, but I would give them a wide birth if any were to appear on my stage. I would argue that most players who have made the Alembic commitment are eager students, pushing the envelope to improve or be better. This would explain the close analyzing of every aspect of the instrument. There is little credence given to, well that's the way it's always been done so it's good enough.
My personal experience with Alembic began after I had been playing for 38 plus years. I approached with caution as I wanted a Series bass and they are expensive. I had considered myself a student of the craft and was not convinced Alembic was much different than other high end basses I had owned. I could not have been more wrong or surprised. I found an absolute difference that dramatically changed the way I play. The sound and feel changes you. I sold a Miata I had to buy a beautiful looking and sounding Series II, thanks again Bill, and feel I stole the bass for all it gives me.
Well Davide, excellent point about opening up some discussion as you certainly have, well done. Sorry about the length, and my poor English. Yours is quite good by the way.
