Why I play Alembic: In a word, Stanley. I saw him back in 74 or so on Public Television with some group called Return to Forever. I couldn't believe that I played the same instrument as that tall bass guy! The style and sound were revolutionary.
Fast-forward 20 years, and I realized that my '69 Fender Tele bass (pink paisley) was worth a little more than the $175 I paid for it. Selling that Tele netted me my first Alembic - a 1992 Essence 5 that I played for over 10 years, then sold in a moment GAS insanity.
In the meantime I owned and seriously gigged Roscoes, Warwicks, and Foderas, not to mention trying out other boutique brands like Lull & Sadowsky. With all of them, I'd adjust my EQ & Fx in quest of the sound that I'd get with my Essence with EQ set flat. Lesson learned, I'm back to playing an Alembic (Distillate). They just sound the best - nothing compares.
And finally, there is Alembic, the workshop of the Magic Hippies who spin wood and electrons into gold. Their dedication to us players whether it's a hack like me or Stanley Clarke and their dedication to sound crafting is unsurpassed.
Well, I suppose I'm preaching to the choir.