Alembic is DEFINITELY not like Burger King ... mass produced corporate cuisine of the proletariat appealing to the lowest common denominator. While one can have it your [one's] way with Alembic, it only serves to describe the company that it is - focused on providing the highest quality instruments, built to order if desired, using the best materials and finest craftsmanship/workmanship possible.
And yes, it has a parallel with cooking. It's the creative process involved in any fine craft. When I retire from the service, I'm going to become a chef, and if I've learned anything about fine cooking, it's that it's a craft, much like how Alembic views instruments. It's all about the creative process, from the inlays, to the design of the logo, to selection of wood. This, in my opinion, is what sets Alembic apart from the ordinary, mass produced stuff - they're superlatively talented craftsmen, and it shows. Kind of like the difference between an old Rolls Royce and an American made car (and no, I'm not picking on anybody's favorite ride here!). The Rolls is hand made, expensive, but the quality is second to none. The American car gets you to where you need to be, but, it doesn't inspire passion. That's how I think about Alembics - they inspire the passion to play (to me). The ordinary Fenders, Gibsons, etc., don't always do that, not for me at least.
Alan
