Re: worth the price.
I look at it this way: for the prices that Alembic charges, where else can you go to commission a one-of-a-kind, functional work of art based on a thoroughly original (and now classic) design concept?
Before you answer that question, go to other instrument maker's websites and check their prices vs. what you get for your $$. Those that do offer a 100% custom service are priced at (or above) Alembic for products with material, construction and electronic specifications that vary (in some cases greatly) from what Alembic offers.
When you take delivery of an instrument that Alembic has crafted for you, you know that it is one of one - a unique, personal visual and sonic statement that is the result of a one-time collaboration between you and a group of visionaries, artists and craftspeople dedicated for over 40 years to absolute perfection and customer satisfaction.
It is unfortunate that we have to put a price on something like that, but since we do, I feel the price is reasonable.