Let's have some fun people.  
 
What would be the second best of a bass if Alembic was not available on the market?
 
Man, I can't get your feed back.

an Alembic !!
No, before I buyed my news Alembic, I was very interested by Yamaha TRB 5 PII.
 
 
 
(Message edited by mica on August 30, 2007)

Nice bass. I would probably get a Fender Jazz or (the old 70's) musicman stingray bass.

For me?  With no Alembic?  In order ....
 
1.  Lakland 4-94.
2.  Pedulla MVP.
3.  Musicman Bongo (yes, Musicman Bongo).
4.  Fender Jazz Bass (70's vintage, thank you).
5.  Musicman Stingray (70's vintage, again).
6.  Rickenbacker 4001.
7.  Gibson Ripper (yes, a Gibson Ripper).
8.  Gibson Thunderbird, preferably a '76.
9.  Musicman Sabre (pre-Ernie Ball).
10. Fodera.
 
If I could modify the Jazz Bass with a J-Retro preamp, a Badass II bridge, two Seymour Duncan stacked pickups, and better tuning machines, it would be number one on this list.  Since it isn't, it's where it's at.
 
Alan

I kind of like these...

Hmm ... Rickenbackers ... I think you like them, but I could be wrong ...

Jerzy Drozd or Benavente.
 
Or Zon or Status.
 
So many choices...

I'm with Alan on the Lakland.  Their quality is consistent.  There are nice Jazz Basses out there, but the production of those has never been nearly as consistent as Lakland, or, say, Rickenbacker (at least in my experience).  The Conklin 7-string I owned was very, very nice.  Steinberger L2A is a consistently sweet and very even bass (that could really use Alembic guts).  Oh, and don't leave Carvin off that list.  Love 'em or hate 'em, they are a very well-conceived and well-executed bass guitar.
 
Now, if we're talking about instruments that *inspire* like an Alembic does, then the Rick Turner Renaissance or some of the Warrior basses do it for me, big time, but for reasons I can't explain..
 
John

There's a very nice instrument maker over here called Chris May who makes Overwater Basses which are almost on a par with Alembic for quality. In fact, when i started out playing bass, I used to lust after an Overwater they had hanging in my local guitar store (which was coincidentally co-owned by chris). I've since met Chris a few times and have found him to be an extremely likeable guy who'd bend over backwards to help his customers (sound familiar?).
 
Graeme

I like my Warwicks, Kubickis and of course my 77 Musicman Sabre Fretless is right up there.

Modulus.

I like Zon. In fact I own 2. Vigier has some cool stuff too.

If there wasn't any Alembic, I wouldn't have a bass!  I'd protest until there was one!

jugger...
 
That was a very profound and direct statement.
 
I agree with this statement because it is equally irrational as my question.
 
We all know Alembic is the best (at least I know this) but what is second best?

Vigiers are not a close second, but second to Alembic in my opinion.