I mentioned a while ago that a lot of people over in UK don't know the name.  They think an Alembic is A...Lembic and are polite but unknowing.  Point I would pick up on from earlier is that I also had a studio guy comment very favourably on what a perfect instrument my Orion was to record direct.  He didn't say anything about my playing but thankfully I know him as a master of winding folks up by adopting a sarcastic put-down approach. Keeps us alive to the humour of life and our feet on the ground, I guess.  He was no stranger to the cannabis medication,'tis rumoured, Bill.

Just to ask, Bill - does your soapbox stand on an Auralex Gramma ? (my other latest post).

Bill,
 
The only response I've ever gotten from a stoner about my bass was:
 
...are you going to eat that?
 
And I'm sure you can name the movie.
 
Bradley

Dumb & Dumber?

Motorcycle cop from up in smoke

Far out, man!

I would never be negative about someone's choice of bass or strings or amp...etc. It's all a personal choice and if you can afford it cool. I can't afford it but I have my beloved Stingray.And when I can afford it I will have an Alembic

davr35,   I hope that good fortune will be with you soon that you may have the Alembic of your choice !

I rarely have anyone give a snarky look or remark about my basses.  Most of them probably don't know much about Alembic.  Generally, people around this town are pretty cool to play and hang with.  If someone asks to play them and I know the person will be careful, I usually say yes.
 
About price, they usually don't ask.  If they do, I say that they aren't cheap but I'm really happy with them.  If they are really interested, I guess they can go online and look.
 
STAB's response: Wow, how much did THAT baby cost? I just say, I don't know... I STOLE IT!
I love it -- gotta use that one -- sure to get a laugh.
 
If people want to be confrontational about the price, they will probably think I'm bragging or lying; you lose that one either way.  Jerks are like stray dogs.  Don't feed them and they will go away.
 
Joey and Bill, triplets maybe?  I'll be 56 early next month.  The last 6 months have made me think that 56 is the new 70.  I hope it all turns around; we'll see.  I'll stop talking about what ails me.  I'm sounding like an old man.
 
Rich

I think the Zebrawood of my Orion attracts comments and I see people looking at the make and most don't know it.  It is strange that a well-kept guitar (something I have always done) very often doesn't bring comments out as much as some beaten up Precision or Telecaster with hardly any paint. People sometimes think it therefore must be a great instrument...NO...it just hasn't been looked after.  As for letting people play or touch my Orion, I have to admit I rarely do - especially my mate I mentioned above who used WD40 on his bass ! and anyone else who wants a look and I have spotted them just eating a load of chicken drumsticks at the interval buffet!  Guess I am too fussy, perhaps.  Glynn

But Glynn, chicken grease works better than FingerEase, and smells a lot better, too!  
 
Peter

At one time I played 3 different Alembics. Most of the comments I got were either Alembic .. looks nice but I never heard of it! OR more often ... they're nice but I'd take an American Fender over it any day. Some players are religiously pro Fender. And if I told them what the basses listed for I would get the universal You're FN crazy for spending that much for any bass.

Beware the Chicken Grease on the Bass; Feral Cats  might show up and try to drag the Bass away!

Is that how Jaco played 'The Chicken' then? Mmmmmm.....no wonder he was so finger-licken good!  Glynn

Here you go . The Chicken.