[quote name='essexbasscat' post='943920' date='Sep 2 2010, 08:44 PM']Where's Molan and Clarky ?[/quote]
You rang?
Answer is it depends on what gives you the most out of being a bass player. I have been debating this with regard to my 72 Fender P and my Alleva-Coppollo in another thread and its a desperately tough call between inspiration (AC a better bass to play) and aspiration (vintage Fender gives me a warm rosy glow).
If I won the lottery I would have a custom Alembic made, however, in answer to the OP's question, as for me Alembics cross the divide between 'classic bass' and superb materials/playability/construction boutique bass.