Bass dealers in Southeast?

James Gibson · #1 04-24-2007, 10:08 PM

Hey guys. I'm jazz student at the University of South Carolina, and I'm looking to buy my own instrument within the next couple of years.(No real rush, but hopefully sometime before I graduate.) Does anyone know of any **credible** double bass retailers in South Carolina, or in the Southeast? And while you're at it, anyone feel like touting any specific luthiers they have had success with or they especially admire?

Thanks,
James Gibson

Heifetzbass · #2 04-25-2007, 06:13 AM

Hi James,

I highly recommend: www.bassviolinshop.com

I would suggest any repair work other than an emergency be handled by them. I haven't used them yet but I have seen many basses worked on by them and they do top notch work.

If you are looking for a quicker trip for little things:
http://www.bernhardtviolins.com/

Matthew is the luthier, and is very good. I am working with him to advise on bass repair as I am one of their studio teachers and approve all the bass inventory.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me. I come across more basses in the NC/SC/GA/TENN area than most, and if you tell me what you are looking for I can find it.
Also, I have connections in the northeast that can scout things for me.

Go Cocks!
Brian
BM-'97

mchildree · #3 04-25-2007, 06:50 AM

I highly recommend Ronald Sachs in Atlanta. Very helpful staff and a wide range of basses.

Der Bluten Kat · #4 04-25-2007, 06:57 AM

If you feel like makin the trip down to Orlando, Bass Central is a very nice store with a wide selection

bluegrassboy · #5 04-25-2007, 09:51 AM

Another vote here for the Bass Violin Shop in Greensboro. Bob Beerman is a first class guy. He worked on an old Kay of mine and did a great job. He also sells some nice basses. It would be worth the drive from Columbia..

Heifetzbass · #6 04-25-2007, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mchildree

I highly recommend Ronald Sachs in Atlanta. Very helpful staff and a wide range of basses.

Also a good recommendation. One of my students recently purchased a bass there. He got a good deal.
BG

.matthew e wengerd. · #7 04-25-2007, 10:35 AM

You're on the dark side, dude.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Der Bluten Kat

If you feel like makin the trip down to Orlando, Bass Central is a very nice store with a wide selection

James Gibson · #8 04-25-2007, 09:41 PM

Wow guys(and any gals out there). Thanks so much. I'm definitely going to check out the shop in Greensboro. Everyone in these forums have been nothing but helpful to me.

bassist1962 · #9 04-26-2007, 03:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mchildree

I highly recommend Ronald Sachs in Atlanta. Very helpful staff and a wide range of basses.

And, as far as luthiers - Sachs has someone on staff. There is also in the Atlanta area - Edward Swetlowsky, and Tom Thoreson. Check out Bob Gollihur's Luthier Directory.

mchildree · #10 04-26-2007, 06:24 AM

Tom Thoreson has done some work for me, and did a great job. At that time (probably 5 yrs ago), he wasn't selling a lot of basses. That may be different now, though.

Ike Harris · #11 04-29-2007, 10:33 AM

About the same distance as Orlando from you is the Cincinnati Bass Cellar. Probably the best selection this side of NYC, and Andy and Chris are great guys to deal with. Pics of the inventory are on their site:
http://www.basscellar.com/

Ike

**bass dan** · #12 04-29-2007, 09:36 PM

I know of a shop in savannah georgia, run by a guy named randy wood. he is a guitar and mandolin builder. really high end stuff but he also carries double basses usually 2 or 3 at a time. he does not build basses but he is a luthier and suppose to be one of the best in the country. you can find him by doing a google web search with his name. according to his web site he is somewhat of a legend building guitars for clapton, tony rice, doc watson,derrik trucks etc.

larry · #13 04-30-2007, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Der Bluten Kat

If you feel like makin the trip down to Orlando, Bass Central is a very nice store with a wide selection

Great store...for electric bass & EUB. They don't do DB. Great selection of amps, though.

Rodger Bryan · #14 04-30-2007, 10:17 AM

I purchased a 1940's Juzek from Tom Thoreson in GA. (Southeastern Strings, LTD) Call ahead to see how many instruments he has in your price range- not a huge shop, but a great guy to do business with.

Ed Fuqua · #15 04-30-2007, 11:27 AM

Bite the bullet and come on up. There's a huge selection, between Gage, Kolstein, Snizter, Biase, Merchant, Morrow I'm sure you'll find something.