Bass Shops In Tennessee

Grizzly700 · #1 01-02-2011, 03:06 PM

Hello all, I'm in the market for a double bass, after recently joining a folk band. I would really like to try out an upright before buying and my price range for a bass is sub-$3k, including a good set of strings and electronics. Is there anywhere in Tennessee to go to try some out?

RedLeg · #2 01-02-2011, 03:08 PM

I'd ask Brian Barrett at the low end bass shop in murfreesboro. he does mainly electric stuff, but I am sure he knows someone

johninmemphis · #3 01-02-2011, 03:33 PM

Check with Dustin Williams or any of the others at Williams Fine Violins & Luthiers in Nashville.

jazzbill · #4 01-02-2011, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grizzly700

Hello all, I'm in the market for a double bass, after recently joining a folk band. I would really like to try out an upright before buying and my price range for a bass is sub-$3k, including a good set of strings and electronics. Is there anywhere in Tennessee to go to try some out?

Wayne Holmes in Milan is a Luthier with a good selection of basses including a couple of new old stock Eberles in your price range.

**jmattbassplaya** · #5 01-02-2011, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grizzly700

Hello all, I'm in the market for a double bass, after recently joining a folk band. I would really like to try out an upright before buying and my price range for a bass is sub-$3k, including a good set of strings and electronics. Is there anywhere in Tennessee to go to try some out?

Hey Grizzly,

I highly suggest not buying an upright bass unless it is something you have had experience with in the past. I played upright for 4 years in my high school's jazz band and wind ensemble and, while I have a deep love for the instrument, it's not something I'd want to own unless I was mainly a double bassist. Transporting those beasts (even a 3/4 size) is very difficult unless you have a big enough car or truck (and even then it's cumbersome).

You'll also most likely have to invest in a mic/DI for the bass as well, as it likely won't be loud enough in many gigging situations. Then you have to consider learning how to play the instrument, which takes time as it is a very, very physical instrument.

I really suggest looking into a hollow or semi-hollow bass guitar with flatwound strings and a foam mute first. It'll cost less, be easier to transport, and will get you in the ballpark as far as tone is concerned. It won't be able to nail an uprights tone completely, but I think it'd be close enough to make you, your band, and the audience happy.

If you still feel the need to try out an upright, there's a store in oldtown Knoxville that sells gear like uprights, banjos, fiddles, and other types of instruments. I can't remember the name of the store, but see if you can find it via google. At least then you can get your hands on one and see if it's something you really want.

DC Bass · #6 01-02-2011, 05:43 PM

Never you mind that!

We saves a space for you on the DARK SIDE!

Come on in, the water is FINE!

Joe

james condino · #7 01-02-2011, 06:07 PM

Plan a little roadtrip and go visit Jerry at Fretwell Bass over in Virginia. You'll get to try out dozens in your price range and likely drive home with one that day.

j.

bribass · #8 01-02-2011, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzbill

Wayne Holmes in Milan is a Luthier with a good selection of basses including a couple of new old stock Eberles in your price range.

Wayne is a good guy that knows his stuff!

Eric Hochberg · #9 01-02-2011, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmattbassplaya

Hey Grizzly,

I highly suggest not buying an upright bass...

I highly suggest making your way back to the other side of the tracks...

davidsbass · #10 01-02-2011, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmattbassplaya

Hey Grizzly,

I highly suggest not buying an upright bass unless it is something you have had experience with in the past. Transporting those beasts (even a 3/4 size) is very difficult unless you have a big enough car or truck (and even then it's cumbersome).

Dont listen man its so worth it

SplitNick · #11 01-02-2011, 10:09 PM

I'll second Dustin Williams. When I was in last he didn't have a ton of basses, but he had a handful. He can steer you right and does great luthier work.

MichaelVee · #12 01-02-2011, 10:14 PM

The main place in the Maryville/Knoxville area that actually stocks and services double basses, and has for quite a few years now, is The Music Outlet in Sevierville.

Also, The Parlor in Knoxville may be offering refurbished DBs sometime this year.

**jmattbassplaya** · #13 01-02-2011, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Hochberg

I highly suggest making your way back to the other side of the tracks...

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm going, I'm going

mwallace84 · #14 01-03-2011, 05:17 AM

Check out Wayne Holmes. He is in Milan, TN, about 1.5 hours west of Nashville. He has everything from Engleharts and student bass to Kays to fully carved 100 year old basses. Last time I was there he had around 40 basses in stock. I promise he will under-sale and over-deliver!! He is a fantastic luthier and a great guy. He also carries all acessesories. Check out his site www.holmesbassviol.com or just call him at 731-742-4107. I promise you will be a happy you went there. If you have any questions just ask me.

mwallace84 · #15 01-03-2011, 05:19 AM

Also if there is an Englehart you have in mind, he is the man who provides Englehart with some of their parts on the S model basses. If you are in East Tennessee he will be willing to arrange to get you one. I am telling you, he gives the best Customer Service.

kmanley_29649 · #16 01-03-2011, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelVee

The main place in the Maryville/Knoxville area that actually stocks and services double basses, and has for quite a few years now, is The Music Outlet in Sevierville.

Dang it! I've been in the Sevierville area a number of times in the last four years, and I'm just now hearing about this place?! I'll have to make sure to check it out next time I'm there.

Steve Killingsworth · #17 01-03-2011, 06:44 PM

While in Nashville also check with Gruhn Guitars. They have several basses for sale. Nashville Violins always carries several basses. Jim Ferguson usually has several instruments for sale but they may be a little more than you are looking for.

Steve Bennett · #18 01-04-2011, 05:32 PM

I live in Indiana. I drove down to Nashville and came home with a beautiful used Eastman bass from Gruhn Guitars. It had been repaired and modified by Dustin Art Williams, who did a fantastic job. I got to meet George Gruhn, and he and his staff were great to deal with. I feel they treated me very fairly. I highly recommend you visit both Gruhn Guitars and Williams Fine Violins.

Matt Weiner · #19 01-04-2011, 06:06 PM

Sorry to interrupt, but this is sort of on the same topic: I was curious about a DB shop in or near Memphis. I may need to rent one there soon.

Thanks

Steve Killingsworth · #20 01-04-2011, 07:19 PM

Amro Music usually carries several basses but I don't know if they would rent one short term. Wayne Holmes is located about 100 miles to the northeast so that might be too far but he might work with you. You might have more luck contacting Tim Goodwin at the University of Memphis' music department. He might be able to connect you with something.