basses in northern va

[buliwyfff]

Does someone know where I can look at getting a bass in Northern VA, I'm just starting out so I'm looking for something on the lower end. I've only found one place so far and it's way the hell out.

[Jake deVilliers]

Is Fretwell Bass close enough? They're in Staunton, Virginia. Good people.

[phishaholik]

There's Brobst Violins in Alexandria. They have about a dozen Double Basses there. If you go, get the older guy as a salesman. I've been told that he is very helpful.



Michael

[Jeremy Darrow]

Depending on where you are, you may only be a couple of hours from Mike Shank's shop. He's in Elizabethtown P.A. You should drop him a line, hands down he's one of the best.

shankstrings.com

[PB+J]

Bobs House of Basses--look them up, he sells basses in PG county. That's where I bought my Shen.

Thomas Wolf, at lowstrings.com. He's out in Paris, VA and he sells basses and is a luthier. He's repairing the Shen on Friday

Chesapeake bay Bass viol shop in Annapolis--David Mainsbridge often has some interesting stuff.

[ADissen]

+1 Thomas Wolf, Great guy and his work is also top notch and hes right near you
+1 for Mike Shank if you want to drive he is one of the best, and nicest guys around

[ouija]

I've never dealt with them, so I'm not trying to defame them on hearsay or whatnot, but I've heard bad things about Bob's House of Basses from a few people who've dealt with them. Brobst's probably the best way to go in VA (in Alexandria). They have a pretty decent number of basses, and they were pretty nice to do business with when I bought a bow from them a month or two ago....really though, If I were you I'd drive up to Shanks in Pennsylvania. I regretted not doing that for the bow. Heard great things.

Whatever way you go though, if you're not already playing, try and take someone you know who does with you.

[PB+J]

RE Bob's House of Basses--I bought my bass there and Bob was perfectly reasonable and fine to deal with. I never had a bad experience. He's a fine player but he's not a luthier. In retrospect, I wish I'd ought my bass from a luthier, someone who really knows how to work on basses. Bob has since hired a luthier, but I've not been out there in years.

[buliwyfff]

Thanks a lot guys.

I don't know anyone who plays upright unfortunately, I read through the beginner stickies and am just going to hope for the best. Any additional tips would be appreciated though.

[PB+J]

I would definitely suggest buying the bass from a luthier. That way you establish a relationship with they guy who will probably end up doing repairs and adjustments. Brobst is all about the violins and cellos--basses are kind of an afterthought. Mainsbridge is a very nice guy and will happily talk your ear off about bass. Thomas Anders Wolf has the coolest shop you'll ever see, it's like everybody's fantasy of a luthier.

Bob was good with me--he let me take my time, he let me borrow a bass to try it out. He played different models so I could hear the difference.

I'm going out to Thomas Wolf this thursday, in the morning--I could meet you out there.

[wineaux]

Buli,

Don't know where you are in NoVa but I don't think you can go wrong by driving a couple of hours in one directions to Mike Shank's or a couple of hours in the other direction to Fretwell Bass. Both Mike and Jerry are great guys and they have plenty of basses so you can play around and see what you like and what you don't, in terms of both basses and strings.

Happy hunting.

[doberman]

Another vote for Mike Shank, great guy and will give you his totally honest opinion on whatever you are dealing with. Definitely knows his stuff and will give you a variety options and leave it up to you on how much you want to spend. Last I was there (for a repair) he actually charged me less than what he told me it would cost because the repair went easier than expected other (another great place of course if you can make it is Gage's. Gage did a small job on my bass at no cost, great guy as well, great selection, though it sounds like you don't want to travel that far). Shank just recently repaired my back up bass and it is the best it has been yet, and that bass has been plagued with problems since I've had it.

[buliwyfff]

thanks for the offer pbj and all the other replies, I think I am heading down to fretwell next week.

[Tejano Bass]

buliwyfff - might be a good idea to call first & make sure Jerry's not out/on the road enroute to a bg festival . . . .

The trip will be well worth your time, effort & gas $$ - all great folks who work there - but - Jerry's da man . . .