Boston bassists

[salcott]

If any bass players in Boston are willing to check out a bass and render an opinion, please get in touch with me via TB Email. Thanks.

[salcott]

Never mind.

[bwest9]

I'm in Boston... perhaps you can explain with more specific detail what you're looking for?

[salcott]

I'm coming up Friday to have a look-it's a bass at Upton. Thanks, bwest9.

[Eric Swanson]

If it were me, I would make an appointment with Jed Kriegel and/or Michael Hartery, both bass luthiers in town.

They are both great guys, they both play, and, in my limited experience, are tremendous resources. You can rely on them for some objective talk about the instrument's health, value, sound, and possibilities. They can both provide perspective as bassists and luthiers and will be points of reference not involved with the transaction.

Most shops let folks take basses out to have them checked out; check on Upton's terms. The last time I did this, with another firm, it was simply a matter of providing a credit card number, in case something happened.

Anyway, I would take the bass to them and let 'em check it out, stem to stern.

I can PM you their numbers, if you need them.

[drurb]

Are you talking about a new bass? While the luthiers Eric mentioned and who are not "involved" may, indeed, provide "objective talk," that's not necessarily in contrast to those who are involved. You can't simply assume that because a luthier is involved in the sale that he/she won't try to be objective. Is there a self-interest that could easily lead to a bias? Well, sure-- but that's also true, in principle, of the competitors in town. Still, if this is a vintage/used instrument, you'd do well to get additional thoughts and opinions from other experts. It's a wise thing that Eric advises. Just recognize that the information may be no more or less objective. Given the cast of characters, I'd assume that everyone would be trying to do his level best by you.

[Eric Swanson]

I have no doubt that the good folks at Upton strive to be objective, as points of professional pride, good business practices, and general goodwill. I have had good experiences with their fairness and objectivity, firsthand.

My experience is that I find it helpful to get outside perspective on significant commercial transactions, where possible, whether the item under consideration is new, used, restored, whatever. The value, in my experience, of outside perspective, is just that; it is fresh, coming from the outside of the situation. It is bringing a fresh pair of eyes and ears to bear on the situation.

For example, I recently bought a bass from Jed Kriegel, whom I trust completely. Before I bought it, at Jed's suggestion, I had the bass played, examined, discussed, and reviewed by several bass luthiers and bassists. I found it helpful.

So, the OP was asking for players to check out a bass. I was suggesting that folks who both play and understand basses from a luthiery perspective might be even more helpful.

[drurb]

^^^^^
On that I agree completely, which is why I added, "...if this is a vintage/used instrument, you'd do well to get additional thoughts and opinions from other experts. It's a wise thing that Eric advises."

[salcott]

Thanks to all the responders-I'm pretty comfortable assessing an instrument's health; I was looking for an extra set of ears to assess sound.

[Eric Swanson]

Are you looking for someone to go with you to the Upton shop, rather than to take the bass out on trial? Sorry if I misunderstood.

Did you find somebody to go with you, yet?

[salcott]

Yeah, just need another set of ears to help with objectivity maintenance. No takers yet.

[Jake deVilliers]

Originally Posted by salcott

Yeah, just need another set of ears to help with objectivity maintenance. No takers yet.

Sounds like fun but its just a little far!