Buying in the Bay Area

[Neil McFadden]

Hey i am currently living in Santa Cruz Cali and i was looking for a good bass luthier around me. My price range is around 3000 or lower, if that matters at all.

[SLivinghouse]

Try Steve Swan (650) 515-1014. He stocks a lot of basses and works with a luthier in the Santa Cruz area. Bought my bass and bow from him and he's been a good guy to deal with.

[johnz]

Originally Posted by SLivinghouse

Try Steve Swan (650) 515-1014. He stocks a lot of basses and works with a luthier in the Santa Cruz area. Bought my bass and bow from him and he's been a good guy to deal with.

+1 I've had the same experience.

[LyleRyan]

Another +1 for Steve Swan.

He has the best stock in the Bay Area, is player himself, honest, nice guy, pleasure to deal with, etc, etc.

...Lyle

[Richard Stone]

Steve Swan is the best in the Bay Area. He is very personable, has a great selection in all price ranges, will spend time to acquaint you with buying a bass, and is an honest salesman. I was unhappy with my first bass after I had had it for a while. When I contacted him about it, he immediately said to come back to his showroom and find something else. I did and have been very happy since.

[JeffKissell]

Steve Swan is super cool and he isn't afraid of gut strings!!

Call the luthier Matt Bohn in Felton before you drive up to Steve's. Matt does much work for Steve and has a good sense of his inventory. As well, Matt usually knows who's selling in the neighborhood has a bass or two available for sale. He won't steer you wrong.

If you know what you're looking for and you have the stomach for it, More Music has had a few nice basses on occasion. The owner Dave went on a buying binge last year and the last time I was in there (4-5months ago) he had two Kolsteins plus acoupla other carved DBs. One was very decent for the price. If you go be prepared to haggle- he can be aggressive!

Good Luck!!

-J