Newbie looking for a bass around Los Angeles
 

Hello All,

I'm looking for a decent DB around the LA area. I'm completely new to the DB, in fact have never even played one. Been a guitar player for 25 years, and a electric/acoustic bass player for the last two years. I don't know anyone locally that plays a DB, nor any teachers. So, I'm kind of going out on a limb looking for my first DB. I'm looking to play bluegrass with a funk twist, and need something that will allow me to accomplish this. Are any of you fine folks from the LA/Ventura area? Any recommendations on local shops that carry DB's? Any help would be appreciated.

Budget: $1,500.

BTW, I read through a bunch of the Newbie stickies, and none quite addressed what I was trying to find, so I hope I'm not posting in the wrong place.

Any suggestions on music shops? I see that you're in OC. Do you know of any a little further north?

World of Strings in Long Beach has a great selection of DB's and some very knowledgeable players and craftspeople. That would be a great start.

When I first replied I didn't realize you were talking about DB. Yeah, like I mentioned, World of Strings is great, and pretty close to you. Pop over to Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles for lunch and you've got a pretty awesome day right there :)

Found this on CL:

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst...588123371.html

To my eyes, looks like a good deal. Any thoughts?

I found a local shop in Pasadena that is offering one of these http://store.gotofmi.com/mimbstbawieb.html for $1,249 with a bag and a professional set up. The price is right, and it's a brand new bass. Any thoughts on this particular brand and model?

Danger, Will Robinson! Danger! :eek:

I almost posted this earlier but stopped myself. But since you mentioned it -- don't go to FMI. Bad juju. Find a REPUTABLE bass lutheir who carries Shen basses and check out their SB-80 model. Nice plywood bass, in your price range.

What's the danger? Bad bass? Bad shop? What about the CL link I posted above?

Well crap. It looks like FMI is the closest chop around. Do you know of any other shops or luthiers around here that would carry said bass? I'm in Simi Valley.

From the dealer list of Shen's importer, cscproducts.com:

DAUGHERTY VIOLIN SHOP Eureka, CA 707-445-1957

HAMMOND ASHLEY San Diego, CA 858-623-0036

FANTASTIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Pasadena, CA 626 794-7554

LOS ANGELES BASS WORKS Los Angeles, CA 213 380 3480

METZLER VIOLINS Glendale, CA 818-246-1306

NICK RAIL MUSIC Santa Barbara, CA 805-569-5353

OZZIE'S MUSIC, INC. Poway, CA 619-748-4721

STEVE SWAN GUITARS Millbrae, CA 650 515 1014

JIM WIMMER Santa Barbara, CA 805-569-5964

WORLD OF STRINGS Long Beach, CA 562 599-3913

I called around to the places within driving distance, and Los Angeles Bass Works has an Eastman Model 80 for around $1,800 out the door with a bag and strings and a professional set up. I asked about the difference between the Shen and the Eastman and the gal on the phone mentioned something about the Eastman being a little better, something about a difference in the layer of plywood ply. Does this sound right?

The person who answered the phone was more than likely Lisa Gass (not sure if i"m spelling her last name correctly), but shes a fine luthier, and person. She's the go to person in L.A. for allot of the top players plus she plays in a symphony herself.

I try and stay out of this, but...

I've know Tom at FMI for over a decade; I've bought a few basses from him (for schools etc) and he's done basic setup work on others; he's shipped basses for me and allowed me to have basses shipped to his store (which is cheaper than home delivery). No, it's not World of Strings, or Lisa Gass, but his Shen basses are dependable, and he does seem to cater to the slap/rockabilly market:

http://secure.campaigner.com/Campaig...x-k8wufz8&_v=2

Other people may have had other issues. I haven't.
Louis

The craigslist bass may be decent, but only consider it if you can take it to Lisa Gass or other bass shop for inspection first.

+1 What he said. I hate it when people bring me a bass they 'scored' on C/L and I have to tell them it needs work in the amount of two or three times what they paid for it... :(

At this point, I'm probably going to go see Lisa on Saturday for the Eastman 80. Although I've never even touched a DB, I have a feeling I'll be happier in the end by getting a decent, well set up instrument, though at a slight premium.

Great move, and the premium you site is all about quality from the get go and peace of mind.

Good plan. If you know the instrument is right, you'll be able to concentrate on gaining technique!

Don't forget the pix! ;)

L.A. Bass Works is a good choice. Lisa is generally regarded as the best bass luthier around and has a great reputation.

Another shop that's fun to poke around is Stein On Vine. For the history alone. Don't think Gary carries many low end options though.

World of Strings (LBC) and Lemur Music (Capistrano) are good shops if you're up for some driving.

Try out a few different options. Even if you don't play... pluck the open strings (or have someone at the shop test drive it for you). An URB is pretty big investment compared to other instruments, so you want to kick some tires.

You forgot Stein.