Shops in San Francisco area?

[Mukaiji]

I am considering buying an upright. What are good shops in the SF Bay area where I can go play several makes? Google is failing me on this one.

(I searched the forums, but couldn't find anything...)

Thanks!!

[Eli_Upright12]

I think theres a shop in Santa Cruz, thats listed by bob gollihur in his luthier project, I know its about an hour and a half away but if nothing else thats there.

[Aaron Cohn]

I'm probably forgetting some, but depending on what you're looking for try Steve Swan in Millbrae, Alex Friedman (aka Acoustic Bass Shop) in South city, Greg at Best Instrument Repair (14th st not Broadway) in Oakland, Bruce Sexauer in Petaluma and Ifshin in Berkeley. If you post more on what you're looking to spend etc there are a few of us here who can probably give you a better idea where to start. Many of the above have websites that should be informative as well.

[WalterBush]

Alex Friedman in South San Francisco ( do a google on double bass and south san francisco for an address) is a fantastic luthier, and has plenty of basses, including ones he's built, available for the serious buyer to play.

Down the street a ways is Bronstein Music, which has a large selection of DBs in stock, usually, and contracts Alex to set them up, etc.

There's probably more around, but those are the only places I walked into.

[Steve Swan]

Alex Friedman had a really good selection of basses the last time that I was over getting some work done. He's usually there all weekend at (650) 303-2333.

[kwd]

Originally Posted by Mukaiji

I am considering buying an upright. What are good shops in the SF Bay area where I can go play several makes? Google is failing me on this one.

(I searched the forums, but couldn't find anything...)

Thanks!!

I also recommend Alex in South SF. You should also check out Kamimoto Strings in San Jose, 4th street. They primarily cater to the classical community but they have some great basses there. Last month I was in the shop and played a 3/4 gamba that was killin' for $2700. They also had a violin shape with more flamed wood for $4500 and a 7/8 version.

[JeffKissell]

There are a few luthiers in Santa Cruz, but no bass shops per say. More Music and Sylvan Music each have one or two basses but I wouldn't consider it a shopping destination for basses. Matt Bohn's shop is by appointment only.

Alex in SF, Steve in Milbrae, Greg in Oaktown, Bruce up north, all have actual basses to play.

-J

[kwd]

You may also want to consider Stevens Violin in the Willow Glen area of San Jose. You will need an appointment. They had 4 chinese carved basses in the store when I was last there. I think they carried a base model and a highly flamed version. The bass I played was very nice. My teacher is not too keen on them for shop work. He prefers Kamimoto.

World of Music (Cupertino) usually has an upright in the store. They had an older carved bass for $3500 recently. While not a bass store specifically, WOM has great people. They won't rip you off.

anyway,...just a few more south bay options to consider.

good luck

[Mukaiji]

To all who have sent me info: thank you!! Now I just need to get out there and play some instruments. I'm hoping I can find a good bass for under $2500...

[LyleRyan]

I've been looking for a new Bass since December, and have been in almost every shop mentioned (not Kamimoto since they moved from Oakland, and not Bronsteins). You should probably check all of them out too.

But I believe Steve Swan has the largest selection in the SF area.

....Lyle

[Dennis Kong]

Weinkrantz in the city. on Hayes st.
Steve has a couple of basses for sale.

[mojoluthier]

I have 19 basses by 9 makers. At the moment. 17 ready to play. 6 under $2500.

[Steve Swan]

Among other basses for sale, Alex Friedman currently has 3 of his own handmade basses, 3 handmade basses from Beijing, 2 Wilfer 3/4, and 6 Christophers. His mouth is a little sore from a trip to the dentist, but he's as funny as ever today.