I'd like some input from members about recommendations for DB shops. I am new to TB but have been lurking for a while and reading a ton of threads, so feel like I have done my due diligence as far as informing myself as best I can before asking for your suggestions. I live in Williamsburg VA and have been playing on an older plywood DB of uncertain European origin. It is ok but not the best tone or playability. I play mostly pizz - jazz standards and a variety of other styles like singer/songwriter, folk, blues, etc depending on who calls with a gig. I have had my current bass for about 10yrs and have not had much opportunity to play other basses. From what I have read, I think a really nice quality plywood/laminated bass or maybe a hybrid is right for me.
My wife has generously agreed to let me buy a new bass with a budget of about $3000. She also gave me the ok to replace my amp and cabinet too, but that's another topic altogether. Before you all PM me with requests to come live at my house, this is probably my once per 10 years window of opportunity to upgrade my gear, and the rest of you are out of luck (she does have a sister, though)
Checking Bob G's links, I have researched a few shops nearby within 1-2 hrs drive but the selections of these shops are kind of thin, maybe 3-5 basses in my price range, and none that I have been reading about on TB. I could take a day trip to the DC/MD area and check out shops there OR take a day trip to NYC for what I assume would be DB heaven. My wife green-lighted me for either of these options (cheap direct flight from Richmond to LGA helps a lot here). If I go to NYC then I would plan to hit David Gage's shop primarily but am open to other suggestions. My goal is to visit 1-3 shops on a single trip and play as many different basses as I can, hopefully allowing me to find "THE BASS." I have a lot of bass playing to catch up on - have never played a Kay, Engelhardt, Upton, Shen, Christopher (really interested in trying the D Gage 200 setup) or
any hybrid or carved basses. At this point I am open to all possibilities, since I only know of these different DB's from what others have written here, and I will count on my own preference and shopping experience to guide the ultimate choice. While I would ideally like to make this purchase after a lengthy period of research and playing (ala Peter Palmieri) I am short on free time (family, busy job) and have a tiny worry that there may be an unspoken expiration date on my wife's incredible generous mood.
So, I would appreciate your suggestions about shops to consider in the DC metro or NYC area. Thanks in advance!
