Where to get my hands on an upright?

superfunk47 · #1 03-09-2008, 02:38 PM

Hey guys,

I'm new to upright (played BG for about 4 years) and am looking at buying one of my own. The only problem is my location; I'm in eastern Washington (Pullman, if you're curious...go Cougs...). I've been searching (newbie links, google, etc.) for a place that deals upright basses, but haven't found any closer to me than Seattle.

My question is this: is there any good way of finding a list of bass dealers, state by state?

I looked at a few sites like Engelhardt, and Upton to look for dealers but couldn't find any, and looked at Bob Gollihur's site and found a few in Seattle. I'd still prefer someplace closer, though, if it's possible.

So, any place I might look?
Thanks in advance

superfunk47 · #2 03-09-2008, 02:41 PM

Forgot one thing -- I'm looking for places that have them in stock because I really want to feel one, touch it, before I buy it. Part of me just doesnt feel comfortable with laying down 1500-2000 clams for something I can't see or touch first.

jtallent · #3 03-09-2008, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superfunk47

... My question is this: is there any good way of finding a list of bass dealers, state by state? ...

+1 ... Same boat here. I've been looking casually for a year or so but want to seriously investigate this. Tried to find luthiers/dealers in my area that carry a good selection of descent entry level basses (probably a hybrid) but I don't seem to be looking in the right spot for a good list (Searches and Bob's list haven't helped me either). The only person I've come across is Ken Smith that's even remotely close to Philadelphia.

MingusAmongUs · #4 03-09-2008, 03:07 PM

Can't say I blame you for wanting to try before you buy, but the unfortunate reality is that this will require a bit of a road trip. If it's not on Bob G's list, it probably doesn't exist. Personally, I think it would be well worth the trip if you can make arrangements ahead of time and make sure that a dealer will have a few basses set up for you and allow you the time you need to make a decision.

OTOH, though that is a lot of dough, consider that some folks will spend 5 or 6 figures on an instrument (not me so far) and $1-$2K by comparison is chump change. The handful of dealers often mentioned here (AES, Upton, etc) who ship basses in that range have had mainly positive feedback so your chances of getting a good bass sight unseen from one of them is pretty good. Still and all, I'm right there with you. I'd insist on trying first, even if the one you try won't necessarily be the one you buy. So, start making plans for an overnight trip to Seattle.

wineaux · #5 03-09-2008, 05:40 PM

I'm with Mingus. Hit the road. I found my '34 Jaeger in Detroit last spring. That's a bit of a trip from the DC suburbs, but I left the house at 5:30 a.m., played the bass for about an hour, loaded up the car and headed home. Got back at 11:30 p.m. just as the trip meter turned 1,000 miles!

I think the trip would have been a lot longer if I came back without the bass, but I was prepared to do that if it wasn't what I was looking for.

Happy hunting.

LoBassKing · #6 03-09-2008, 08:35 PM

Hammond Ashley in Issaquah Washington is your best bet. They usually have a good selection of used instruments, and carry Englehart as well. I don't know of any place in Spokane.

wendell · #7 03-09-2008, 08:50 PM

jtallent,
Why not try Shank Strings in Elizabethtown, PA? He usually has a good collection of basses to try out. Probably about 2 hours from you.

superfunk47 · #8 03-09-2008, 09:34 PM

LoBassKing,

I saw Hammond Ashley on Bob Gollihur's site. It looked like the place to hit were I to head over there.

As an aside, do you guys think I'd be better off going to Hammond Ashley, or just ordering Upton's Standard model bass? Is it any good?

Thanks for all your replies!

jtallent · #9 03-09-2008, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wendell

jtallent,
Why not try Shank Strings in Elizabethtown, PA? He usually has a good collection of basses to try out. Probably about 2 hours from you.

Thanks for that suggestion. It looks like they might be a good option. You're right, they're almost exactly 2 hours away.

BTW ... superfunk47, sorry for hijacking your thread a little.

Don C · #10 03-09-2008, 10:58 PM

Also try "The Bass Church" in Seattle, they usually have lots on hand.

RD · #11 03-10-2008, 12:35 AM

Call ahead, I believe the Bass Church only shows instruments by appointment. They give lessons throughout the day and have a relatively small, common space.
I believe Hammond-Ashley has a regular store, but it would still be advisable to call ahead.
RD