Where to shop for basses in the West?

jdombrow · #1 01-12-2004, 02:20 PM

I am in the market for a new double bass and figure I'll have to travel somewhere to try before I buy. I live in Colorado. Any recommendations on a city or area that will have a dealer (or multiple stores) with a good selection of basses to look at in the $2500-4000 range?

JD

Bob Branstetter · #2 01-12-2004, 04:16 PM

I don't know what he has in your stated price range, but TalkBass member Paul Warburton lives in Denver and usually has a good supply of well set up basses on hand.

jdombrow · #3 01-12-2004, 06:52 PM

I didn't know that Paul is a dealer.

Paul, are you out there?

Jim D

Monte · #4 01-12-2004, 10:46 PM

Also, Aaron @ Robertson's in Albuquerque is worth a road trip. Nice guy and great selection.

dennison · #5 01-13-2004, 02:41 PM

robertson's violin in albuquerque is your best bet. I am in alaska and will make a road trip there at some point.

Marcus Johnson · #6 01-13-2004, 02:43 PM

Yeah, Paul is out there

Bob Branstetter · #7 01-13-2004, 03:01 PM

While I have to agree that Robertson's is one of the finest shops in the country, I not sure that they are the best place to look for instruments in the $2,500 to $4,000 range. IMO, their stock tends to be more in the high end.

Robertson's Inventory on web site

If distance is no object, then Hammond Ashley in Seattle might be a better choice for that price range.

Hammond Ashley basses

Monte · #8 01-13-2004, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob Branstetter
While I have to agree that Robertson's is one of the finest shops in the country, I not sure that they are the best place to look for instruments in the $2,500 to $4,000 range. IMO, their stock tends to be more in the high end.

Robertson's Inventory on web site

Although I haven't been there in awhile, I wouldn't let that stop anyone from checking them out. They always (as does HA) have more than what is on their website, and don't update very often. Last time they had a bunch, as well as some on consignment.

Monte

Bob Branstetter · #9 01-13-2004, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Monte
Although I haven't been there in awhile, I wouldn't let that stop anyone from checking them out. They always (as does HA) have more than what is on their website, and don't update very often. Last time they had a bunch, as well as some on consignment.Monte

I based my opinion on being in Robertsons shop last July. If you are on your way to Las Vegas, I can't think of a better place to go.

Monte · #10 01-13-2004, 04:13 PM

Aha, its been a lot longer than that since I've been there.

Monte

jdombrow · #11 01-13-2004, 05:05 PM

I looked at Robertson's site (as well as many others) before posting my question. My impression was that Robertson's does not normally stock or deal in basses in my price range.

Jim D

Paul Warburton · #12 01-13-2004, 06:59 PM

Yes, i'm here. Jim and I emailed each other...At that time, I had nothing in that price range, but in the next few weeks i'll be getting a couple in the $5 to $6K range.

Robin Ruscio · #13 01-19-2004, 12:05 PM

Jim, you may want to check at kolacny music here in Denver as well, I played a few of their basses the a few months ago that were in your price range; not bad, althought you sure you couldn't come up with a little more dough?

jdombrow · #14 01-19-2004, 02:06 PM

Robin: Thanks for telling me about Kolacny music. They don't currently have anything in my price range, but they have some Christopher's and Eastman's on order that may meet my needs.

Why are you asking if I can raise my budget? What would you suggest?

JD

Robin Ruscio · #15 01-19-2004, 02:23 PM

Thought of another possibility- Von's violin shop (303)778-1349, tell him i sent you, he's a good friend of mine. i was just over there last week and think he may have some basses lying around maybe only one, but they might be decent. As far as price range, I think your chances of finding something that will hold up for a while would be better in the $5000-$6000 range (you may notice alot of shops have basses in this range, it probably the average cost of a bass these days). Let's put it this way: i would probably feel real uncomfortable playing a gig on a bass in you price range at a gig, but for $6000 i think i would be ok. Of course there's always a chance you could find a bass worth that much from someone who doesn't know what they've got and get for a lot less dough- but not at a shop. I don't know where you're at in bass playing yet either- if you're just getting started, I'd just get something cheap to get going on and save for a better bass if you decide you're serious.

vjfourfreshmen · #16 01-19-2004, 06:23 PM

HI all,
I am making a trip to LA this week to look at some more basses.
Here is a list of the places I will check out:
LA Bassworks, Lisa Gass
Stein on Vine, Gary Chen
Metzler Violin Shop, Tom Metzler
Lemur Music
World Of Strings, John
another violin shop in Laguna (949 area code) that sometimes have Shen basses, etc.
Azola Basses, Steve Azola

anyone else can think of any other places to go in southern California??? Or any private parties selling basses in the area???

I am looking for:
a small 3/4 size bass for jazz that will be fun and comfortable to play all day long, easy to transport, good for the road, etc.
It can be plywood, hybrid, or carved. Probably hybrid will be my first choice as I will be taking this bass everywhere I go (all climates,lots and lots of flying). Price is no object if I find the bass I am looking for.

Thanks for reading,
Vince J.

MerryPrankster · #17 01-21-2004, 05:05 PM

GO TO LEMUR!!!!
go to www.lemurmusic.com and look them up...seriously
in so. cali.

ebozzz · #18 01-31-2004, 02:24 PM

But have you checked this list Jim?

Bob Gollihur's Double Bass Luthier Directory