Anybody else get the music store gear blues?

[Thumpking]

So I am always looking at high end stuff, but no music stores within a 200 miles radius of Nashville has what I am interested in. Lot's of GK, SWR, Markbass, and even Ampeg. But the Mesa, Fender Pro, Aguilar, etc are just nowhere to be found. Of sure, they can order it, but here is the thing with new equipment....

"I don't buy, till I plug in"


I can read all the reviews here and abroad. Asking advice, (and it does play a big part in getting me on the path), is not what makes or breaks my purchase. I want to touch, feel, and hear what I am shelling out $$$ for. I have vintage and modern heads, and depending what I am buying for, I need to plug THAT head in, and play my bass through it.

It is tough, and probably tough for the stores too because of the up front cost to keep it in stock. I am not mad at anyone, just circumstance I guess.

Thanks for listening.

[bassboysam]

I think most people feel the same way. My advice, buy used. Lots of great stuff here on TB. Try it out and if you don't like it sell or trade it. Most higher end used stuff won't lose value so it shouldn't cost too much. I have had the ability to try lots of gear like this from pedals to amps.

[dsanders]

You are wrong about Nashville. Go to Corner Music, JD had most everything. If you want really high end go to The Low End in Murfreesboro Brian has everything from Aguilar amps to Ritter basses.

Or go see Jim at the Atlanta Bass Gallery. He is within 200 miles.

[Cycho]

Check out the returns policy of the store. I recently bought a Warwick $$ sight unseen never having played one. However, I had it delivered to the store rather than my house. If I don't love it, it never leaves the store and I get my money back.

[relwof]

Originally Posted by dsanders

Or go see Jim at the Atlanta Bass Gallery. He is within 200 miles.

Don't know about Nashville, but +1 for the Atlanta Bass Gallery

[Thumpking]

Originally Posted by dsanders

You are wrong about Nashville. Go to Corner Music, JD had most everything. If you want really high end go to The Low End in Murfreesboro Brian has everything from Aguilar amps to Ritter basses.

Or go see Jim at the Atlanta Bass Gallery. He is within 200 miles.

Corner or Low End do not have Boogie or Fender Pro series cabs. I have known Todd (Toddzilla) at Corner for 15 years. I know the Low End has a 4x10 Auguilar, but not 2x15. I will call Atlanta Bass. I lived in Atlanta fro 90-95 and it was not there when I was there. Thanks!

[meatwad]

The Low End sounds very interesting! Murfreesboro is less than an hour away from me.

[countrybass007]

I'm also a "need to play with it before buying it" person, but we're fortunate enough to live in an area that within an hour and a half most manufacturers are available in one store or another. I even live 45 minutes away from a PJB dealer, and they have a large selection of gear to try out.

[Pedulla-Player]

Originally Posted by Thumpking

So I am always looking at high end stuff, but no music stores within a 200 miles radius of Nashville has what I am interested in.)

Try living in Northern Wisconsin where all the music stores only have gear for beginner bassists. Even if I drive 4+ hours (one way) to Milwaukee the situation only improves slightly - with a few exceptions (Mesa dealer in New Berlin). Find a Aguilar or Bergantino dealer in Wisconsin - good luck. Same goes with a lot of other high end bass gear = No dealers in Wisconsin. Hmmm - maybe I should start a high end bass gear store in Wisconsin. Anyone got a little money to help me get things rolling?? - LOL ~ Oh ya , I also have a bridge for sale in the Sahara.

[KsPiNeSh]

I used to feel that way. After a while, I learned to glean the information I was looking for out of TB reviews from trusted folks, from reviews I can find, and (less so) from company reputations - Ampeg will sound like Ampeg, Aguilar is tubey, etc. The TB classifieds are PHENOMENAL for trying out this type of gear, and I'm now to the point where I have zero qualms about buying stuff used. Now, almost everything that I own was purchased used. Try it - you'll like it