1st opinions

[RDT]

Well, they say 1st opinions are what makes or breaks certain things. I'm officially done with Bass Central...before I ever got started with them.

I spent well over 2 hours on their web site this AM...scouring the pages, looking at different models, etc., etc.,etc. looking for a Lakland. Finally, I found "The" Lakkie...NOTE: there are currently 11 (ELEVEN) used lakkie's on BC.com's web site for sale. I call them, only to find out they only have 1...yes ONE used lakkie in the store. The guy I talked to on the phone said, "Yeah, we don't update out web site very often. We leave them up there so people can see what they look like." Come on guys...If I want to see what a particular model looks like, I'll go to the manufacturer's site, besides they also show the specs. And why would I want to see what I COULD'VE bought!?!?

I know, just little old me, ain't gonna make or break a large business like BC. But, I'll be D**mned if I EVER purchase ANYTHING from them, now!

[FromTheBassMent]

I agree that they need to make an effort to clean up that site and show what's actually in stock and available. Other online merchants (Bass Northwest, Perfect Bass, Bass San Diego, Bass Exchange, etc etc etc) are able to do this. I've had the same experience with them on two other occasions, and in neither case was it for used basses. I was looking at new basses, and had picked out the very one I wanted only to find out via a phone call that they didn't actually stock it but "could probably get it for me pretty quick" in one instance, and "it would be a custom order with a 3-6 month lead time" in the other.

Well, I looked around and found what I wanted... someplace else where it actually existed!

[Yerf Dog]

Originally Posted by RDT

"Yeah, we don't update out web site very often. We leave them up there so people can see what they look like."

In this day and age, if you present your stock online, it damn well better be accurate.

[RDT]

I even bit my tongue after I hung up with them...pouted around the house, then decided to see what they had new, rather than used. So, after about 15 mins. I found a New 55-02 Deluxe in 3 tone sunburst with a maple fretboard for a few hundred $ more. I called to order it...NOPE, don't have one of those either. But, like a other TB'er said, the salesperson said they could get one in a few weeks.

I got on Lakland's site, found Guitaradoption.com. Called, Dave said he had one in stock and would ship it today...even would throw in a factory Lakland hard case (they may come with one anyway, but it made me feel like I was getting a bonus). I paid online, rec'd a confirmation, via e-mail within seconds. Within 2 hours I had an e-mail from UPS with a tracking # and a delivery date of...get this TOMORROW. Granted, I live in the same state, but Tomorrow...WOW

I'm kinda ((I hate this term, but)), old school. You don't have to hit me in the head with a hammer twice before I duck out of the way. As far as I'm concerned, Bass Central swung the hammer AT me twice... Once bitten, twice shy. I'm DONE with them!!!

[mcm]

that sucks!

[t c]

Respectfully, I have had multiple dealings on the telephone and in person with the staff of BC and they were all very positive. So you know, I have never advised any staff there that I was a TalkBass member (giving up 5% discount on some items), nor have I ever posted regarding BC (or anything else for that matter). I enjoy my anonymity and strictly lurk and learn.

Specifically, whenever I called regarding availibility of a product the information was accurate. I also inquired as to possible value of potential trade-ins,over the telephone, and was given estimates based on my description alone (which is very subjective). The trade-in prices were honored in person. The prices I paid for equipment ranged from exceptional to fair.

On one occasion the staff took an excessive amount of time trotting out EVERY Sadowsky Metro 5ver in stock so I could pick out the one for me. The staff was courteous, answered every question I asked (they're all knowledgeable bassplayers) but were never condescending or put out by the time I took to A/B potential purchases. Simply put, they obviously understood the process that goes into picking out "the one". One staff member actually played a potential buy so I could stand back and listen from different acoustical points. EVERY bass I tried was set up nicely for generic preference which is incredible considering the amount of stock they have.

The next time I visited my experience was identical to the previously described although the search was for a different instrument. I expected the staff to roll their eyes when I walked in the door considering how much of their time I took on the previous visit. Not so. While I was there every customer that visited was treated similarly. I don't believe this post will garner me anything in particular as I doubt they would even remember me .

Although I live in Florida it is quite a distance to BC but well worth the trip. Personally, I use internet browsing as a starting point but once I narrow down my interest I want to talk to someone on site.

Not disagreeing with you at all as you are relating your experience. What happened to you was atypical of my experience. I took the time to write this so that consumers can have information that helps.I have never had as positive experience with any purchase as I have had on two occasions with BC. Anyway, it sounds like you found a nice bass so hopefully everything is looking up. Good luck!

[RDT]

TC, I'm glad you have had such good experiences with BC.

When I was asking fellow TB'ers questions regarding Lakkie's, I also asked of any experiences with BC...just to get a feel for them, as the majority of the posts on this forum were things like, "Got my ______ today, thanks,", etc.etc.etc. Since I had a bad experience with them, I thought I'd post it, too...just so others had an idea.

I got my Lakkie today, less than 24hrs after I ordered it from GuitarAdoptions.com. Therefore, I'm done with this post...I'm dropping the subject.

Thanks to all.

[t c]

This discussion was nothing but cordial and definitely has me gassin for a Lakeland!.

[Michael777]

Hey Guys,

As Always i Appreciate your Critique as much As the cudo's.
We will of course try harder to keep the website "More Updated" for All of you. On the Front Page of the Website is a Statement Stating the Following:

While attempting to stay current, we intentionally leave many basses up even after selling them in order to act as "catalogue" pieces to show various models, wood and finish options that are available.

Late Last year, one of our Sales Associates/Web Guy passed Away Suddenly so we Were in a slight state of "Scramble" for a short while but have begun Catching up, if there is Such a thing. However one other thing that you All must know. While We completely Appreciate and long for the Simplicity of "The Bass You See is the Bass You Get" Ethic, Our Volume of Business and MASSIVE inventory would be literally impossible to represent completely and Accurately at any one moment in time. Most Days see At least 11-20 Basses in the door, and Most Days 20-25 Back Out the door. Again We Do Appreciate your critique and we are definitely trying harder to "Clean up" our website. You Will now Find Sold Stickers next to the Laklands That are sold RDT.

[Michael777]

Hey Guys,

As Always i Appreciate your Critique as much As the cudo's.
We will of course try harder to keep the website "More Updated" for All of you. On the Front Page of the Website is a Statement Stating the Following:

While attempting to stay current, we intentionally leave many basses up even after selling them in order to act as "catalogue" pieces to show various models, wood and finish options that are available.

Late Last year, one of our Sales Associates/Web Guy passed Away Suddenly so we Were in a slight state of "Scramble" for a short while but have begun Catching up, if there is Such a thing. However one other thing that you All must know. While We completely Appreciate and long for the Simplicity of "The Bass You See is the Bass You Get" Ethic, Our Volume of Business and MASSIVE inventory would be literally impossible to represent completely and Accurately at any one moment in time. Most Days see At least 11-20 Basses in the door, and Most Days 20-25 Back Out the door. Again We Do Appreciate your critique and we are definitely trying harder to "Clean up" our website. You Will now Find Sold Stickers next to the Laklands That are sold RDT.

[Drifta]

Man, Bass central rules. I rarely go onto talkbass anymore, but came here today because i walked into Bass central today, was greeted and helped right away. the guys there are always as helpful and nice as can be.

I went in to get my Lakland fixed, thoguht the preamp was done. and i wanted a setup

Ed looked all through the electronics, tighted a few things and cleaned it a bit, and the noise/pickup/dieing sound went away. And he liked the setup it had already and said it didn't need one(so theyre not out to take money..).

he did it all for free! nice guy! I know waht you're talking about with their website. I thought that too a bit, when i lived far away from bass central, and wondered why all the fuss on talkbass? they dont seem anything special. Then when i came into the shop and checked things out, i got it, now i live in orlando and have had my basses setup;strings, & networked and got a good bass teacher through them. although i am not a regular or someone they know, they treat you like a friend & alot of the people that come in seem to hang out, know all the guys etc. awesome store.

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by RDT

Well, they say 1st opinions are what makes or breaks certain things. I'm officially done with Bass Central...before I ever got started with them.

I spent well over 2 hours on their web site this AM...scouring the pages, looking at different models, etc., etc.,etc. looking for a Lakland. Finally, I found "The" Lakkie...NOTE: there are currently 11 (ELEVEN) used lakkie's on BC.com's web site for sale. I call them, only to find out they only have 1...yes ONE used lakkie in the store. The guy I talked to on the phone said, "Yeah, we don't update out web site very often. We leave them up there so people can see what they look like." Come on guys...If I want to see what a particular model looks like, I'll go to the manufacturer's site, besides they also show the specs. And why would I want to see what I COULD'VE bought!?!?

I know, just little old me, ain't gonna make or break a large business like BC. But, I'll be D**mned if I EVER purchase ANYTHING from them, now!

I can understand your feelings, but the guys a BC have been treating me right since the days when Gard was there. I wouldn't blow them off for this one transgression. Their prices are good, and they work with you on stuff.

And I think you mean first impressions.

[Gordon of Eden]

Apologies in advance for the long post.
I would like to share my 1st impression of BC. I am in the market for a fretless 5 and am actively checking all the bass sites. I'm looking to drop about $2,000 to 2,500.
While on vacation in Orlando last week I decided to take some time away from my family reunion to go visit BC and hopefully leave with a new bass.

I did not have good access to a computer that week so I checked the local phonebook for the address only to find it wasn't printed. I called the store and and asked. unfortunately we didn't have a great connection and when I asked the person who answered to spell the street name he got very short with me and told me (in the tone you use when speaking to a child) "I want you to listen carefully cause I don't have all day for this". I got the street name but needed him to repeat the town. CLICK the line goes dead.
I was annoyed but wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt. When I called back a gentleman who id'd himself a Mike answered and was very nice about giving me the address to the store even though the connection was still bad.

My wife and I made the 30 minute drive to the store. Like some of you I was surprised to find that some of the instruments I had seen online were not in stock but I can understand what they are doing.
I tried about 4 or 5 instruments and found 2 I liked. The staff were all nice and accomadating and I told them I would call when I returned to Portland (I still had to deposit the check from the sale of my old bass).
I told the guy just to let him know that the 1st person I talked to when I called did not make a great impression on me but I had decided to give it another chance.
He told me that was the boss (Beaver Felton) that I spoke to. I suggested he tell Mr. Felton my comment.
He said "we can't tell him those things but you can yourself". He went behind the little partition at the back of the store and out came the boss. I wen't over and introduced myself and shook his hand and proceeded to tell him that I couldn't hear him on the phone and that his response kind of put me off. You would think at that point a store owner would apologize for that and try to turn the conversation back to the business at hand (Basses). Instead he got very defensive and as the heat of the discussion went up a notch he simply said "I don't have time for this and those who don't like it, there is the door! (makes hand gesture toward the door). A little more discussion takes place and he says it again with the same hand gestures!!! OK I'll use the door.
The look on the faces of the staff suggested that this was not the first time they have seen that.
So to sum it up Bass central is now removed from my favorites list.
I know many of you will post in their defense but there is no excuse to speak to a potential customer like that, I would expect it possibly from a disgruntled staff member
but never from the owner.
I wasted over 2 hours of my vacation (that I rarely get to take) to visit this store but I guess my time is worth nothing.
I will buy a bass this month but never from BC.
Thank you for reading if you have made it through.

[ptm1diver]

Howdy Folks,

Can I pile it on here also? :-)

I can honestly say that my first impression was not the best. I went to see an Alembic Further, and it was not a perfect instrument. Drove 3 hours to see it.

But, Yes there is a But in this. I spoke to Beaver and he could not have been nicer and more apologetic. I gave him and Bass Central another chance and have not been happier. Beaver, Mike, Grass Hopper, and the other folks took great care of me. They bent over backwards to make sure I was happy when I purchased a Pedulla ET4 from them. And, since then, I have purchased a Genz Benz amp, Mesa Boogie Amp, Big Al Bass, Modulus Q4 and am waiting for UPS to receive a Dargie Delight HH Stingray.

I have a great relationship with the folks at Bass Central. I have not had the pleasure of meeting Beaver in person, but we have had several phone conversations and I look forward to one day meeting up with him when I am next in town. I can say this, Mike, Beaver and Grass Hopper give you an honest opinion when you ask and have let me to several nice acquisitions. Keep on thumpin.

Paul

PS, my next acquisition will be an Albert Lee HH with rosewood neck. But, I have to wait a while.

[nobodysfool]

Like a previous poster, I took the time to visit the store while on vacation in Orlando. My wife and I found the store, and I was initially shocked by how small it seemed, but the staff was very friendly, as were a couple of customers I struck up conversations with, one from northern Indiana and another from South Carolina (I think). I had come to see and try out a Lightwave bass, and I was not disappointed. I also tried out a Ken Smith which was awesome, but way out of my price range. I wound up playing around with a couple of Lightwaves (a 5 and a 4 string), and my wife was so taken with the sound, she wanted me to buy it! I decided on the 4 string, being a 40 year veteran of the 4 string, and Ed checked the setup for me. Grasshopper was very friendly, and a hoot to talk with. Beaver came out from his cubby, and I had a great conversation with him. He couldn't have been nicer! Kim wrote up the order and handled the sale, and arranged for the shipping to my home the following week.

I can't say enough good things about the staff and the attention I received while I was there. I'm a nobody, but they treated me like I was a somebody! I'm just a local musician who's never been on tour with anyone, although I have rubbed elbows with some famous musicians, and know a few. I've never had such a good experience buying a bass before!

I feel badly that some have had less than great experiences there. Mine was outstanding! Next time I'm in Orlando, I will definitely stop in.

[Beaver Felton]

Originally Posted by Gordon of Eden

Apologies in advance for the long post.
I would like to share my 1st impression of BC. I am in the market for a fretless 5 and am actively checking all the bass sites. I'm looking to drop about $2,000 to 2,500.
While on vacation in Orlando last week I decided to take some time away from my family reunion to go visit BC and hopefully leave with a new bass.

I did not have good access to a computer that week so I checked the local phonebook for the address only to find it wasn't printed. I called the store and and asked. unfortunately we didn't have a great connection and when I asked the person who answered to spell the street name he got very short with me and told me (in the tone you use when speaking to a child) "I want you to listen carefully cause I don't have all day for this". I got the street name but needed him to repeat the town. CLICK the line goes dead.
I was annoyed but wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt. When I called back a gentleman who id'd himself a Mike answered and was very nice about giving me the address to the store even though the connection was still bad.

My wife and I made the 30 minute drive to the store. Like some of you I was surprised to find that some of the instruments I had seen online were not in stock but I can understand what they are doing.
I tried about 4 or 5 instruments and found 2 I liked. The staff were all nice and accomadating and I told them I would call when I returned to Portland (I still had to deposit the check from the sale of my old bass).
I told the guy just to let him know that the 1st person I talked to when I called did not make a great impression on me but I had decided to give it another chance.
He told me that was the boss (Beaver Felton) that I spoke to. I suggested he tell Mr. Felton my comment.
He said "we can't tell him those things but you can yourself". He went behind the little partition at the back of the store and out came the boss. I wen't over and introduced myself and shook his hand and proceeded to tell him that I couldn't hear him on the phone and that his response kind of put me off. You would think at that point a store owner would apologize for that and try to turn the conversation back to the business at hand (Basses). Instead he got very defensive and as the heat of the discussion went up a notch he simply said "I don't have time for this and those who don't like it, there is the door! (makes hand gesture toward the door). A little more discussion takes place and he says it again with the same hand gestures!!! OK I'll use the door.
The look on the faces of the staff suggested that this was not the first time they have seen that.
So to sum it up Bass central is now removed from my favorites list.
I know many of you will post in their defense but there is no excuse to speak to a potential customer like that, I would expect it possibly from a disgruntled staff member
but never from the owner.
I wasted over 2 hours of my vacation (that I rarely get to take) to visit this store but I guess my time is worth nothing.
I will buy a bass this month but never from BC.
Thank you for reading if you have made it through.

***Sorry for the delayed response. Even working 50+ hours per week, my time is Extrememly limited. If I could Buy Time, I'd do it, because I haven't had it in 14 yrs.

Bass central is a very successful "machine" but at the price of every employee running on all cylinders at all times, every day! Trying to be efficient/effective. There are no breaks and several of us work lots of overtime.

I deal with a zillion customers. Some Before hours while still in my underwear at home and more After hours, while having dinner with my family. That's what it takes.

Now, specifically addressing Your Unpleasant Experience, which I really regret and wish I could change:

I'm Sorry for the confrontation with your Wife who drew first blood (which you ommitted from the report above), but let me try to explain a few things: As owner/GM, I Have to spend my time as efficiently/effectively as possible, and on Only the Big matters, Including Customer Service/Satisfaction.

To be Clear, I Don't give directions, sell strings, or deal with small issues. I pay employees to do this, while I worry about millions of bucks worth of inventory, selling the higher ticket item such as $15,000 Alembic basses, advertising budgets, trying to resolve Customer's problems, etc.

So, when you called and I made the mistake of attempting to give our address (I should've immediately transferred you to an employee, but figured giving an address would be easy and quick), then you continued to ask the same thing over and over, I did get frustrated. You, obviously couldn't hear me, we had a horrible connection, so continuing that effort was a waste of everyone's time, Yours included. Hence my comment, which set your wife off: "I can't keep doing this". I stand by that comment. It's Baffling that you guys culdn't understand the name of the street that we're on although I repeated it several times and spelled it, but you did hear my statement from above about "Can't do this anymore". It's still a mystery to me...

While you were at the store, all was fine until your wife got agressive with me. I'm a human, just live everyone else, and given the amount of stress that I LIVE under 24/7/365 in order to make sure Every employee I have stays gainfully employeed, reacted in kind. I've gone as long as 4 months without a single paycheck in order to avoid Ever laying anyone off or cutting wages.

I Tried to explain that my time is better spent elsewhere than trying to give our address over a bad connection, hence my comment "I can't keep doing this". I meant Exactly that. Either my phone or yours was simply Not working properly. You guys weren't hearing me over the bad connection.

So, she reacted emotionally, I reacted emotionally, and there you have it. Even After she approached me aggressively, I didn't kick anyone out of the store, but simply stated that if you Can't Understand my position, you're free to leave.
I'd Much rather recruit you and your wife as life-time customers of the store. I will work my butt off to do so as 1,000's of customers will attest to.

But I can Not spend time on a bad telephone connection, which I hope you can understand.

I'm Honestly sorry about that situation, as my wife, who saw me Lose Sleep over it that night, will testify. I hope you'll try to understand my position as well as accept my sincere apology.

***I DO Understand your take, based on your perception of this sutuation.
I hope you will at least try to understand mine as well, even if you don't agree with me....

***Regarding others who have been shown the door, the Only other one was in 2001, a lady who Demanded a Warantee Replacement for a case that her Dealth Metal Teenage son had beat to hell and back for 3 months.....

***Also know that we rely on Every Customer. We want to take care of Every Customer. We Value Every Customer.

I honestly hope that everyone who reads this takes time to consider the "Big Picture", as opposed to a potentially misleading "partial snapshot".

Beaver Felton / Owner