Out With The Warwick, In With The ???

[RocketMusic]

Since we've decided to no longer carry Warwick basses, I figured I'd solicit some input from you guys! Who's the next bass builder we should start carrying?

[Darkstrike]

Originally Posted by LightGroove

I think you'd find mike lull would fit in nicely...killer basses and great cs...just got deal with transcontinental shipping

Originally Posted by Darkstrike

Oh, as for new builders to work with, I know you said domestic, but I still have to give a nod to Wood & Tronics. They have some badass looking models, the Chronos is one I *really* dig.

Or, what about Veillette Guitars, they make some classy stuff, or Martin Keith Guitars who, coincidentally, also works for Veilette.

Originally Posted by Freddels

What about Spector? or Pedulla?

Originally Posted by JBFLA

I'll second the Lull vote. Really nice work and great CS.

Thought it'd be handy to have these here.

[RocketMusic]

Yes, indeed. Some beautiful stuff there, Bill!

[JBFLA]

Just for reference purposes:

[JOME77]

Well 3 of the other brands that I'd consider purchasing (Warrior, Skjold & Ristola) sell primarily direct to the customer, so they wouldn't be good choices...........

The Music Man Sting Ray (Ernie Ball) is always a great bang for the buck, although I'm not to hip on their new models (Bongo and whatever it is). They'd probably require you to carry all models.

Modulus and Zon are unique basses to carry (graphite neck is always a good selling point for touring players).

Lakland offers a good line (imports for budget minded players and USA models for the more serious players). They might compete too much with your G&L line.

I like Elrick basses but they have terrible resale. I doubt that they are a real big seller new either.

I like Lull but again..... terrible resale.

I like some of the Spector basses but I don't think that they would really be a good seller. They do have a good bang for the buck import model though.

Smith basses are unique sounding and real big sellers with the Black gospel players but Ken is his own worst enemy....and you either love or hate Smith basses.


And then there's good old Fender ........... probably more Fenders sold than all other instruments combined.


Not sure if that helps.

[Bipslapper]

Lull

Pedulla

Valenti (although Nino is selling direct I believe. Great guy and fantastic instruments).

[Darkstrike]

Yup, I heard Nino moved to direct only.

[mwbonsall]

Mike Lull, unless Suhr decides to make a 35" scale 5 string retro Jazz type bass. Roscoe covers anything else that interests me at this advancing stage of my life.

Mark

edit: and I really like the Gadow bass'!

[fenderhutz]

Reverend.

New models, new start. Could be a good fit.

[lowendfriend]

Lakland.....how many dealers in Blacksburg or within 200 miles?

[bassWR]

Lull
Lakland
Pedulla

[Bass7755]

Nordstrand...Carey's Nordy's are really nice. But I think
he is only selling direct now. He used to have a few dealers.

What about Sadowsky Metro?

Dan

[bassWR]

Oh yeah. Tuttle.

[lowfreqman]

What about Rob Allen basses? They are great and offer something different from what you currently carry.

[VroomVroom]

Nice of you to ask the kids, Greg. Good luck with everything. A few that come to mind for me...

Boutique-ish:
MTD
Elrick
Rob Allen
Zon

Fender-ish:
Mike Lull
Sadowsky
Lakland

Now, for my two cents....which added to a fin will get you an evening's worth of Bud Light.

MTD has long lead times on the USA line, and I believe he asks you to carry the import line as well.

Elrick makes wonderful stuff for the money, and offers thru, set, and bolt-on neck designs. He also has US and import J-variant models. I find his stuff to have elements of both Roscoe and MTD.

Rob Allen's stuff is definitely a niche, but boy does he do it well.

Joe Zon. Like many others, a wonderful fellow. His lead times are L O N G, and because of his bay area location, his prices are high.

Mike Lull. Very true to the Fender model in sound, Mike has a surprisingly diverse line. He also offers great value per dollar spent.

Sadowsky Metro. Unique take on the Fender sound, but great playability and build quality.

Lakland. I believe you have to carry import stuff, and with their re-org I have no Idea what the US line offers.

I hope that helps a little. Obviously I don't know exactly what you're after, but of the above I'd guess Elrick might best directly fill the Warwick slot.

[Cameron Mc]

You could always try to corner a small fodera market. In doing so, you'd have inventory of always sought after high end basses. the company has built in immunity. You pay a lot, but The traffic you get may make up for it. Also there is a healthy used market where people don't want to wait and just grab up whatever they can, so that could present good business.

[Lesfunk]

Status

[seafang]

Mike Lull

[Ryan L.]

Modulus.
Mike Lull.

[LilRay]

SX?

First Act?

C'mon man when are you gonna get the good gear like COMPLETE Rawks?

Come and go to Hoogie Boogie Land. Blah, Bluh WEEEEEE! UH!





God Bless, Ray