Bass Luthier starting up in San Francisico

gaelmckeon · #1 02-16-2011, 07:12 PM

Hi Everybody,

My name is Gael McKeon. I've been making a living as a bass Luthier since 1998. I apprenticed and worked for David Gage between 1998 and 2001. I've been working full time as a benchman for Bob Beerman in NC since 2003. I can set up or restore any bass proficiently. I'm seriously considering moving to San Francisco by May or June. I've never posted on talkbass before. I was hoping for some feedback on weather or not it would be a smart move to start up in the east bay area, or any bay area. I hear there's a void now, and I'm confident in my skills. I can do set ups, restorations, C extensions, finish work and all repairs, big or small. I'm interested in doing good work for reasonable prices, for students to professionals. I believe in getting it right, every time, for everyone. Do you guys need me out there? Am I breaking talkbass rules right now?

Thanks

arnoldschnitzer · #2 02-17-2011, 10:23 AM

Hi Gael. Just want to say that wherever you end up, this forum could use more input from guys like you who know their way around the insides of a bass. San Fran is a beautiful town. Perhaps you should go to the ISB convention in June to nose around and maybe make some contacts...

rawkensawken · #3 03-02-2011, 06:02 PM

just started playing double bass and I have been looking for a luthier, but it seems hard to find them out here in the east bay.

james condino · #4 03-02-2011, 08:29 PM

Hi Gael,

I run into a lot of your work locally and get to look at it in pretty good detail- always top notch and everyone speaks well of you.

Having lived on the west coast for 20 years and currently landlocked not too far from you, all I can say is....HEAD WEST YOUNG MAN!!!!! You'll have a great time in SF, but be prepared that it is a whole world of difference from Dixie....

j.

Rebop · #5 03-03-2011, 06:30 PM

Just my 2 cents... South Florida. This place has nothing in the way of a bass shop and only one luthier that works on basses.

bassphase · #6 03-04-2011, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rebop

Just my 2 cents... South Florida. This place has nothing in the way of a bass shop and only one luthier that works on basses.

Don't you guys have 90% humidity or something? How do you keep the basses from exploding their seams?? Luthiers are probably afraid to move there....

Anyway, there's probably a lot of work for a SF based luthier. There's no one in SF proper that works on double basses and only a couple in the East Bay and Penninsula areas.

And it will definitely be culture shock for a NC native/resident, but probably in a good way....except for the cost of living here.

bob

bob

sean p · #7 03-04-2011, 11:33 AM

steve swan has somebody he uses (peninsula/south bay i think) - maybe he'll chime in. i don't have experience with luthiers here but have heard of steve's guy and one other in the area.

Rebop · #8 03-04-2011, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassphase

Don't you guys have 90% humidity or something? How do you keep the basses from exploding their seams?? Luthiers are probably afraid to move there....

I've never had a problem although I do need some seams looked at from some botch job repairs with wood putty that look about 60 years old. Mostly just the finish is dissolving from my sweat when I play outside. Imagine heat and humidity so high that everything is sticky to the touch and your shirt is saturated to the point that it's dripping and no dry portions left. 5 minutes into playing and your bass has a nice dew buildup from the air. Good luck plucking the strings accurately with all that water and sweat on your fingerboard. I've left sweat puddle stains on wood stages before. My good bass has a big bald spot on the side from my sweat eating away at it in conjunction with the cloth of my shirt rubbing against it. The wood gets so saturated with sweat during the summer that it actually gets wrinkled and squishy on a small part of the shoulder where it rests against my torso.

Thank goodness I have a CCB for the outdoor misty gigs now.

Steve Swan · #9 03-04-2011, 12:52 PM

I've spoken with Gael several times on the phone and have seen beautiful photos of his work. We do have significant room here in the greater San Francisco bay area for more highly competent doublebass luthiers with a broad range of professional experience, excellent benchside manners and great communication skills. He'll be a welcome addition out here.

1st Bass · #10 03-04-2011, 02:58 PM

Oh boy! Bidding war, Gael!

gaelmckeon · #11 03-13-2011, 10:13 PM

Thanks for all the responses. Sorry I haven't been on here. Been busy planning and thinking. The ball is in motion, and I'll be in the Bay Area by June. I'll have a table at the ISB convention, and a shop in Berkeley or Oakland. I'll post my website link as soon as it's up and running, which will be soon. I welcome all repairs and all basses. Nothing to small or big, cheap or valuable...
Shouldn't be too much shell shock, as I'm actually from NYC. I apprenticed and worked for David Gage, and then moved down to NC, and worked for Beerman. As far as Florida goes, I suggest you take a trip to Greensboro and visit Bob Beerman's shop. He's the best in the South East by far...
Thanks again for the feedback, and see you in a couple of months. Spread the word...please.. I'm scared.

bassphase · #12 03-14-2011, 03:43 AM

Hi Gael

(Regarding culture shock)--If you're from NYC we'll probably seem like a bunch of wimps to you

I'm sure you'll do great here. As Steve Swan said, there's definitely room for you here.

Welcome to the SF Bay Area!

bob

gaelmckeon · #13 03-14-2011, 06:41 AM

Thanks Bob.

tstone · #14 03-14-2011, 12:45 PM

Yes, a big cracked crab, sourdough French bread and Napa valley wine welcome to the Bay Area! I'll be sure to stop by and say hello at the ISB convention.

gaelmckeon · #15 03-14-2011, 12:47 PM

Oh my God! A cat who plays bass and writes. I look forward to meeting you.

uptonbass · #16 06-16-2011, 01:34 PM

Hey Gael, great hangin with you at the show...as I mentioned I have that fella (and others hopefully) that will need a post check and I also know he wants a second bridge cut. Whats your website etc so I can pass it on?

gaelmckeon · #17 06-16-2011, 01:43 PM

Mr Gary,

Thanks. Was good to meet you too. Me website is String Bass Studio. I'll be in touch, I'm sure.

arnoldschnitzer · #18 06-16-2011, 05:23 PM

Hey Gael, nice meeting you in SF. I'm way jealous that you get to live in such a beautiful city, though you can keep the weather. Best of luck with the new shop. The locals I spoke with seem stoked to have you there.

gaelmckeon · #19 06-16-2011, 06:31 PM

Thanks Arnold,

Was good to see you there, too.

Jake deVilliers · #20 06-16-2011, 07:13 PM

Hey Gael, good luck down there!