Seattle Luthiers?

jlilley · #1 09-09-2006, 07:08 PM

Does anyone have any luthiers to recommend in the Seattle area other than Hammond Ashley? I'd like to get a little set up work done on my bass, but HA doesn't have any free shop time until after the first of the year. The work is minor and can wait...but if it's going to be this difficult to get them to look at an instrument, it might be a good idea to find a back up.
Thanks,
John

D McCartney · #2 09-09-2006, 10:52 PM

Hi John,
Are you talking about that cool American Standard? Is Portland too far to go? Or, I seem to remember something about a luthier somewhere on the penninsula.

fish slapper · #3 09-09-2006, 11:07 PM

If you decide to go to Portland, I can recommend Pete Lampe. Google "Pete's Bass Shop" to get his website.

toman · #4 09-09-2006, 11:59 PM

In Portland, I highly reccomend Pat Marshall at Bass Basses. He does probably the best setup work I've seen anywhere, when you catch him on a good day. He's definatley an eccentric character, but overall a good and helpful guy, and very good at what he does. Don't just show up at his shop though, call first.

Bob Branstetter · #5 09-10-2006, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlilley

Does anyone have any luthiers to recommend in the Seattle area other than Hammond Ashley? I'd like to get a little set up work done on my bass, but HA doesn't have any free shop time until after the first of the year. The work is minor and can wait...but if it's going to be this difficult to get them to look at an instrument, it might be a good idea to find a back up.
Thanks,
John

Have you actually talked to they guys at HA? A four month wait to get in does not sound like the Hammond Ashley folks that I know. However, if they really are that tied up, call Bryce and ask him to recommend someone. He may know a former employees that has set up shop on his own. It is worth a call in either case.

jlilley · #6 09-10-2006, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Branstetter

Have you actually talked to they guys at HA? A four month wait to get in does not sound like the Hammond Ashley folks that I know. However, if they really are that tied up, call Bryce and ask him to recommend someone. He may know a former employees that has set up shop on his own. It is worth a call in either case.

Yeah, I spoke to Bryce yesterday before I posted. He didn't have anyone to recommend and suggested that I 'network' a little a see if I could find someone to do the work. I've had good experiences with HA in the past...so I'm fighting the urge to think that they have gotten a little apathetic.
I may end up contacting one of the guys in Portland if nothing turns up...there are worse things that a weekend in P-town.
John

jallenbass · #7 09-10-2006, 07:04 PM

I'm very happy with the repair work that Maureen Pandos has done for me in Portland.

fish slapper · #8 09-10-2006, 10:56 PM

Wow. No wonder HA is backed up if they're the only show in town. I can't believe the Emerald city doesn't have more DB luthiers and we've managed to list 3 here in Puddle-town.

freemole · #9 09-10-2006, 11:12 PM

try sarah balmforth. she may be very busy however.

toman · #10 09-11-2006, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jallenbass

I'm very happy with the repair work that Maureen Pandos has done for me in Portland.

I too have heard good things.

RD · #11 09-11-2006, 04:19 PM

There is Ken Larson. He did a nice job on a neck reset, with a set-up, for me. He also does a good deal of the work for the Bass Church in Seattle. It was the "Church Lady" that recommended him to me. He does good work at reasonable rates. He can be contacted @ (425)530-1809.
RD