Advice: Zürich, Switzerland

LuvMusic · #1 02-12-2011, 08:25 AM

My day job is taking me to Zürich for 10 days including a weekend when I will have free time. I'd like to explore the bass scene while I'm there.

I know there are a couple of TB'ers in Zürich and probably others with Zürich experience. Can you provide some suggestions of stores/shops where I can check out basses and gear in Zürich? I know I probably won't find any great deals but I'd like to explore.

Thanks for the help and guidance!

EdHunter · #2 02-18-2011, 10:54 AM

Gitarren Total is the one where pros go (touring bands and the like).
Musik Hug is the biggest music shop in the city, but has had less than a dozen basses of varying quality each time I go there.
Musik Kühn is a little small, but has a great selection, same for Musik Central.

Apart from those, we're not too well served around these parts.

vintagedevil · #3 02-18-2011, 11:06 AM

Hi Luvmusic, I don't live in Zürich but i know there's a place called bass center there here's the link:

http://www.basscenter.ch/

mr.hughes · #4 02-18-2011, 11:11 AM

Not a bass store - but if you want great coffee go to La Stanza. I was there on tour last year - great place, and great people working there. Address is La Stanza, Bleicherweg 10
8002 Zürich District, Switzerland

LuvMusic · #5 02-18-2011, 09:45 PM

Thank you for the great advice, looks like I'll have a fun time exploring the leads you gave me!

Also thanks for the coffee recommendation...I do enjoy my coffee!!

If you have recommendations on where to listen to good local music, interested in that also. My previous Zurich experiences have been all business and no play....no time to explore. So, while I will be away from the family longer than I'd like, I'm looking forward to having an opportunity to explore the city.

EdHunter · #6 02-19-2011, 03:07 AM

First up: local music is only to be found in beer halls, unless you're around for Band-It, an Under 21s Battle of the Bands which takes place from about now until April in various clubs/bars around the city and the surroundings.

Secondly: go to some football! Not GC (they're stuck at the bottom of the table and struggle to get 5,000 to their games), but FC Zürich. Loud, volatile, passionate and very welcoming off the pitch, even if the on field action is quite stale.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwBdm...eature=related

Thirdly: don't try and do anything on a Sunday. Everything except restaurants will be closed.

emjazz · #7 02-20-2011, 08:48 AM

Basscenter is great. Also, check out the club "Moods". Great place to see music.

LuvMusic · #8 03-05-2011, 09:52 AM

Thanks again for all the advice. I'm in Zurich now and just returned from Basscenter, nice, friendly people. Got a chance to play 3-4 of the Zola basses that they make there.

Really well made jazz styled basses. If I was a jazz guy, I would have been tempted. But given the current exchange rate and I prefer P's, I passed.

A good time was had!!

EdHunter · #9 03-05-2011, 09:57 AM

So, planning a night out in Zürich? I can recommend it: check out a street called "Niederdorfstrasse". That's where the best clubs/restaurants/bars are to be found.

Also, what kind of selection did Basscenter have? I've yet to visit.

LuvMusic · #10 03-05-2011, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdHunter

So, planning a night out in Zürich? I can recommend it: check out a street called "Niederdorfstrasse". That's where the best clubs/restaurants/bars are to be found.

Also, what kind of selection did Basscenter have? I've yet to visit.

No night out tonight, just got back from being entertained by my business hosts. Maybe later in the week.

Basscenter had a nice selection of basses.....more than what I normally see in a privately owned business. Mostly jazz basses and a good number of Fenders for a privately owned business. Thaey had a couple of American Standards, a couple of Road Worns, an Urge and another artist series that I can't remeber right now.

They also had some selection from Hofner and Ibanez. In the amp/cab area they had Peavey, MarkBass, TC Electronics, and GK (at least one MB500 and various cabs).

They're main bass line is Zola which the owner makes in the store. He brought out one he just finished building yesterday. A jazz with a swamp ash body (beautiful), maple neck, DiMarzio pups and Sadowsky active electronics. Really a nice, well made bass. They had several Zolas, 4/5 strings and passive/active electronics. Worth checking-out IMO.

Thanks for the night-life tip. Hey how come I have to come from Chicago to tell you about a bass store in your home city!?

EdHunter · #11 03-05-2011, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuvMusic

Thanks for the night-life tip. Hey how come I have to come from Chicago to tell you about a bass store in your home city!?

I'm only an adopted Zürcher...

Glad you liked what you found, it's ost certanily on my list to check out. If you can't tell by may typing, I have nejoyed a night in Züri...