Best Bass Specific Music Stores in New England?

[rythmicillusion]

Hey All: I will soon be in the market for a new electric 4 string bolt-on bass guitar (or possibly a 5, or both). Ideally, I would love to go and try out as many basses as I possibly can before making a decision.

My budget will be 800-2000 USD. I am looking something more for live playing, but versatility is a plus. I would love a passive bass that suits my needs, but not adverse to active electronics if it is "that much better". 8-9 Pounds. Brands I've been thinking about. EBMM, Fender, Metro Sadowsky, Pedulla, Warwick, Ricks...

So my question...is there any place I can go within the New England region that stocks all or most of these brands, where I'll be able to spend several hours trying different basses, not be price gouged, and have some stellar customer service in the event anything should come up with my purchase?

[Freddels]

You want variety, decent prices, and good customer service. In short . . . NO. You might want to take a few bucks and buy a cheap flight to Florida and spend a day or two at Bass Central. They probably have all those basses that you listed (and then some).

But I don't know of any place in New England that has a great selection.

[Honk'n_down-low]

Go to New York. I believe it is W48th Street - you will leave with a much lighter Wallet : ) Or start at Sadowsky on Jay Street and it could be your first and last stop.

[bhubb3rd]

If you make to NY,l go a hour or so farther south and check out Bass Specialties in Philly. Glenn is the best, has a great selection and if he doesn't have it, he will get it. Give him a call anyway, I am sure he can help you out.

[Chunk-O-Funk]

I really don't think there is such a store in all of New England.

Believe it or not Guitar Center probably still has the best selection of basses I have ever seen around here. Before them, I would drive from store to store (still do/would) to try out different basses.

You can definitely try out Pedulla, Warwick, EBMM and Fender at GC, although Pedulla may depend on the store. The one in South Attleboro usually has a couple different models.

I did see a used Metro at GC once. Poor thing had some problems. Other than that I have never seen a Sadowsky outside the internet or at a GTG. I think there are only a few stores that stock Metros and none of them are around here. Most come straight from the Sadowsky store. A new Metro will be above your budget. If you get a chance to try one and like it they pop up often in the classifieds here.

Try out Alpha Audio Works in Mystic Connecticut.
http://www.alphaaudioworks.com/Category.aspx?id=2
I bought a Lakland 55-94 from them back in 2000. Looks like they now carry a few more brands in the mid to high price range as well as MM and G&L. Unfortunately their website does not show actual stock though.

It's really worth checking out your local music stores. The selection may be smaller, but they all seem to carry at least on brand that may be hard to find elsewhere. You just have to put a few miles in to find out.


EDIT:
Also check out Boston Guitar Works: (actually in Brockton)
http://www.bostonguitar.com/Merchant...gory_Code=06BG

I haven't been there, but have always wanted to go. They seem to have a good selection.

[rythmicillusion]

Thanks all. These posts are confirming what I feared...that no such place currently exists in New England. A bit of a surprise, considering the proximity to a few highly regarded music schools, people with all varieties of deep pockets, a fairly healthy and constantly changing music scene, etc. I think someday could stand to have a very successful venture if they got the location and selection right. But anyhow...

I have been to Boston Guitar Works, and had never really checked out their bass gear selection. I was too fascinated by all the insane tube amps and amazing guitars that I hadn't seen anywhere else. I think I'll give them a shot.

Yeah, maybe a trip down to NYC and Philly would be worth my time. I didn't know that you could go to Sadowsky direcetly to check out/purchase basses.

Plane ticket down to Florida...that's a stretch time-wise and financially (and MAN would that suck to have my new bass or basses lost or mishandled by the airline!) but something I'll keep in my head. The one big positive there, is that I'm convinced that Bass Central has the best bass porn on the planet! It would be like a pilgrimage to Mecca, but with air conditioning and a bump at 100hz.