Taking a trip...Factory Tours?

MetalGoat · #1 07-06-2006, 12:55 PM

Me and my dad are taking a trip this summer across america and we are looking for possible places to visit. I was wondering if there were many guitar/bass factorys along the way that would give us a free tour. We'll be starting at Virginia going through Texas and possibly California. Any suggestions/recommendations as where to go?

Gard · #2 07-06-2006, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetalGoat

Me and my dad are taking a trip this summer across america and we are looking for possible places to visit. I was wondering if there were many guitar/bass factorys along the way that would give us a free tour. We'll be starting at Virginia going through Texas and possibly California. Any suggestions/recommendations as where to go?

Start going south, to NC, Greensboro for example....

steve21 · #3 07-06-2006, 02:08 PM

I don't know if it's free (I'd imagine/hope it is) but Chicago I believe has the Lakland factory.

dangnewt · #4 07-06-2006, 02:18 PM

The Gibson factory in Memphis has tours. This is where they make their semi-hollow bodied electric guitars - not sure if any basses are made there. Memphis is a great stop in itself - I highly recommend Graceland and spend some time at the clubs and restaurants on Beale.

Maybe not on this trip but not too far north of you in PA - the Martin factory has tours where they make their beautiful acoustic guitars.

spudmaster34 · #5 07-06-2006, 04:47 PM

I'm pretty sure that the lakland factory is in chicago, his son was in my school district (now graduated I think) He even donated a bass to the middle school.

MetalGoat · #6 07-06-2006, 05:41 PM

Memphis sounds pretty nice but chicago is definitely too far away from our path. Anyone know any places in the west?

dangnewt · #7 07-07-2006, 06:46 AM

Fender and Ernie Ball/Music Man are both located in California. You may want to check their websites or contact them directly about tours.

Rickenbacker is in California as well but their website indicates that they do not offer factory tours. Given how tightly Ric protects their trademarks, this is not a surprise.

ElBajista · #8 07-07-2006, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve21

I don't know if it's free (I'd imagine/hope it is) but Chicago I believe has the Lakland factory.

Yes, the Lakland factory is free to tour, and you can try out most of the basses!

I just wrote up a thread about my recent visit with pictures, HERE. I highly recommend you go there. They're great guys who are really helpful and informative.

I'd also suggest that you hit a few bass stores, such as Bass Club Chicago in Alsip, IL and Bass Northwest in Seattle.

There's the Carvin Factory in (I believe) San Diego, and the Barker Bass shop that's about 90 minutes (IIRC) from Portland, Oregon.

Off the top of my head I can't think of any others, but I'm sure someone will chime in.