Looking For Music Shop Recommendations (California)

[the feebler elf]

I took my first lesson on DB last night, and although I was too tired to care about much of anything besides spending some time with my daughter when I got home, I can't stop thinking about it this morning.

So the hunt begins.

I live in California's Central Valley, near Fresno. I have never seen a single DB stocked at any music shop around here, and I would really like to get my hands on a few before making any kind of decision. I do live within a few hours' drive of San Francisco and Los Angeles, so I'm sure that won't be a problem. Any California members care to recommend a reputable shop or two with a selection of entry-level laminate basses? I'd rather not spend more than ~$1500 at this point, so please keep that in mind.

Thanks!

[drurb]

Welcome to the dark side! I hope you've gotten a chance to read this.

[the feebler elf]

Originally Posted by drurb

Welcome to the dark side! I hope you've gotten a chance to read this.

Thanks! I have, which led me to my ~$1500 figure. It's also put the Shen SB80 at the top of my "to try" list.

I might add that I'm not necessarily averse to ordering a bass from, say, Upton - they seem to have a fantastic reputation. I've only played one double bass, and I'd really like to try a few before I commit, though.

[JeffKissell]

SF Bay area-

Steve Swan, Burlingame, CA (near SFO)
Gael McKeon, string bass studio, Berkeley, CA
Matt Bohn, the bass doctor, Felton, CA (near Santa Cruz)
Jeff Sahs, Sacramento, CA

Steve has a ton of basses and is a super nice guy. His showroom is a blast to spend time in. I think he's a Shen dealer also.

[the feebler elf]

Schedule permitting, It look like Steve Swan's is where I'll be heading next month.

Originally Posted by JeffKissell

SF Bay area-

Steve Swan, Burlingame, CA (near SFO)
Gael McKeon, string bass studio, Berkeley, CA
Matt Bohn, the bass doctor, Felton, CA (near Santa Cruz)
Jeff Sahs, Sacramento, CA

Steve has a ton of basses and is a super nice guy. His showroom is a blast to spend time in. I think he's a Shen dealer also.

[Jeff Schwartz]

Also check out Ifshin Violins while you're in the Bay Area (http://www.ifshinviolins.com/). Their house brand (Jay Haide) is very strong.

[JeffKissell]

Originally Posted by Jeff Schwartz

Also check out Ifshin Violins while you're in the Bay Area (http://www.ifshinviolins.com/). Their house brand (Jay Haide) is very strong.

Agreed, I played a couple of those basses at ISB SF in June.
-Jeff

[cjp3044]

Originally Posted by the feebler elf

I took my first lesson on DB last night, and although I was too tired to care about much of anything besides spending some time with my daughter when I got home, I can't stop thinking about it this morning.

So the hunt begins.

I live in California's Central Valley, near Fresno. I have never seen a single DB stocked at any music shop around here, and I would really like to get my hands on a few before making any kind of decision. I do live within a few hours' drive of San Francisco and Los Angeles, so I'm sure that won't be a problem. Any California members care to recommend a reputable shop or two with a selection of entry-level laminate basses? I'd rather not spend more than ~$1500 at this point, so please keep that in mind.

Thanks!

I don't know if you have already found something, but American Music at Fresno and Ashlan in Fresno has several DBs in stock -- used, but they are there.