East Coast Bass Shops
 

So, I'm driving up and down the east coast with my kid to look at some universities... from Raleigh/Durham NC to Providence RI. Now, I'm a complete left-coaster so I don't know of any bass shops out here... Any favorites? Place that I can't leave the east without visiting???

I have lived not far from Rhode Island in Southeastern Massachusetts for over 50 years. Sadly, there really aren't any bass shops anywhere in the area. In fact, there really isn't a good music store either. It's very frustrating when you walk into a store and they only have 5 to 10 low priced basses and a couple of small combos in stock.

Bass Specialities - PA
Rudy's - NYC
NJ Guitar & Bass Center - NJ
Jive Sound - VA (or MD, I don't remember)
Rocket Music - MD (or VA)

Bass Specialties Bensalem, Pa. just north of Philadelphia, Pa. http://www.bassspecialties.com/ directions at the bottom of the first page of their website.

no real bass shops, but there are a few music and arts/guitar centers down in raleigh/durham. - i live in cary

Westchester Music in Westchester PA is an absolute gem. Fab top line gear and great staff.

+1 to the first three. I am not familiar with the other two. NJ Guitar and Bass is in Edison, NJ, about 5 minutes off exit 10 of the NJ Turnpike. Unbelievable, some of the coolest stuff you will ever see in an 800 square foot store. The owner is Jay, great guy!

In Providence, RI, be sure to check out Empire Guitars on North Main St.

http://www.facebook.com/empireguitars?fref=ts

They have tons of cool and interesting vintage guitars, basses, and amplifiers. You'll find things like Rickenbackers, old Fenders, Gibson Rippers, Ampeg fliptops, Vox amps, Old Kustoms. They also have a nice selection of effects pedals, too.

It's hard to leave that place without finding anything you'd like to take home with you.

Rocket is in Blacksburg VA. You can always visit their forum here on TB: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f192/

I've done a bunch of business with Greg - great guy and they have two stores now (although the 2nd is brand new and may be "in Progress")

...and if you're in the Raleigh/Durham NC, it's just a short trek to Roscoe Guitars in Greensboro - give Gard a call and you can tour the shop.
Roscoe TB forum: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f153/

+1 I have spent untold fortunes in there. Scott recently sold it to one of his faithful employees so should be the same as it ever was. I drive an hour and a half to get there and it's worth it. Last time I was there I was saying I have too many basses I had 14 at the time. A guy noodling around on a PRS in a low shallow voice said I have over 100 PRS's. Made me feel so much better!

Wow, looks like Bass Specialties and Empire Guitars are right near two of my stops... Thanks and keep 'em coming!

Really? It's basically an extension of their pawn shop. Every time I have been there they have had about 5 guitars and they were all over priced.

You'd probably love Roger's shop in Long Island City, just across the river from Central Park. It'd be worth it to make an appointment to stop by Fodera in Brooklyn, too. I know they're not stores, but it'd be fun.

If you go to Pennsylvania you can look up www.Dipintoguitars.com Chris Dipinto is Luthier of guitars and basses/..

If you go to Woodstock NY try Spector www.spectorbass.com

If you're in the Atlanta area there's the Atlanta Bass Gallery. Jim Rubio is a real nice guy who gives good prices, is real helpful, and someone in that shop could answer pretty much any question you might have.

i love NJ Bass and Guitar located in Edison, NJ. Jay is a first class businessman and very knowledgable musician!

In the last few months, I visited the following two places for the first time and would call both essential:
-- New Jersey Guitar and Bass Center in Edison, NJ (already mentioned at least twice in this thread).
-- Action Music in Falls Church, VA. I'd never seen the place mentioned on TB. A friend took me there a few weeks ago. GREAT selection of basses, many vintage.

Go to Foxwoods and win yourself a new bass!

Yes, really. I stand by my take on the place. Totally worth a visit if you're into vintage gear.