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Bass store Tokyo?

#6
when you go to Bass Collection, if you can, take a look at the Freedom Custom Guitar Research Dulake, Providence ARB, and I doubt they have it but Wood Custom Guitar.

Wood Custom is incredible. It's on par with my Guardian and that blows away all the non Fender bass and I have some serious high end stuff. After I got the Guardian, my brand new Dingwall Z3 sits in the case. The Wood Custom is on par with the Guardian. If Wood Custom could get a hold of the Aluminous pickups and Guardian preamp, it would be the best I could own. (that isn't going to happen since the Guardian pickups and pre are way too expensive)

The guy who makes it, is only 30 or so years old. For 3 grands USA, you get a totally handmade guitar. Tone wood makes no difference? People who say that haven't played the Wood Custom, Guardian or the Freedom.

Anyway Bass Collection has a bunch of really high end stuff. I hope you enjoy it !!
 
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#9
I second Bass Collection (in Shibuya, run by Ikebe) and Bass Planet (Ochanomizu). Have bought from them often. If you are going to visit Bass Collection, also check out Grandy’s? which is another Ikebe store about a block away from Bass Collection. They have less super boutique stuff compared to Bass Collection, but you’ll find plenty that’s interesting including a nice inventory of effects pedals if you are into that stuff too. Key Shibuya is next Grandy Ikebe, and I believe they have a pretty good relationship with Sugi Guitars.
 
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#11
Jim C said:
My wife is going to Japan in July.
Is there any deals to be had by buying a bass there to bring back to the US?
Click to expand...

bring your passport, and get tax free at Ikebe and a bunch of other places (I believe Miki still offers that too)

If you are in Osaka, Ikebe Shinsaibashi has some really nice high end stuff. The manager there knows his stuff.

Osaka also has Shimamura Umeda store. That place has the Wood Custom Guitar basses. That is one bass you have to try if you are out there.

Fiscal year ends March 31st so now is a good time to visit. They have sales from late Feb to late March.
Sept and October is also good months. Obviously if you come on last day and first day of the year and you're willing to freeze you titties off and wait in line, almost all the stores have sales. Personally I dont recommend it. Too competitive and not worth it for me.

Personally I just scan the stores online every now and then and if my return trip coincides, I ask them to keep it on hold for a week or so. There are lots of deals that don't go on the internet so your best bet is to go there when and if you can.

Right as of this minute, Ikebe has a Moon JJ5 CTM used for about 1500 USD. That one is a steal. Also the Providence ARB used on sale for 1600 is a real steal. Sadowsky Metro 5 24, R5 24, and 4 24 for 2000 - 2400 USD is a good one too.

Before you buy, you should try it out. I buy blind but I don't recommend you do it.
 
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