First Bass… does anyone remember going there?

[Iridescentone]

In the store he was a little worried about his inventory turning into NOS - he'd let you play a bass but he'd put sticky notes all on it to keep your hand from actually touching it. I understood, but it was offputting and made me think he wasn't turning his inventory as fast as he needed to.

Yeah I recall he was like that about his stuff. I don't blame him, he must have had a bundle tied up in inventory. And as you say that stuff doesn't move fast. I didn't ask to play any bass that I couldn't afford to buy in case I scratched one up. I stayed clear of his sup'd up Warriors especially, and also the cool pastel-colored Sadowskys. I did have a go at a Dingwall 4 Jazz though, just to see if I might like fanned fret ergos.

 

[Iridescentone]

My first bass was a Harmony H-27 semi-hollow. Paid $45 otd from a pawn shop in downtown Chicago in 1970. Looking back, it was actually a really nicely built bass. It had twin D'Armond Gold Tone pickups. Looked exactly like this pic below. I kept it for two years until I bought a '69 4001 from my bass teacher. I just left the Harmony at a friend's house, no clue what happened to it after that. Sorta wish I still had it, 'cos they're worth something nowadays. Back in the day Harmony guitars were built in Chicago. Used ones were everywhere, and could be had for cheap money there. (note the cool tort headstock facing)

 

[nixdad]

It was on S. Broadway in Denver Colorado. Boutique bass shop…

or did you all think I meant something else?View attachment 4454320

Yep, Mike Hawkins (or "Hawk" as everyone called him) was the owner. First Bass was one of the first 5 or so "Bass Only" shops to open up in the U.S. back in the 80's. Mike was our biggest Trace Elliot Dealer in Colorado in the 90's, and a good guy. He rubbed some people the wrong way with his opinions (don't we all sometimes,) but underneath he was good people.

To your original question (though I appreciate all the responses )...

While living in the Springs, I visited First Bass quite frequently. Always an interesting collection and a very narrow shop, if memory serves. Not far from Wedgles, where I did purchase a few things. Also not far from Caboose Hobbies (always fun to walk through), and then the Blue Bonnet for lunch to appease SWMBO.

As a side note, I did snap a picture of the first bass I ever bought. Started to remember the story surrounding its purchase...until I re-read Thebiggestjerk's original question...

Ahhh, the Blue Bonnet. That's where Mike would take us to lunch after our visits. Good stuff!

Dude! I worked at Alta Loma Music for a brief time right around the mid to late 80s. I always frequented that store. Hung out there a lot and knew a few of the people who worked there pretty well, including the owner. In fact, my avatar is a pic of me and the band I was in playing at Sam's Place on New Years Eve. Do you remember that bar? Right next to Sal's Pizza.

Pete Gamber's shop - not too far from home, and was always a fun place to visit with a lot of good gear and great people.

 

[Kipp Harrington]

Yep, Mike Hawkins (or "Hawk" as everyone called him) was the owner. First Bass was one of the first 5 or so "Bass Only" shops to open up in the U.S. back in the 80's. Mike was our biggest Trace Elliot Dealer in Colorado in the 90's, and a good guy. He rubbed some people the wrong way with his opinions (don't we all sometimes,) but underneath he was good people.


Ahhh, the Blue Bonnet. That's where Mike would take us to lunch after our visits. Good stuff!


Pete Gamber's shop - not too far from home, and was always a fun place to visit with a lot of good gear and great people.

Yep. Pete was such a cool guy! I always felt welcome in his store and he always took the time to speak with me... even with his hectic schedule.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

View attachment 4454673

That drum kit. Hoo boy. Tell me you played in the 80s without saying "I played in the 80s"

Awesome pic, by the way. Thanks for sharing.

My first bass was a short scale P-Bass by a Korean company named Regal. Have never been able to find much about the brand or bass since. It was an Xmas gift in 2000 that my mother had gotten from a family friend. Their son had taken up bass but never really used it.

I very much remember getting my first Squier P-Bass and, even more so, my first Fender (albeit a Standard) a few years later. Picking it out of the paper binder catalogue with the shop owner was a great day for me.

 

[GIBrat51]

It was on S. Broadway in Denver Colorado. Boutique bass shop…

or did you all think I meant something else?View attachment 4454320

No, I didn't think you meant something else.To answer the question; no, I've never been there. The very few times I've ever been to Denver (as opposed to holding my nose; praying to GOD that I survive the ordeal; and driving thru that... mess... as fast as I can) was to go deer hunting with a close friend who chose to live there. But, that was 50 years ago; and since he drank himself to death 45 years ago? No reason to spend any time there, anymore... Besides, I'd bet that there was no reason for a lefty to visit that shop, anyway...

 

[Hillcapper]

It was the situation of three guitarists and somebody had to step up!

isn’t that the story for so many of us!

 

[Thebiggestjerk]

To your original question (though I appreciate all the responses )...

While living in the Springs, I visited First Bass quite frequently. Always an interesting collection and a very narrow shop, if memory serves. Not far from Wedgles, where I did purchase a few things. Also not far from Caboose Hobbies (always fun to walk through), and then the Blue Bonnet for lunch to appease SWMBO.

As a side note, I did snap a picture of the first bass I ever bought. Started to remember the story surrounding its purchase...until I re-read Thebiggestjerk's original question...

the shop was tiny. Blue bonnet is still there I believe.

 

[bajodemierda]

I dig the thread.

But I did not dig that first bass.

It was a Carrera. Extra, extra import solid body. One J style pickup. I emphasize style.

The thing was neck heavy. The body was balsa wood. I chipped the headstock almost immediately with a floor tap.

It sounded like nothing. It was bland, flat, dead sounding. The action was a beast and impossible to adjust. Trying to do anything with the neck was pointless.

In retrospect it really would gave made a bad oar. I have no idea what happened to it actually. I got an old 'Vietnam' era Jazz copy a year later.

But that first $120 rip off at this skeevy pawn shop hidden behind a used car dealership started a love affair that dragged me to some very cool and very weird places.
PS- If anyone has one let's talk. I have some old shoelace, some gum, 62 cents and a few rusty strings from 1997 I found in a case in the closet.

 

[johndb]

I visited First Bass Denver many times in the mid '90s. Michael was a very interesting guy. I bought a beautiful Status 5 string fretless and an unbelievable Fodera Emperor 5 from him (still can't believe that I let the Fodera go). When he was in a manic mood he spoke in crazy character voices and was a really fun guy. He always had cool basses. It was kind of like his revolving collection. I found him on LinkedIn.

 

[Thom Fioriglio]

It was on S. Broadway in Denver Colorado. Boutique bass shop…

or did you all think I meant something else?View attachment 4454320

Yes! When I visited Colorado around 1990. At the time I was interested in an Ampeg scroll top fretless bass and they had several. Way above my price range, but a cool store to visit if in Denver. I assume it's no longer there?

 

[pcake]

it was 1995. i had been playing a loaner bass, and the owner wanted it back while i had a show scheduled. i went to west l.a. music - the original store on santa monica blvd, brought home a bass i didn't like, and the next day, i exchanged it for a bass i played in several bands for several years. and yes, i had the thumb rest added -

 

[Danny O Danny]

I grew up in Denver and haunted all of the music stores. I used to pop in to First Bass from time to time and shoot the breeze with the owner, Michael Hawkins--aka "Hawk" (I first met him when he worked at Robb's Music in Boulder). Interesting guy, very mercurial, very entertaining, great bass player. Initially his shop was in a tiny little space on Pearl St., and then he moved over to a bigger space on Broadway.

I put up a '78 Music Man Stingray for consignment at First Bass. After a couple of weeks Hawkins called and said it sold and I could come get my check. When I came in he said "You're never going to guess who bought your bass." "Who?," I asked. "Jeff Ament from Pearl Jam." (They had been in town doing a show). A few months later a photo of Ament was on the cover of Bass Player magazine playing *my* bass!

I've wondered from time to time what became of Hawkins. I recall he used to get very frustrated about the razor slim profit margins and encroaching competition from national retailers like Sweetwater.

There were a lot of interesting characters working at Denver music stores back in the day, before the coming of Guitar Center. Every store (and owner) was unique and often quirky. The cranky old guy at Pete's Music in LoDo who kept everything chained up to prevent theft. The cool guys at Prosound (where I got my first "real" bass amp--a Sunn 200S and 2x15 cabinet). The uptight guys at Rockley's. The hilarious dudes at Wedgles who had a treasure horde of rare and weird guitars and basses in the basement. Bobby's Music on Broadway with their puppets (where I bought an Acoustic 360 and a white '76 Tbird). Dave Barokas at Colfax Music (a really sweet old guy who used to dispense life advice)--and Ken Hensley from Uriah Heep worked there briefly. Anyone remember Fat Willy, the electronics repair guy who worked out of a house in a rough neighborhood and kept a handgun in the front pocket of his overalls? I think he eventually moved into a commercial space and called his business NBS (for "No Bullsh*t) Electronics.

Hawkin's shop was the first time I'd ever seen or heard of a store just for bassists. It was very cool and I appreciated what he tried to do.

 

[Hot Rats]

I remember all three of my "first bass" moments vividly.

 

[Ken R]

First base?
OK, here we go, we got a real pressure cooker going here,
Two down, nobody on, no score, bottom of the ninth,
There's the windup, and there it is, a line shot up the middle,
Look at him go. This boy can really fly! He's rounding first and really
Turning it on now, he's not letting up at all, he's gonna try for
Second; the ball is bobbled out in center, and here comes the
Throw, and what a throw! He's gonna slide in head first, here he
Comes, he's out! No, wait, safe-safe at second base, this kid
Really makes things happen out there. Batter steps up to the
Plate, here's the pitch-he's going, and what a jump he's got,
He's trying for third, here's the throw, it's in the dirt-safe at
Third! Holy cow, stolen base! He's taking a pretty big lead out
There, almost daring him to try and pick him off. The pitcher
Glances over, winds up, and it's bunted, bunted down the third
Base line, the suicide squeeze is on! Here he comes, squeeze
Play, it's gonna be close, holy cow, I think he's gonna make it!

First Bass?

 

[chadds]

Played upright in 9the grade. In those days you got to take a bass home for the school year. My teacher was Ted Theodore. Mitch Miller’s Bassist. He could bow and slap that thing.
In 11th grade My fellow student brought in one of those name basses to offer me. I took it home and couldn’t play it liked it but didn’t buy it. He had a sunburst tort 67 P. It was only one year old. His name is Mike. Mike Casady. His brother’s name is Jack. Yes that one.

My first bass was a Kapa sold by Veneman’s music. The neck came off during a concert. It was replaced by an early Gibson EBO with black pickup cover.

 

[P. Aaron]

An 80's Ibanez Studio. Nicely built bass active and passive. Tons 'o knobs and a decent player but, it had a fretboard piling up at the 12th fret and it was HEAVY. Kinda miss my 2002 Precision that replaced it. My current P-V and Dimension are about as nice as I could hope for.

 

[spike42]

At the risk of rerailing the thread back to original topic of First Bass Denver I lived and worked in Colorado
Springs during the '90s. Got interested in bass when we first moved to Colorado and quickly found The Music
Exchange on Weber, owned by Russ Spaeth. Great place, great people, and I bought some cool stuff there. Russ
really knew his vintage Fenders and I've long regretted selling the '65 L-plate Precision he sold me. Russ said
that since I seemed to love basses, I'd probably enjoy First Bass Denver....he was entirely correct

I was bedazzled by the selection of high-end stuff at First Bass. Music Exchange had lots of decent inventory,
new and used, but basses were only a small part of his business. But a place where I wasn't tripping over
guitars to find cool basses? Sign me up! I became a regular and the GAS fuse was lit. I'll spare the details
of stuff that came and went, but I had a blast. Over time, I was fortunate enough to get to know Mike a bit,
as we shared other interests such as cutlery.

Mike had a fine eye not only for bass gear, but knives in general. He was a truly discerning collector of Randall knives, in particular Randall Bowie knives with custom options. He taught me a lot about that aspect of knife
collecting and I was grateful for his council. I joined Rocky Mountain Blade Collectors and enjoyed attending
meetings with Mike.

I was sad when the store closed, which was right around the time I moved away from CO. We kept in touch
via email over the years but you know how that goes. Somewhere in my stuff I have a framed Ampeg ad from
an issue of Bass Player, with a picture of Hawk standing in front of the store (I remember when they did the
photo shoot) - Mike was an Ampeg dealer and they had an ad campaign with pictures of their top dealers at
that time. Cool stuff.

Anyways, what a treat to have a place like First Bass available locally - being able to play Alembics, Tobias,
Pedullas, etc, along with some really righteous vintage Fenders all under one roof.....amazing. I always felt
that my life was made that much better by knowing guys like Russ and Mike and I was grateful for the
opportunity. Now I just buy stuff from TB and/or Sweetwater...still fun but not quite the same

 

[chadds]

At the risk of rerailing the thread back to original topic of First Bass Denver I lived and worked in Colorado
Springs during the '90s. Got interested in bass when we first moved to Colorado and quickly found The Music
Exchange on Weber, owned by Russ Spaeth. Great place, great people, and I bought some cool stuff there. Russ
really knew his vintage Fenders and I've long regretted selling the '65 L-plate Precision he sold me. Russ said
that since I seemed to love basses, I'd probably enjoy First Bass Denver....he was entirely correct

I was bedazzled by the selection of high-end stuff at First Bass. Music Exchange had lots of decent inventory,
new and used, but basses were only a small part of his business. But a place where I wasn't tripping over
guitars to find cool basses? Sign me up! I became a regular and the GAS fuse was lit. I'll spare the details
of stuff that came and went, but I had a blast. Over time, I was fortunate enough to get to know Mike a bit,
as we shared other interests such as cutlery.

Mike had a fine eye not only for bass gear, but knives in general. He was a truly discerning collector of Randall knives, in particular Randall Bowie knives with custom options. He taught me a lot about that aspect of knife
collecting and I was grateful for his council. I joined Rocky Mountain Blade Collectors and enjoyed attending
meetings with Mike.

I was sad when the store closed, which was right around the time I moved away from CO. We kept in touch
via email over the years but you know how that goes. Somewhere in my stuff I have a framed Ampeg ad from
an issue of Bass Player, with a picture of Hawk standing in front of the store (I remember when they did the
photo shoot) - Mike was an Ampeg dealer and they had an ad campaign with pictures of their top dealers at
that time. Cool stuff.

Anyways, what a treat to have a place like First Bass available locally - being able to play Alembics, Tobias,
Pedullas, etc, along with some really righteous vintage Fenders all under one roof.....amazing. I always felt
that my life was made that much better by knowing guys like Russ and Mike and I was grateful for the
opportunity. Now I just buy stuff from TB and/or Sweetwater...still fun but not quite the same

Sorry for my continuation of the derail. Somehow "first bass does anyone remember going there?" sounds like something else. Something else that would have required a different spelling of bass. Again my deepest, heartfelt, sincere, unequivocal, unreserved, most profound, honored, head bowed, remorseful, grief stricken apologies.

 

[spike42]

Hey, I ain't the thread police, so it's all good......I was just funnin' around. It happens that I also remember
my first bass, which was a black Charvelle neck-through with pointy headstock. I bought it at a pawn shop in the Springs, along with a li'l Crate practice amp, for $200. I used to play drums, but one day woke up with a
hankerin' to see if I could play bass (having failed miserably at guitar). True story - I was trying to teach myself
how to play the thing when it stopped working one day - took it back to the place I got it, where they politely
informed me that the dang thing had a battery in it. Worked much better with a fresh Duracell and my journey
continued

BTW, along with the Charvelle, I also bought from an ebay seller...yikes

Larry Little's LEARN BASS GUITAR ON VCR

https://www.amazon.com/Larry-Littles-LEARN-BASS-GUITAR/dp/B00CWNS1ZY

Any other iterations of "first base" eluded me for quite some time, growing up as a fat kid in a small town out in the sticks........