Good bass shops in DC or Carolinas/Georgia/Virginia?

jivesound.com is in Alexandria,Va about 7 miles from D.C. not so accesable by metro(subway), only open Fri and Sat for few hours, check the store hours on the website.

 

Oh, I just thought of another one, Atlanta Bass Gallery in Georgia!

 

http://www.jivesound.com/home/ here in Northern VA - about a 15min cab ride from D.C.

Only limited opening hours or by appointment, so check out their gear and then call ahead or e-mail.

Hate to say it, but Guitar Center is somewhere my UK mates always enjoy a rummage through. However, I'm just back from the UK, where some of the prices on Fender's and Gibson are no different than ours over here as the result of favorable exchange rates and the recent price rises. I was talking to one store (who will remain nameless) who spent the first part of the year shipping gear to the US!

So if it's 'standard', available in the UK gear your looking at buying do a price check before you buy over here!

I'm about 20mins from D.C. myself - feel free to pm me if you want any more info on what to do or see!

 

After avoiding all Guitar Center locations for about 5 years, I finally went to the one in Greenville, SC in my search for my first non-crappy bass. To my surprise, all of the employees I dealt with were helpful, attentive, knowledgeable and friendly, yet they let me take my time and didn't show a trace of condescension (even though I'm obviously no expert bassist). Their selection was impressive, too, even for GC.

By all means, go for the locally owned Mom & Pop music stores. But if you happen to pass through Greenville, SC, don't hesitate to visit the "monster."

 

Jivesound and Rocketmusic

 

There's a place called Chuck... somethings (I forgot the guy's last name) that's good. I've ordered expensive stuff from them and they were quick and helpful. They have some good stuff on the floor to play with too.

 

Molan,
I live in Rockville MD just outside of DC and restore / ride old Kawa triples.
Washington Music Center (Chuck Levin's) is a very large store that might be worth a look but limited boutique items. Also have a GC very near by.
Send a PM if you want a riding / bass shopping partner.

 

Atmoic Music in Greenbelt MD. Best used gear ANYWHERE. I'm going there tomorrow myself!

 

If you're coming through southwestern Virginia, plan a stop in Blacksburg to see Greg at Rocket Music, you will not be disappointed!

 

Yeah that's it! Chuck Levin's!

 

When you leave Charleston, SC, head toward Greensboro, NC.

Roscoe Basses is there ...... and Don's Music City. Well, in truth there are several good stores in the area ... and yes a GC.

Then you're only about and hour and a half south of the Blue Ridge Parkway.


Matt

 

Atomic is my favorite used gear place on the whole world. So much stuff to sift through.

 

Stay Away From Chuck Levins!! That place introduced me to Ken Smith basses and my life has sucked ever since. Gas is not good!

Actually, its a pretty cool store. And I'll own a Smith one day.

 

Last time I was there they had a big wall of great amps to try out and mix together. It was nice.

 

+1 Rocket Music.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is beautiful and it's close to Rocket Music in Blacksburg,Va.
Dan
www.rocketmusic.net
http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/map3.htm

 

Check with Bass Central to make sure they have the "stock" item you are looking for. Half of what is on their website is not actually in stock. A lot of people on this list love them but I find them to be the master of the " bait and switch"

 

theres Alpha Music in Virginia Beach but I dont know that it will be on your way, it seems like youre going to be more out west