High-end basses

[lamarjones]

Where in NC?

Roscoe, MTD, F Bass, and Ken Smith.

Takes care of the non-Fender types in 35, 34.5 and 34 in scale. You could also do Sadowsky Metros and Lakland Skylines, not that their higher end models aren't all that.

 

[Margus Alviste]

Can't go wrong with MTD or Sadowsky!

 

[tmoney61092]

Where in NC?

Roscoe, MTD, F Bass, and Ken Smith.

Takes care of the non-Fender types in 35, 34.5 and 34 in scale. You could also do Sadowsky Metros and Lakland Skylines, not that their higher end models aren't all that.

He's in High Point right off eastchester close to Main Street, I've been in there before

 

[Nephilymbass]

I live in NC and I personally wouldn't reccomend investing in stocking your store with lots of high end instruments but a few would be good. I would concentrate on certain lines for. Certain brands.

I've had 4 high end warwicks, all purchused from guitar centers super cheap because of lack of interest from customers. So I wouldn't recomend them because your not going to make money on them.

One brand Im really curious about is ns design. I was able to try their full scale electric upright and it was amazing. I've been wanting to try an omni bass or a cello for a while but no one has them around here. My wife is also a violin player who might buy a ns violin.

IMO high end here isnt high end elsewhere. Most gigging bass players in NC play basses under $1500. I see lots of mm stingrays(which is probably the most coveted), modded fenders, recently a few Laklands and specters. The rest play ibanez or esp/ltd.

Having had several basses in the $2000-$5000 range in all honesty if I was to spend that much again it would most likely be for a custom built instrument.

Considering most music stores around here sell cheap beginner gear if it was me I would stock my store with Ernie balls, a bunch of mim fenders along with bad ass bridges, and plenty of pickups for the fenders. Even with all the basses Ive had I still want a new fretless jazz bass the thing is I never see fretless basses other than the squire vintage modified ones. Also even though I play a 7 and like 6 strings for business sake I would concentrate on 5 strings with a few 4 strings. Around here there are tons of bassists that range from metal to country bands that are now playing 5s. The few I see playing 4s are ussually modded mim fender basses with upgraded bridges and pickups ranging from everything from bartolini to Seymour Duncan.

 

[Nephilymbass]

Btw pm me your store name and address I'm near ft Bragg but I go out of town as far as Raliegh and Wilmington about every other week.

 

[GG Allin]

As far as high end bass companies go...you'll have to wait for them to come to you.

 

[StuartV]

Another vote for G&L. Top shelf basses that are hard to find in stores.
Another vote for Ernie Ball MusicMan - Stingrays and Sterlings (unless you have a GC nearby that is stocking them)
I'd say also 1 or 2 Fender American Standard or Deluxe models, just so customers can play them back to back with your other basses. I think that's the only way you'll sell to people who come in with Fenderitis

Also, you need rigs.

Ampeg tube heads (SVT VR and maybe SVT 2 Pro) and an 810 cab and a 410HLF cab
Bergantino cabinets
Aguilar amps and cabs
Mesa/Boogie amps and cabs
Ibanez Promethean amps/cabs/combos
Markbass (unless nearby GC)
Genz Benz amps and combos

 

[bassplayer1960]

pedulla's particularly the MVP and buzz (fretless). Also anything from Rob Allen. RAs sell blazingly fast as used items on TB and Ebay and do not appear that frequently.

Good Luck!

 

[phillybass101]

Brubaker. You owe it to yourself to check them out.