How Did you Find Barker Bass?

Long-time TB'ers know that I am a bass newbie. My first post here was early this year, right after I bought my first bass -- a MIM Jazz.

Like most newbies, I was very enthusiastic about playing and literally vacuumed up every bit of bass literature I could get my hands on -- online, books, magazine, the whole 9.

In May, I ran across this review in Bass Guitar Magazine and was very intrigued. I went to the Barker website and read everything there and was even MORE intrigued. I sent Lee Barker an unsolicited email that bascially said, "You guys are doing great things and I wish you luck!"

Lee responded with an extremely gracious follow-up note and we began a dialogue. (As you read this forum, the common refrain is about what nice people Lee and his wife, Linda are. Believe it. If you look in the dictionary under the phrase "Wonderful Folks", their pictures ought to be there!)

Well, on the strength of his response and a gut feeling, I bought my own Barker bass -- and was not disappointed. It is everything people say it is and more.

Further down the line, Lee and I had more discussions and those led to him asking me to do some Sales/Marketing/Technology consulting work for the firm. I enthusiastically accepted and now I am the official "Barker Sales & Marketing Guy" ... and the official Barker Ambassador on Talkbass.com.

It's amazing how things work out but we are extremely pleased to see how this forum is taking shape here on Talkbass. Every now and then, the good guys DO win -- I've got my fingers crossed that it's going to happen for Lee!

 

What, you think I had a choice? My whole friggin' life I wanted to play accordion, but nooooooo. Dad would have none of it. He nixed my dreams of being a professional cowbell player very early on as well.

I'm still pitching the Accordion branch of Barker Musical Instruments. So far it's a no-go.

I have begrudgingly become a bass player. My only consolation lies in the knowledge that I'm the best player in the family.

 

It is true, Peter is the best bass player in the family. I can't disagree.

Of course, he is a wussy about rain and can't grow a proper beard, but he is a bass player than I am.

 

I'm also a better proof-reader.

 

Our children always disappoint us at some point. Now mine are sniping at each other and I am mostly disappointed that they agreed Pete is the better bassist. What I really wanted was for them both to claim best, then I could say I am second best. But no, they cordially came to accord. Alas, now I am a real cellar-dweller, the worst Barker Barker Bassist.

I just comfort myself with this thought:

At the end of the day....it gets dark.

Lee

 

My first contact with the Barker bass was on eBay. Yes, eBay. I then Googled for the website. Good thing for me! later, ron

 

My first experience with the Barker bass was when Lee brought the first prototype to our praise team rehearsal. The first one looked significantly different than the current version, complete with the mannequin foot as a tailpiece.

The idea was not new, but the approach was. Lee had a fretted 34” neck on a vertical bass, and he wasn’t in pain to play it. Being the craftsman that he is, he shortly had his first real prototype that he constructed in his shop. That is when the proverbial light bulb went on in my head. Now not only was it unique but it had style and substance as well. The sustain was endless, the tone was huge but not tubby.

I worked as the sales manager at Breedlove guitars at the time, and had seen instruments all over the world. It was apparent to me that Lee had something that was not only marketable, but really, really great. His attention to detail was evident even in the earliest models, but they continue to stun me. The tone has become more refined, full and articulate, with sustain forever.

I sold a few early on and as our new little guitar shop in Texas grows, I look forward to a point where I can sock some here regularly. Whatever reservations you may have, get past them and give this bass a try, you will be amazed.

Sincerely,
Steve Anderson
http://www.andersonguitargallery.com

 

Trip W. here. Sorry, I've been scarce, been busy with travel and family and pickin'. Mine found ME!!! Hee Hee!

 

I found out through an article in the Costco magazine and, being a bass player, had to check it out.

 

That Costco article is a story. It was written by Will Fifield, one of their writers, and he happens to be a bass player as well. They're everywhere!

There are 6 or 7--I forget--bass players in the Costco Universe who read the article and bought a Barker. Quite an amazing response.

The article was translated for the magazine's distribution in Puerto Rico. I have not shipped one there yet, but I haven't given up hope!

Canada and Germany remain the outposts of our wider distribution.

It's comforting to know that the web gives us an instant international presence. Meantime, I've got to go back and do some sanding.

Lee