Markbass distribution in the USA

[JustDavid]

I read your post six times before posting my remark, and I felt your comment was biased considering the context of the thread. The OP is an American, talking about the dominant US-based retailer's stranglehold on MarkBass, which then devolved into the notion of house brands. Every post prior to yours referred to the realities of Guitar Center and the US market, as well as shady small shop employees.

In this context, I just found it interesting that you saw "predictable American parochialism some TB members regularly exhibit." If a bunch of Canadians were talking about the exclusivity and house brand status of Traynor gear in Long & McQuade's, would you call out "predictable Canadian parochialism" if you could get the same amp from a retailer in the UK?

Not that I don't think it exists. If somebody posted, "MarkBass! I wouldn't even try out that Italian piece of crap! Remember Fiat? Fix it again, Tony? Nope, I'll stick with my dependable American Mesa, made in the good ol' USA!," that's parochialism.

You might not be comparing apples to apples. I'm fairly sure L&M owns Yorkville/Traynor; at the very least there are strong business ties between the two. Hoping it's not "Canadian parocialism" to point that out

They also sell MarkBass.

 

[BassmanPaul]

You might not be comparing apples to apples. I'm fairly sure L&M owns Yorkville/Traynor; at the very least there are strong business ties between the two. Hoping it's not "Canadian parocialism" to point that out

They also sell MarkBass.

Yes they do own Yorkville/Traynor. I've only ever seen one Mark Bass amp in the Scarborough store - a combo.

Paul

 

[steamthief]

You might not be comparing apples to apples. I'm fairly sure L&M owns Yorkville/Traynor; at the very least there are strong business ties between the two. Hoping it's not "Canadian parocialism" to point that out

They also sell MarkBass.

That's awesome, I had no idea! L&M is the only national chain I know of outside the USA, so I constructed a Canadian example to try to make a point in my earlier post.

I guess I have a little NAFTA bias going on!

 

[JustDavid]

Yes they do own Yorkville/Traynor. I've only ever seen one Mark Bass amp in the Scarborough store - a combo.

Paul

Thanks Paul; thought so but wasn't certain.

Bummer on the low supply of MarkBass up there! Perhaps because they come off the boat here, smart Maritimers snatch them up, then sell them to GC?

 

[JustDavid]

I think 'Free' Trade ignores us individuals trying to ship purchases across the border.

I do not know if MarkBass also has an exclusivity agreement with L&M, but it wouldn't surprise me. These things happen in business.

 

[steamthief]

I wish GC would replace Acoustic with Traynor.

 

[travep]

I know it's been beat to death...but I have to weigh in. I am fortunate to live a few miles away from the Bass Emporium here in Austin. I can say this honestly...I have never bought a bass or amp (and I've bought both) from John and gotten a "steal". What I have gotten, though, is honest advice from both his employees and him. I like doing business with them. They are honest and out to be profitable. I really respect that. John has told me before when GC (about 3/4 of a mile from his store) is going to beat him on price. I really respect that - and he'd be stupid not to b/c he knows I will go there and check the internet before I spend $1,500 on [dream gear here]. I trust him and I pay a fair price...but then, I don't think that the bulk of his business comes from the stuff that's carried in GC. Main point...the right locally owned shop will treat you better, give you better advice and guide you down a path we all follow...it's bad business not to. If yours is not doing you right...you should shop at GC or find another local shop (my pref).