• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Double Bass Repair Shop Recommendations in LA?

J

jebo

Apr 25, 2009
109
10
#1
Hello folks,

I've recently moved to LA and I don't know anyone! Not to mention it's hard to meet people due to covid.

Are there any local LA players here that can recommend the best string repair shop in the city? If they specialize in basses then that would be great. I've found The Stien on Vine in a google search and it looks great but I'd like to get recommendations.

Thanks!
 
#3
Don Kasper said:
Lisa Gass at LA Bassworks is at the top of the list. IMFO.
Welcome to LA.

Los Angeles Bass Works: Home Page
Click to expand...
First time my bass needed a repair when I was in college, Darek Oles right away asked “did you make your appointment with Lisa yet?”

But LA Bassworks is really at the top of list in LA. Welcome to LA! Sam First seems to be doing in person concerts, so if you’re willing to make the schlep out to the entrance to LAX that might be a good spot to meet people. Especially now with the Blue Whale being gone.

https://www.samfirstbar.com/upcoming-shows
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: jebo
#4
welcome! i’ve been meaning to take my mockingbird in to Future Sound in Highland Park. The tech there used to work at sunset customs in the 90’s and i’ve heard nothing but great things.

There’s also Old Style in Echo Park that has come highly recommended for setups and what not.
 
#5
Welcome...

Along with Lisa (great) and Stein (plenty of history there) there's also Charles Liu (who is now in the Valley) and Denisa Hannah in West Hollywood, and Ralph Alcala and Jason Brown in South Bay/Orange county. Plus some great bow people like Brianna Goldberg.

Plenty of options.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jebo
#6
I'm going to get excoriated for this suggestion (given the feelings that several people have expressed), but you also have an option with FMI (Fantastic Musical Instruments) in Pasadena. It may not be for ultra high end instruments, but if you want some basic work done quickly, they're there.
 
#7
Just fyi - I've known FMI and Tom for many years. Tom's a good guy with decent prices and has improved the quality of instruments he carries (Shens, Eastman, Christopher etc) His basic set ups for the basses he sells are fine and his shop would be fine for minor work. A friend of mine just bought a 5/8 Shen bass from him that's fabulous. But I would hesitate before taking serious repairs there. (Denisa Hannah does his bow repair/rehair)
 
#8
Sean Riddle said:
First time my bass needed a repair when I was in college, Darek Oles right away asked “did you make your appointment with Lisa yet?”

But LA Bassworks is really at the top of list in LA. Welcome to LA! Sam First seems to be doing in person concerts, so if you’re willing to make the schlep out to the entrance to LAX that might be a good spot to meet people. Especially now with the Blue Whale being gone.

https://www.samfirstbar.com/upcoming-shows
Click to expand...


Thanks!

I'll go to Sam's First for sure. Do you know of any other shows happening right now? I assume there will be more after June 15th...
 
#9
LouisF said:
Welcome...

Along with Lisa (great) and Stein (plenty of history there) there's also Charles Liu (who is now in the Valley) and Denisa Hannah in West Hollywood, and Ralph Alcala and Jason Brown in South Bay/Orange county. Plus some great bow people like Brianna Goldberg.

Plenty of options.
Click to expand...

Thanks for this!... I'll definitely check out LA bass works. I'm currently in West Hollywood though so I might as well check out Denise Hannah. I can't find anything when I google her. What's her shop called?
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back