Double Bass Reputable Place to Buy a Used Upright In/Near MA

[Fidel Cashflow]

Hey TB forums, first time poster, long time lurker. Not sure if this is the best forum to post in feel free to move or suggest a better section.

Anyway; I've been a bass player for many years, all electric, and I've recently been feeling the drive to learn the double bass. I've been doing a bunch of research and have a good idea of what I'd like to get. Thinking a nicer full laminate 3/4 bass. The problem I've been running into is I don't know of any reputable shops that sell good quality used (or new) lam. basses. I was recommended Upton Bass in CT and while their price isn't too bad for a new bass their lead time is about 4 months and was ideally looking to get one before then. Are there any players in/around the Massachusetts area that have any leads on good shops where I might find a bass? Thanks TB!

 

[MD]

You want to go here...
Basses [DB]
For Sale: Double Basses

Upton doesn't have stock, or not in your price range?
Odd!

 

[Fidel Cashflow]

You want to go here...
Basses [DB]
For Sale: Double Basses

Upton doesn't have stock, or not in your price range?
Odd!

Ahh thanks. I'll post on the double bass section (duh lol). And yeah unfortunately Upton has no laminates right now. Can only afford about 2,500-3000 : (

 

[Playbyear]

Older post, but not marked sold. It may be still available.

For Sale/Trade - Eberle Double Bass. 90's //Price Drop

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Theluthier.us in Ashfield.

 

[turf3]

George Bibler, Born Again Basses
Volker Nahrmann, Billerica
Mark Carlsen, Tewksbury

 

[mdcbass]

Mark Carlsen
The Set Up Shop-Welcome!

 

[kinnon64]

Zachary Martin in Pawtucket, RI

Good luthier and good person

zacharysmartin.com

 

[mdcbass]

Judging from the comments, this bass (in MA) might be worth a look.

For Sale/Trade - Eberle Double Bass. 90's //Price Drop

 

[mooseonbass]

I can’t say enough good things about Mark Carlsen, Volker Nahrmann has a lot of good stuff, Mark Leue in Ashfield has a good selection, Johnson Strings in Newton usually has a bunch of Shen’s. I’m outside of Boston, feel free to PM if I can help at all. There’s always something on CL here. Not always something good, but something.

 

[turf3]

Based on the website Johnson's appear to have scaled back their bass business to rentals only. I don't know if that's accurate, but I suspect they don't have a lot of stock like they did when they had the Bass Shop in Waltham some years ago.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

I spoke to Johnson several years ago when I was looking to sell a bass. They told me they no longer buy or sell basses.

 

[mooseonbass]

Yeah - I miss their bass shop, especially since I live in Waltham. They had a half dozen or so Shen's earlier in the year, they still have a dedicated bass room but it is really small - like phone booth small!

 

[garrett2]

Zachary Martin is great and you will know the set up on your bass will be as good as it gets.

 

[John Sprague]

I think that about covers it, Set-up Shop ( the inimitable Mark Carlsen), Zach Martin, Mark "theluthier.us" Leue, and of course Volker Nahrmann who showrooms a fantastic collection. All these guys are head and shoulders above most.

 

[garrett2]

And Mark Carlsen appears to have a Shen in your price range! He's also terrific.

 

[CayGee]

I live in Methuen 20min away from Mark Carlson, he did a great job on my laminate upright. Awfully nice man. When I picked up the bass we discovered that we were at Berklee at the same time in the late '70's. Small world.

 

[Dr. Love]

I'll give another recommendation for Mark Leue, and according to his website he has several very appealing laminates in stock right now.

 

[Sam Dingle]

Theluthier.us in Ashfield.

if this is mark leue's shop then yes he is great.

Mark Carlson is also great. I've used both. bought my Shen SB150 7/8ths from him but he shipped it to me. Mark Carlson is one of my favorite luthiurs in the world, always there to deal with you and your needs. I'd 100% be comfortable buying that great shen from him, but i'm sure Mark Leue has a bigger selection.

 

[brianrost]

As if Mark Carlsen needs another thumbs up, but I'm gonna do it anyway