Well, I've spoiled the surprise now but anyway...
I'm down in Hemel Hempstead on the outskirts of London for a course through work. As a result of a clerical error, I was sent down to the hotel on Monday afternoon only to be told later that day that the course was running on Wednesday and Thursday, so I was left with a free day with nothing to do (except to bill work back for wasting my time).
The lad I'm down with decided we should head into London and wander around. Armed with a day pass for the tube we set out looking to find the legendary Camden bass shop: 'The Gallery'. It's well known in the UK as the longest running bass shop and the home of Sei bass guitars. I even bought my Bogart Blackstone from them in 2017, though I bought it through their website and had it delivered.
The door was locked when we got there (and this is the norm). A quick knock and we were in, and man they don't waste a square inch in terms of packing in the stock. It is like Aladdin's cave in there.
I was lucky enough to speak with John Chapman, one of the two guys who builds Sei basses. I did remark that Sei are about the only English boutique basses that I haven't owned and I have always said that I'd get one at some point. If I can ever put down my Basslab L-Bow there may be room for another wooden bass in my life...
Near the back of the shop they had two SWR Redheads stacked together (one of the all time great amps). Next to that, a stunning Alembic Stanley Clarke signature model. What an absolute beauty to behold. I've played and owned Alembics in the last but never one that looked as good as this one. The finish looked like polished glass and the brass hardware was beautiful. It looked as though it hadn't even been played but it was a used bass.
Next to it was something even rarer and nearly twice the price, a 1998 Wal MK3 fretless six string. It was on hold for £12,500 so whatever you may think of the price, I doubt they had it up for that long and it's now on hold pending sale. This one has clearly been played over the years, the black painted control knobs were worn through to the bare metal and the wood in front of the neck pickup was worn down with a thumb mark.
Whilst it is stunningly expensive, I doubt you there any many fretless MK3 six strings out there and with the demand being what it is, it seems you can name your price if you have a rare one.
Overall, a fantastic day out and a trip well worth making. If only I hadn't been staying outside if London and travelling by tube I could have bought something!
I'm down in Hemel Hempstead on the outskirts of London for a course through work. As a result of a clerical error, I was sent down to the hotel on Monday afternoon only to be told later that day that the course was running on Wednesday and Thursday, so I was left with a free day with nothing to do (except to bill work back for wasting my time).
The lad I'm down with decided we should head into London and wander around. Armed with a day pass for the tube we set out looking to find the legendary Camden bass shop: 'The Gallery'. It's well known in the UK as the longest running bass shop and the home of Sei bass guitars. I even bought my Bogart Blackstone from them in 2017, though I bought it through their website and had it delivered.
The door was locked when we got there (and this is the norm). A quick knock and we were in, and man they don't waste a square inch in terms of packing in the stock. It is like Aladdin's cave in there.
I was lucky enough to speak with John Chapman, one of the two guys who builds Sei basses. I did remark that Sei are about the only English boutique basses that I haven't owned and I have always said that I'd get one at some point. If I can ever put down my Basslab L-Bow there may be room for another wooden bass in my life...
Near the back of the shop they had two SWR Redheads stacked together (one of the all time great amps). Next to that, a stunning Alembic Stanley Clarke signature model. What an absolute beauty to behold. I've played and owned Alembics in the last but never one that looked as good as this one. The finish looked like polished glass and the brass hardware was beautiful. It looked as though it hadn't even been played but it was a used bass.
Next to it was something even rarer and nearly twice the price, a 1998 Wal MK3 fretless six string. It was on hold for £12,500 so whatever you may think of the price, I doubt they had it up for that long and it's now on hold pending sale. This one has clearly been played over the years, the black painted control knobs were worn through to the bare metal and the wood in front of the neck pickup was worn down with a thumb mark.
Whilst it is stunningly expensive, I doubt you there any many fretless MK3 six strings out there and with the demand being what it is, it seems you can name your price if you have a rare one.
Overall, a fantastic day out and a trip well worth making. If only I hadn't been staying outside if London and travelling by tube I could have bought something!
