Double Bass Set-Up/Repair Shop in NJ?

[JJD]

I live in northern New Jersey, and I was wondering where I can get my bass re-strung, and set-up?

Thanks for any leads!

 

[Justin K-ski]

If you live in NJ theres a good chance you live somewhere close to a train station. If you live anywhere where it is possible to go into NY then you'll double your options.

Bill Merchant and David Gage are easy to find from penn station. For my bass, I'll pay the extra 40 bucks for train and subway tickets to have it done right.

 

[kraid]

If you live in NJ theres a good chance you live somewhere close to a train station. If you live anywhere where it is possible to go into NY then you'll double your options.

Bill Merchant and David Gage are easy to find from penn station. For my bass, I'll pay the extra 40 bucks for train and subway tickets to have it done right.

This is the truth. I've yet to find anyone that can compare to David Gage in NYC, and in my opinion, no one does a better job at setting up a bass than that shop.

However for bow rehairing and maintenance, I highly recommend Ron Forrester in New Jersey. David Gage actually send their bows to an outside source to do work.

 

[KSB - Ken Smith]

This is the truth. I've yet to find anyone that can compare to David Gage in NYC, and in my opinion, no one does a better job at setting up a bass than that shop.

However for bow rehairing and maintenance, I highly recommend Ron Forrester in New Jersey. David Gage actually send their bows to an outside source to do work.

Well, I haven't had work done at Gage's but Arnold (AES) has done about 4 restorations for me so far (set-ups included) and he's doing #5 for me now (Prescott) with #6 in the wings (Gilkes). I like his work and approach so much that it seems as if I go out and find Basses just so I can have him restore them and bring them back to life. I on the other hand usually do my personal 'tweek' at the Bridge and sometimes Nut until it melts in my hands but that's just my thing.

So, mapquest your favorite route and hit the road. No NYC traffic to deal with at Arnolds. Even though he is an hour further for me than NYC, I prefer the quiet drive to the city traffic.

 

[kraid]

Ken, I've never heard of this place to be honest. Do they have a website?

 

[KSB - Ken Smith]

Ken, I've never heard of this place to be honest. Do they have a website?

You don't know of Arnold Schnitzer? He posts here all the time. Here's his website; http://www.aesbass.com/comments.htm

Jeff Bollbach also posts here as well; http://www.jeffbollbach.com/

 

[Justin K-ski]

Good call KSB.

I've never taken a bass to Arnold but I've seen his work (in fellow TBer Tbeer's bass among others) and would highly reccomend him.

 

[drurb]

This is the truth. I've yet to find anyone that can compare to David Gage in NYC, and in my opinion, no one does a better job at setting up a bass than that shop.

Actually, good as Gage is-- and he is good-- I think Upton's setups meet or exceed Gage's work and for a whole bunch less $$$. Just my 2 cents. Mystic, CT would make a nice place for a weekend getaway for a NJ resident.