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Shopping in California

Slaphound

Slaphound

Jun 16, 2003
2,988
1,235
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Staten Island, NY
#1
Hi Guys. I'm thinking about a trip to California with my wife this year and I started to wonder about California's bass guitar history. The electric bass was born in California and Fender and Ernie Ball both have factories there. Two of the more Iconic bass guitar manufactures in the world. The question is this. Are there a shops in California that have LARGE stocks of basses being they are born there? Im imagining shops that have large quantities of Fender, Music Man, G&L and more. Just to get a feel for the California/bass guitar manufactures world. I don't know if it's mainly a Southern California thing or if I could end up in San Francisco for the experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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#3
Slaphound said:
Hi Guys. I'm thinking about a trip to California with my wife this year and I started to wonder about California's bass guitar history. The electric bass was born in California and Fender and Ernie Ball both have factories there. Two of the more Iconic bass guitar manufactures in the world. The question is this. Are there a shops in California that have LARGE stocks of basses being they are born there? Im imagining shops that have large quantities of Fender, Music Man, G&L and more. Just to get a feel for the California/bass guitar manufactures world. I don't know if it's mainly a Southern California thing or if I could end up in San Francisco for the experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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There are several smaller shops which I’m sure have some gems, but for the brands listed Guitar Center is probably your best bet.
BTW, GC Hollywood just completed a major remodel and has always had an excellent Vintage room, so it would be worth a visit.
 
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#7
Slaphound said:
...California's bass guitar history. The electric bass was born in California and Fender and Ernie Ball both have factories there. Two of the more Iconic bass guitar manufactures in the world.
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Did we forget that there is another famous stringed instrument maker in So Cal, one that's been around far longer than any of those you've mentioned, and, perhaps, moderately important in the electric guitar history books? ;) :D
 
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#11
Zon is in Redwood City (northern CA). Gelb music nearby usually had a good number of high-end basses, including Zon. But they've changed ownership and last time I was there it was shell of its former self bass-wise.

Alembic is in Santa Rose, 2 hours north of SF. Don't know what they have on hand, but if you're thinking of heading up that way you might want to contact them. They're very accommodating.
 
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#14
red_rhino said:
Zon is in Redwood City (northern CA). Gelb music nearby usually had a good number of high-end basses, including Zon. But they've changed ownership and last time I was there it was shell of its former self bass-wise.

Alembic is in Santa Rose, 2 hours north of SF. Don't know what they have on hand, but if you're thinking of heading up that way you might want to contact them. They're very accommodating.
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Gelb does still have a fairly large selection of basses - they have a Lakland (Skyline HB-30) I've played and want.
 
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#16
red_rhino said:
Zon is in Redwood City (northern CA). Gelb music nearby usually had a good number of high-end basses, including Zon. But they've changed ownership and last time I was there it was shell of its former self bass-wise.

Alembic is in Santa Rose, 2 hours north of SF. Don't know what they have on hand, but if you're thinking of heading up that way you might want to contact them. They're very accommodating.
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I live 15 minutes from Alembic, and 10 minutes from Mesa Boogie. I am blessed. Alembic is VERY FUN to visit, as is Mesa. Call ahead and they'll do tours. Alembic always has a bunch of basses on the wall. My jaw drops every time I go there.
I also like Loud and Clear Music in Cotati, and of course Guitar Center San Francisco on Van Ness, where Kurt Cobain bought his now famous plastic guitar second hand. Like mentioned, Gelb Music in Redwood City (SF) always has high end stuff.
 
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#19
Slaphound said:
Hi Guys. I'm thinking about a trip to California ... Im imagining shops that have large quantities of Fender, Music Man, G&L and more. ...
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Not to throw shade on this, but the selection in California stores isn’t really any more than other areas. It isn’t like there's a Fender or Music Man showroom to peruse. Sorry thing that. That said, there are many fine shops — some of the best are small, with limited, focused selections catering to pros and industry. And plenty of manufacturers to tour, if that’s your thing.
 
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