I am going to San Diego next weekend with my wife. What are the happening shops. The threads I found are quite old. I know about Carvin. Where else should I go?
Since Bass Alone is mail-order only now San Diego is a bass wasteland! I honestly can't think of a store that would be different than what you have back home. Guitar Trader - nothing but low end Fenders and the like Guitar Centers - San Marcos is a bit better but that is 35 minutes from San Diego. La Mesa has a couple of Pedulla's, a few Modulus... Freedom Guitars - I don't even go there anymore Moze - a couple of basses Buffalo Bro's - up in the North County... very unpredictable number of basses but the prices are high Music Mart - a couple of G&L's See what I mean? Dan K.
IME Buffalo Bro's has always catered more to the acoustic market first, electric guitar market second. Basses come in dead last. Nonetheless, I've always had a good experience evrytime I walk into that store. They have outstanding customer service. And you can spend all day test driving instruments in their no-pressure environment. You could try to set up a tour of the Taylor factory if your schedules work out.
Dan is right. I wouldn't plan a weekend in SD for bass shopping - especially not with LA so nearby (not that i ever go up there to buy gear) Guitar Trader/Music Power DOES at least carry Mesa bass amps, not sure how exciting that is for you...
Thanks for all the info. It will still be a fun weekend. My wife is going to a seminar and I'll have some time to kill. The weather will be great compared to out 20 degree temps. Or as Peyton says "the weather here is sweet".
I would also recommend Buffalo Bros. They have a huge inventory of all types of instruments. I spent a long afternoon there during a family vacation and had a blast. I also play a few other stringed instruments, so there was a broad appeal for me, but it's cool to see so many instruments in one place. Great staff as well.
Azola is here in the greater San Diego area (Ramona). Steve Azola makes very nice EU Basses; I think you need to make an appointment to visit. Buffalo Brothers is a great place for guitar players to visit - not much there for bassists.
Yep other than the Carvin factory being here there really isn't anything special out here. Ooooo....new or old ones Dan? Jim
Thanks again for all the input. Two days and we'll be there. The weather should beat the snow storm we are having right as I speak.