• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

The Bass Company

#305
I emailed them and this is their response from yesterday:

We've been providing support for basses that we made back in the mid-90s, so we'll absolutely do out best to provide support for our current stock. The company isn't shut down, but is currently hibernating. We're gearing up for what may be a liquidation sale that will transition us into the American custom shop.
Click to expand...

He doesn't say for sure that they are closing down the import business. I had the feeling even before the web site went down though that they were winding down.
 
#308
I dunno- they used to make fairly high-end, customized-standard-model basses. Then they shut that down, and it's a case of "we didn't just contract out to an Asian manufacturer, we started our own operation, trained people, to make high quality but affordable basses, as real craftsmen." Then --what, six months later?-- it's back to USA custom made.

I guess their American company is "hibernating." I guess the Chinese craftsmen are looking for work.

Liquidation pricing could be good though.
 
#312
full_bleed said:
They probably want the name to get a strong reputation for great quality which is usually achieved by making U.S. instruments.
Click to expand...
But that is what they were doing, and they shut that down to make Asian ones.
I presume that they'll end up doing something similair to MTD.
Click to expand...
Except that Michael Tobias had twenty years as one of the country's most respected bass luthiers, before he did European-, and then Asian-manufactured lines.
 
#313
tim oconnor said:
Sounds like trouble to me... It doesn't make any sense to supposedly proceed as a US custom shop, yet allow the domain name to expire (at a cost of $35). That is unless they will operate under a new name???
Click to expand...
Man, I totally agree with that, really sounds like trouble. You don't drop a domain name that was so totally identified with your core line of business, even if you intend to establish a new name/identity. $35 to any on-going business is meaningless .......

These guys came in here with guns blazing, sounded as though they were going to really make a major dent in the affordable bass market. Something is quite strange here ... :confused:
 
#314
I don't think they were able to create sufficient demand for their line. They only sold two basses from their eBay store in the last month.

Yesterday I got a new 400SS from another seller on eBay for $325. It was a seven day auction and I was the only bidder.
 
#320
Oh no! I was thinking of selling my JT500SS so I could get a fretless import TBC as I thought they were coming soon.

The 5-er is a great bass but I just don't play much 5 string. Do you think this will be a positive or a negative for the resale value if they discontinue the import line? Mine is practically brand new.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back