Where to Shop for Basses in the Eastern Half of the Country

ISH guitars in Sarycuse is a really cool shop. Great bass selection

 

Parkway music in Clifton Park, NY used to have a pretty good selection. I haven’t been there is a few years, but I can’t imagine it changed much. They’re just north of Albany and right off of the thruway.

 

Bass Guitars for Sale - Premium Bass Store | Bass Club Chicago

I believe this counts as a large selection

 

Electric Bass - Page 1 - VSN Guitars

Not a Fender place, but do a little research on Bacchus, & you might just find yourself interested. Lots of fans, & I've yet to read a bad review on them.
VSN is in the Niagra Falls area (Canadian side), I believe.

 

You may want to call to see how many Jazz Basses they have, but Motor City Guitars near Detroit, MI. Also within an hour or so drive in Lansing is Elderly Music nowhere near as big in selection, but they often get some rare instruments there.




Motor City Guitar • "Musicians Serving Musicians" Since 1988

 

Sounds like a great idea.
Bacchus basses have so many finish options your head will spin, and according to everyone who owns one, the quality is top notch.
Other than that, depending on where you are in Vermont, you might try Up Front Guitars in Franklin, Massachusetts.
This Jazz bass might make you forget all about Fender.

 

The downside to this is that you’re going to spend a not insignificant amount of money searching for “the one” that may or may not be there. Even if it is there, it may be hiding behind old strings or a poor setup. Most places will only have 3-4 for you to try, if that. But I understand the appeal of the “hunt”. There are many times that I could just click “Buy Now” on Amazon instead of going out to several stores searching for whatever item.

 

The internet.

 

You need to take a trip to NYC - 58th street has thousands of instruments for sale on any given day.

 

Usually the return policy means you pay return shipping at least and after a few returns, they cut you off. Paying for a few returns can put you into Sadowsky Metroline or Valenti custom territory. If you’re not set on Fender, I’d go one of those two routes.

 

Sounds like a fun tour. You could start a Fight Club in every city!

 

http://www.newjerseyguitarandbasscenter.com/
New Jersey Guitar and Bass Center has a nice selection. He does favor cash deals.

 

There is also fellow talkbasser, Jive Sound, although he is down in Virginia.
Jive Sound - The Bass Capital

Northeast Music Center in Scranton PA carries a nice selection of G & Ls
Northeast Music Center Inc.

 

Aren’t there at least half dozen stores, including a GC in and around Burlington?

 

Which stores are on 58th?