vmaxblues

Hi All, Just an update on my London trip. I found the Bass Gallery in Camden (eventually!) and was very impressed with the stock and the attitude of the guys there, what a refreshing change. Martin couldn't be more accomodating and made a decent cup of coffee too. This in my humble opinion is what a quality bass shop is all about, freedom to try any bass, left to mooch and plug in any amp, no pressure and a good atmosphere. I resisted the temptation this time to buy, but I will keep an eye on their stock on their website and would have no issue with buying from them in the future. Highly recommended. Stuart

Well, I am going to be there on Friday, so if you are around keep an eye out for a big guy in a black leather jacket drooling over the basses, that'll be me!

Thanks for that guys, The Gallery it is then!

Hi guys, Will be on London on Friday, any suggestions for places of bass related wonderment I should visit? Cheers Stuart

Excellent

Cheers for that. We are not a mega loud band, but we are a rock covers band at the end of the day, plus our new drummer is a very very loud player, which I think has accelerated the issue for me, and it is no surprise to me that it is my left ear that has the problem, drummers side! So, it will definately be either ER15,20 or 25. Cheers Stuart

Thanks for all the advice guys! So, which would be better, ER15, ER20 or ER25, I have an appointment booked with these guys and I will listen to their advice but I would appreciate your input. I have had both ears syringed yesterday, and a lot of wax removed, however I have still not got back full hearing in my left ear, it would appear that there is wax in the inner ear, so will have to go back again. Cheers Stuart

Cheers guys, Am ordering some er15's, thanks for the advice

Well, this is annoying, I have been stone deaf in my left ear and partially in the right for about 5 days now, and it is really getting me down. I am seeing the Doctor tomorrow (first available appointment) and I have been using wax softener in my ear for the last 3 days, and I am hoping that I will get my hearing back after having my ear syringed tomorrow, wish me luck. This brings me back to an old question, ear plugs or not, and I am drawn to the conclusion that it would be a really good idea, but which ones to go for and will it cut out too much thus making it difficult to play. Any advice would be very gratefully received. Cheers Eh? pardon, did someone say something?

It's simple, if he wants you back, he pays for the last gig first, and pays in full before you set up for the next.

Wow, some fantastic and very interesting responses there guys! thank you. I am doing a massive amout of research now and looking into the logistics of it. Basically I moarn the loss of decent back street shops, where they stock good second hand kit, well set-up kit, loads of spares and people on hand for repairs etc. Also, there is a room at the rear which would lend itself for teaching rooms or a small recording studio. Friendly is important too, people want to be sold to, to enjoy the whole experience, in my opinion Denmark Street deserves to fail after I visited it a few months ago. With people who plainly didnt want to help or thought they were rock stars. It would be pointless to compete on the cheap Stagg etc ranges, this market is saturated, I would rather find cheap interesting second hand instruments. I am thinking of aiming it at bands primarily, offering instrument hire too. Early days yet...... Will keep you posted

I know exactly where you are at, as I was there last year, the band I am in asked me to start backing vocals, and when I first tried it was disaster. But, I perservered, and that for me is the only key, practise and lots of it, now i sing at every gig without even thinking about it. However, they are now asking me to sing harmony lines.........back to practise, practise and more practise It really is the only answer, and it does come, trust me

I am currently considering opening a music shop specialising in guitar and bass for bands, there is a shop in my street which has become vacant and the rent is pretty low. It is only a small establishment. I know this isn't the best time for a start up, but it is an opportunity. I would keep my day job and my friend who would become joint business partner would run the day to day. So, questions: 1) What do you look for in a music shop? 2) What would you ideally like to see in a music shop? 3) How far would you travel? 4) Am I mad to consider this? I have 17 basses currently, plus lots of bits of kit I don't use anymore, my friend has 12 spare electric guitars, we are both capable of setting up the instruments and have contacts in music retail, So initial stock wouldn't be a major issue. I am a Director of a property development company and my potential partner is a painter, so shopfitting won't be an issue. The premises used to be a bookies so it is well alarmed and has steel doors. The two of us are well known locally in the music fraternity. Also the only band related shop that was in town has just closed due to retirement. There are two other music shops in town, one is basically a keyboard shop that does a few guitars, the other is a reasonable establishment that does a bit of everything and would be the only real competition. The fact that the two of us are regular gigging musicians will also help. Anyway, any useful comments would be appreciated.

I think we all need to be sent a copy to make a balanced judgement on this one. [email protected]