ras52 Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 Hi, I'm down in the SE corner of Greater London and am in search of that special dangerous place for my wallet to visit. I see that Bass Direct gets a lot of love here but is a bit far to go unless it's for something [i]very[/i] special. Bass Merchant however is - traffic permitting - a more doable 1.5 hours away. A visit would still be a serious venture, but potentially worthwhile. What I'm looking for is somewhere with a wide range of instruments in the £500-1000 range (and maybe higher to tempt me). Bass Merchant's website suggests it fits the bill... am I right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreeneKing Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 (edited) I'd recommend the Bass merchant certainly. Nice guys, great basses and a free coffee Enjoy. Oh and I've a Sandberg PM5 I need to add to my sig. Guess where that came from Peter Edited January 9, 2011 by GreeneKing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 From what I`ve read on various posts on here, it would seem well worth the trip. I am in fact thinking of taking the trip there myself (1hr plus) just to have a look around (and hope I don`t buy anything whilst there - the cursed GAS). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 Definitely worth the trip. Nice shop, excellent selection of gear, cups of tea/coffee/hot chocolate, and great service. On top of that the prices are also great. Enjoy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raggy Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 I sent a couple of emails enquiries year, but no response. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
algmusic Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 [quote name='Raggy' post='1083956' date='Jan 10 2011, 09:59 AM']I sent a couple of emails enquiries year, but no response.[/quote] I'll be honest, all the music shops I know that are great on the CS in person and on the phone are usually awful on the email. I've no problem there. If I'm buying new or local, they are my 1st choice. They know their stuff and leave to fine what YOU want. Good bass servicing there also Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRockinRoadie Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 (edited) I love going up to Bass Merchant, originally im from colchester, so it gives me and excuse to see family and whatnot. Staff are great, and the products stocked are always fantastic! For general musical interest, its also worth going to Music Warehouse is town, but dont buy anything as they have a tendancy to rip people off bigtime! Edited January 10, 2011 by TheRockinRoadie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 (edited) [quote name='Raggy' post='1083956' date='Jan 10 2011, 09:59 AM']I sent a couple of emails enquiries year, but no response.[/quote] I have a feeling they get a massive amount of emails as sometimes it takes a day or so to get a response. Usually I get a response within a few hours Definitely give them a call because their prices are fantastic. Edited January 10, 2011 by Musicman20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ras52 Posted January 10, 2011 Author Share Posted January 10, 2011 [quote name='Musicman20' post='1083941' date='Jan 10 2011, 09:34 AM']Definitely worth the trip. Nice shop, excellent selection of gear, cups of tea/coffee/hot chocolate, and great service. On top of that the prices are also great. Enjoy![/quote] You got me at hot chocolate... if they have nice basses that's a bonus. :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 I would call them though. Just to see that what they advertise they still have. Not a pop at this shop, I'd do this to all shops I was travelling a distance to. Very good to talk to on the phone.. and I agree a lot of shops are, GAK, BassD etc etc .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris2112 Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 [quote name='GreeneKing' post='1083597' date='Jan 9 2011, 09:01 PM']I'd recommend the Bass merchant certainly. Nice guys, great basses and a free coffee Enjoy. Oh and I've a Sandberg PM5 I need to add to my sig. Guess where that came from Peter[/quote] Peter, I can't believe you have an ACG and a Status Empathy bass. You have great taste in basses! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreeneKing Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 One does one's best Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fraff Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 +1 to all the Bass Merchant love. They're great at letting you explore and pick things up to play, and offering good advice without ever being too "sell-y". Recommended. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantomnin Posted January 14, 2011 Share Posted January 14, 2011 The Bass Merchant is brilliant. I've bought stuff there and they are always happy to let you try stuff out, and they don't stand over you either. It has a really interesting selection of basses. Hugely recomended. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niceguyhomer Posted January 14, 2011 Share Posted January 14, 2011 I have no luck with BM - every time I ring to buy something, they never have what they advertise in stock That said, I have bought some stuff off them and always get good service. I'd like to visit their shop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreeneKing Posted January 14, 2011 Share Posted January 14, 2011 [quote name='niceguyhomer' post='1088903' date='Jan 14 2011, 08:13 AM']I have no luck with BM - every time I ring to buy something, they never have what they advertise in stock That said, I have bought some stuff off them and always get good service. I'd like to visit their shop.[/quote] If you ever go down there Alan give me a shout. It's homers for me and if you like great fish and chips I can be your guide Peter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bottle Posted January 14, 2011 Share Posted January 14, 2011 [quote name='Phantomnin' post='1088870' date='Jan 14 2011, 06:03 AM']The Bass Merchant is brilliant. I've bought stuff there and they are always happy to let you try stuff out, and they don't stand over you either. It has a really interesting selection of basses. Hugely recomended.[/quote] And that for me is the mark of good service IMHO. I hate it when I go into a music shop and the sales assistant is hovering like a fly to make sure you don't mess up their wonderful display. I went to Bass Merchant back in November to look at a Cort and got to spend about an hour in there just trying the bass though my head into a one of several cabs (an Ampeg 8x10, a Gemz Neox 2x12 and something else - name escapes me for the moment). Darren and Chris were exceptionally friendly and really just left me alone - so much so, that when I've scraped the cash together later this year, I'm going back. HTH, Ian PS if you're up for a trip soon, I can always be persuaded to join in Mmmmm.... Stingrays Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truckstop Posted January 14, 2011 Share Posted January 14, 2011 Depending on where in london you are, Bassdirect's only an hour and a half up the M40. I'm St. Albans and I can crack it in about 1hr 45 on a good day! I'm one of those who can't pracise Bassdirect enough though! Truckstop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted January 14, 2011 Share Posted January 14, 2011 (edited) [quote name='Bottle' post='1089323' date='Jan 14 2011, 01:39 PM']And that for me is the mark of good service IMHO. I hate it when I go into a music shop and the sales assistant is hovering like a fly to make sure you don't mess up their wonderful display. I went to Bass Merchant back in November to look at a Cort and got to spend about an hour in there just trying the bass though my head into a one of several cabs (an Ampeg 8x10, a Gemz Neox 2x12 and something else - name escapes me for the moment). Darren and Chris were exceptionally friendly and really just left me alone - so much so, that when I've scraped the cash together later this year, I'm going back. HTH, Ian PS if you're up for a trip soon, I can always be persuaded to join in Mmmmm.... Stingrays[/quote] This exactly. You dont get any 'these are the best blah blah' in the world. They just let you make your own decisions or show you what is popular eg the Aguilar DB 12 cabs. They seem to have a good balance of popular items, beginner items, boutique items, and lovely high end rare items. I tried the RH450 expecting not to like it....I was totally wrong. Love it. I think Darren is the most patient chap ive ever had the pleasure of doing business with. Hence, I go back. Edited January 14, 2011 by Musicman20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggy Posted January 14, 2011 Share Posted January 14, 2011 Hi, Would add my agreement to all the above. Great shop, not on the high street so not full of widdlers and I have spent many an hour trying stuff out. Only downside, more often than not have to explain to Missus why I NEED......... Eggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonunders Posted January 14, 2011 Share Posted January 14, 2011 +1 to all of the positive comments above. Brought my amp from them, very helpful and friendly but not pushy. Would definitely recommend a visit. Jon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ras52 Posted January 14, 2011 Author Share Posted January 14, 2011 [quote name='Eggy' post='1089349' date='Jan 14 2011, 02:04 PM']Only downside, more often than not have to explain to Missus why I NEED.........[/quote] You might like to read this: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=118516"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=118516[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bottle Posted January 14, 2011 Share Posted January 14, 2011 [quote name='jonunders' post='1089387' date='Jan 14 2011, 02:42 PM']+1 to all of the positive comments above. Brought my amp from them, very helpful and friendly but not pushy. Would definitely recommend a visit. Jon[/quote] Yep, it's where I got my GK, 18 months ago now (and still great) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggy Posted January 14, 2011 Share Posted January 14, 2011 lol @ras52 Eggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 More praise for The Bass Merchant. Spent about 10/15 mins on the phone on Monday with Chris discussing two cabs, a TC Electronic BC410, and an Eden Nemesis N410RS. After the discussuion about performance/specs etc, , plus Chris`s opinion, having heard both, I decided on the Nemesis, and on Mon eve ordered a 4 ohm version on-line. Anyway, I had a bit of a re-think, as my head is 450 watts into 4 ohms, and may want another cab as well at a later date, plus the db sensitivity of the 410 is 104, so the 8 ohm hopefully should be ok, as well as giving me more options. Phoned late Tuesday afternoon to change the order. No problem at all. Wednesday morning it turns up. Superb service, and having spent an hour and a half playing through the cab, money well spent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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