bassbags. RIP.

[NickA]

It seems that Bassbags has gone belly up.

 

A friend took his bass to them for restoration and sale on comission...then thought to check the company's finances.   

 

Failed to submit accounts so threatened with strike off.  Heavily in debt; debt greater than value of stock.  Now called in a liquidator.

 

It's a real shame as they've been a useful local resource for me.  Always friendly and full of advice and a useful place to buy bits and bobs.

 

Anyway.... don't order anything from them, you'll probably not get it.

 

...but watch out for a liquidation sale of mid range basses!

[Rosie C]

That's a real shame. Although I live in south wales, after my local luthier stopped taking in basses, Dave at bassbags has been my go-to guy for maintaining my double bass - most recently reaming the body for a new end pin. 

 

 

[Burns-bass]

1 hour ago, Rosie C said:

That's a real shame. Although I live in south wales, after my local luthier stopped taking in basses, Dave at bassbags has been my go-to guy for maintaining my double bass - most recently reaming the body for a new end pin. 

 

 

 

I'd recommend @tommyjamesallen in Bath. Fantastic work and really good prices.

 

As for Bassbags, tis a shame.

[Rosie C]

16 minutes ago, Burns-bass said:

 

I'd recommend @tommyjamesallen in Bath. Fantastic work and really good prices.

 

 

Thanks! That's a fair bit closer than Derbyshire!

 

[TorturedSaints]

That’s a shame. I was planning to visit them next month when I’m in the area with time to kill. Very friendly on the phone and I bought a number of accessories/rosin etc from them online. 

[MacDaddy]

On 19/09/2025 at 08:32, NickA said:

...but watch out for a liquidation sale of mid range basses!

 

Best pick up and pay in person?

[NickA]

Website is still on line.  I guess until liquidation starts they could still sell stuff... but pick up and pay in person might be wise.

 

I've had various bits from them over the years (strings, rosin, a pickup, a bass bow) and a couple of minor repairs ( new cello end pin, bridge, sound post move, new bass end pin) all no frills decent work and they fixed up my orchestra's bass to playability.... never trusted them with anything too major tho as it was unclear who was actually doing the work.

[Richard Jinman]

I called them yesterday as I’d ordered something online (only a small purchase) then read this thread. Seems the situation isn’t clear cut and they’re still trading although the name Bass Bags may be retired. I suggested the owner come on here and give his explanation as misinformation tends to fill a vacuum. I’m not suggesting there hasn’t been a liquidation btw as Companies House confirms there has. 

Edited Friday at 15:36 by Richard Jinman

[Paddy Morris]

It will be a real shame if they do go under.  Always seemed like a good, helpful friendly bunch.

[BassBags]

Hi all,

 

I’d like to step in and clarify things directly, as I can see some understandable confusion here.

 

Bass Bags Ltd (the company) went into liquidation, but the Bass Bags brand, stock, and team were acquired by Strings Centre Ltd, which is now running the business. We are trading as Bass Bags (a Strings Centre brand) and continuing to serve musicians exactly as before.

 

Like many UK retailers, we’ve faced tough trading conditions in recent years — Covid, Brexit, and wider global pressures (including the war in Ukraine) have all made it challenging. Closing Bass Bags Ltd was a restructuring step, but it has allowed us to protect the brand, keep the same team together, and continue looking after our customers.

 

For me, Bass Bags has never just been a company name — it’s our team, a small family of people who share their expertise to make a living. We’re musicians and craftspeople ourselves, and we take things personally when it comes to our customers. That hasn’t changed, and it never will.

 

To be absolutely clear:

 

The same team is here looking after customers, just as we always have.

 

No customer orders, hires, or repairs have been affected.

 

We’re fully operational, continuing to support players across the UK and beyond.

 

 

We’d always prefer people to pick up the phone and speak to us directly rather than speculate online — but I completely understand the concerns and wanted to set the record straight here.

 

If anyone would like to talk to me directly, please feel free to get in touch:

📞 01332 840391

📧 [email protected]

 

Thanks to everyone who has supported us over the years. We remain committed to delivering the same reliable service that Bass Bags has been known for since the beginning.

 

David

(Bass Bags / Strings Centre Ltd)

[Paddy Morris]

That's good to know. Music retailers are going bust all over the place at the moment.  Good luck with the new business structure.

[JPJ]

@BassBags that’s great to hear and thank you for taking the time to clear that up 😎

[BassBags]

On 20/09/2025 at 18:40, TorturedSaints said:

That’s a shame. I was planning to visit them next month when I’m in the area with time to kill. Very friendly on the phone and I bought a number of accessories/rosin etc from them online. 

Hi 

Give us a call if you would like to visit, please see our comments below in this thread.