Bass Gear becoming online-only.. showroom closing

[Billy Apple]

Just had an email that Bass gear in Twyford is closing!

[Silvia Bluejay]

They are closing the shop but the business continues online.

[franzbassist]

The shop is going, but the business will continue as a mail order only operation, with viewing of items available on an appointment only basis.

[louisthebass]

Yeah, I've had that email as well.. Bit of a shame really as I've had a couple of bits out of there (Aguilar TH500 and a Mono Vertigo gig bag). It was a good bass shop, and the staff were always really helpful.

Will be sad to see it go

[silverfoxnik]

Sad news, but a sign of the times I suppose..

[JohnR]

I had bought a few things from them and the service was always good. The online only model is probably the right way to go for them and I wish them well.

[yorks5stringer]

Some great reductions on current stock too at the moment: MarkBass Nano £269!

[JapanAxe]

Spent a few bob in there myself in recent years

I've had the email but the links don't seem to work.

EDIT: Can still get on the site the usual way.

Edited September 6, 2016 by JapanAxe

[Kev]

Just go to the website in the clearance section, its all there

Very tempted by one of the Berg cabs!

[Grangur]

I don't blame them. I'm sure they will have had a good share of people coming by only to try out the stock an then shop online for the lowest price.

The trouble is too many can't see the wrong in doing that. They might even think that doing if is doing the shop a favour by simply going there and "testing" the stock.

/rant

[jonno1981]

I have to wish Phil, Barrie and Vic the very best. The business sounds like it's going to continue which is fantastic news. I'm sure there are lot's of factors involved in this, I reckon Brexit will be a major contributor. Exchange rates fluctuations and supplier confidence in dealing with the UK makes being a specialist retailer very difficult.

Edited September 6, 2016 by jonno1981

[molan]

[quote name='JapanAxe' timestamp='1473188200' post='3127871']
Spent a few bob in there myself in recent years

I've had the email but the links don't seem to work.

EDIT: Can still get on the site the usual way.
[/quote]

Looks like the external mail server went down somewhere after 18:00 - maybe we crashed it with all the responses

Apparently it's now on 'priority' to be fixed.

Site should be fine though and the discount stuff is pretty much across the whole store not just clearance

[Merton]

Good luck for the next phase of Bass Gear Barrie,
Phil and Vic - I've not spent huge wads of money with you but have bought a couple of accessories and always been very impressed

Edited September 6, 2016 by Merton

[molan]

Bloody mail response server still down - apparently it's "only affecting users in the UK". . .

Here's a [url="http://tinyurl.com/zj5rdru"]web link[/url] to the email where the links appear to be, mostly, working OK (one has an incorrect re-direct to basses and not cabs):

Hope this isn't breaking any forum rules - just trying to supply some info that I think people are looking for.

[NancyJohnson]

The closure is a pity, but when you're up against the big mover stores like GAK, Andertons, Thomann etc it's got to be difficult. It was a gallant effort to support a relatively small marketplace on the retail front.

I suppose the closure supports the theory that a high end bsss store has a somewhat limited apoeal, like a Leftporium.

Shame.

[JapanAxe]

I always call first anyway if I'm going to a specialist shop as I want to be sure the object of my GAS is in stock. There are other successful dealers that operate this way - Guitars 4 You, Andy Baxter.

Pretty sure I'll be back to Bassgear!

[franzbassist]

Maybe the thread title should change to "Bass Gear moving to online only"?

[wateroftyne]

[quote name='walbassist' timestamp='1473232235' post='3128111']
Maybe the thread title should change to "Bass Gear moving to online only"?
[/quote]

Agreed, and done. Good luck with the venture, Barrie & Co.

[franzbassist]

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1473235997' post='3128133']
Agreed, and done. Good luck with the venture, Barrie & Co.
[/quote]

Nice one Michael.

I was over at Bass Gear this morning and stuff is flying out of the shop: the phone didn't stop ringing, and two basses sold in the hour or so I was there. Phil is was already going to spend all day packing and shipping due to the orders taken Monday and Tuesday, so he'll be even busier now!

If you want something, I would not hesitate to get your order in now.

[RhysP]

Website links seem to be working this morning.

[Musashimonkey]

Some great bargains if you're quick!

[molan]

[quote name='Musashimonkey' timestamp='1473288931' post='3128838']
Some great bargains if you're quick!
[/quote]

I went over to help today as well - had to be extra-nice to the courier to send him away for an hour so I could finish packing stuff with Phil, lol

[Andy]

I paid them a visit yesterday - the usual awesome service from Barrie & Phil & some great basses that aren't on the website yet - so well worth giving them a call!

[phil.c60]

I paid them a visit yesterday and spent an hour with Phil - there's one less bass there now!

[Hutton]

I just bought a bass from Phil last week. Great bass and a great price. It's always a pleasure to do business with nice people who take the time to talk and give as much info as possible. I will certainly be a returning customer.

Edited September 11, 2016 by Hutton