Chowny/Retrovibe to become fully UK brands

[BassApprentice]

Just saw a post on Facebook that Chowny/Retrovibe are moving to being a fully UK based brand and builder. 

 

So these are very well respected basses from all accounts, but prices will go up (10-15%). Will that change your opinion? 

[Geek99]

No, it won’t 

[Cato]

My main reaction is surprise that moving to full UK production results in such a relatively small price increase.

[ped]

In general I’m happy to pay more for stuff made in the UK. Good on ‘em

[ChrisLovatt]

If anything I'm more interested in trying some out. Great news.

[Geek99]

Well done @Chownybass

[Little Dragon]

Already have 3 Retrovibes, this news is quite likely to cost me money in the long run....

[Burns-bass]

2 hours ago, ped said:

In general I’m happy to pay more for stuff made in the UK in general. Good on ‘em

Agreed!

[Pea Turgh]

I liked the Barracuda bass I tried at the SW Bass Bash.  Nice chaps, too.

[Woodinblack]

Quite a brave decision, although with the current shipping issues probably makes sense. 

[Daz39]

12 hours ago, Cato said:

My main reaction is surprise that moving to full UK production results in such a relatively small price increase.

The cost of shipping has been insane of late (not to mention the time - I recall a shipment of chowny basses being somewhere in the queue in the Suez when it got blocked up)

[Old Horse Murphy]

Great to see a brand extending its roots in the UK rather than following the sun for cheaper production costs. Bristol-based too; what's not to like?!
 

Once it's all up and running I'd definitely be interested in placing an order for one of the semis

 

Here's wishing you all the very best in this next chapter 👍

Edited October 26, 2021 by Old Horse Murphy

[Rich]

Wouldn't affect my opinion in the slightest, I still think the CHB is one of the best 4-string basses I've played regardless of price point. I dare not go to their website as I find it a real struggle not to accidentally buy a sapphire-burst one.  

[Musicman20]

That is a great move. 

 

If they can make that gear with only a relatively small price increase then it makes me wonder why other brands aren't doing so....

[Burns-bass]

Also, I'm not sure if Simon is still setting them up, but if he is then that's worth every penny. Simon is one of the best guitar and bass techs out there, as well as being a thoroughly lovely chap.

[such]

I don't think the country of manufacture has anything to do with the instrument's quality itself, but from the perspective of logistics, carbon (and other stuff) footprint, customer service, local jobs etc, it's a wise and responsible move. The price increase is surprisingly low too. 

[Bass Culture]

Talking about bucking the trend!  I think this is an incredibly forward-thinking and responsible step.  And the inevitable cost increase is - as others have said - surprisingly low.  Now, I certainly don't need anymore basses but in the spirit of supporting a 'local' manufacturer I feel the least I could do is pay their site a visit.

[skej21]

I’m getting a semi-hollow, just at the thought of it…

[BassApprentice]

I have to say I'm a big fan of the move. I think they have really struggled with fulfilling orders with the world being turned upside down and taking more control of things should help. Would, be cool if they can sort out being stocked in shops too for trying them out, but I guess if they are UK based returning might be more straightforward 

[Pea Turgh]

Had a look at their site - lightweight “lollipop” tuners, short scale neck, mudbucker - all nicely priced.  Well fancy a little project now!

[andy67]

Good to see some manufacturing return to the UK, hopefully Ashdown will do the same and any other UK instrument/electronic/HiFi company will follow. Just think of Mission Cyrus 1 & 2 amps  & Castle Speakers  

Edited October 26, 2021 by andy67

[Chownybass]

1 hour ago, Burns-bass said:

Also, I'm not sure if Simon is still setting them up, but if he is then that's worth every penny. Simon is one of the best guitar and bass techs out there, as well as being a thoroughly lovely chap.

He will be crucial in assembling them as well as setting them up! All in our new Bristol workshops.

[Chownybass]

19 hours ago, BassApprentice said:

Just saw a post on Facebook that Chowny/Retrovibe are moving to being a fully UK based brand and builder. 

We're also formalising our partnership. Expect announcements soon. New partnership to sit on top of the two companies inbound!

[Chownybass]

18 hours ago, Cato said:

My main reaction is surprise that moving to full UK production results in such a relatively small price increase.

It was easy. 

 

Factors are : 

 

* Shipping has gone up 250-450% and lead times are SLOOOOOOOW

* Prices in India have gone up

* It insulates us more from currency fluctuations

* It allows us to control stock better

* We are also making careful changes to the range to be more efficient in production without a cost in quality. The cost is effort. 

 

Expect some improvements to the SWB. Announcements to follow but sneak peak. It'll be : 

 

* Lighter (chambering in the body) 

* Design tweaks

* New Deluxe Edition 

 

Thanks EVERYBODY for your positivity. We're excited and nervous in equal measure! 

[andy67]

4 minutes ago, Chownybass said:

It was easy. 

 

Factors are : 

 

* Shipping has gone up 250-450% and lead times are SLOOOOOOOW

* Prices in India have gone up

* It insulates us more from currency fluctuations

* It allows us to control stock better

* We are also making careful changes to the range to be more efficient in production without a cost in quality. The cost is effort. 

 

Expect some improvements to the SWB. Announcements to follow but sneak peak. It'll be : 

 

* Lighter (chambering in the body) 

* Design tweaks

* New Deluxe Edition 

 

Thanks EVERYBODY for your positivity. We're excited and nervous in equal measure! 

Very exciting times ahead and hopefully you guys are the catalyst and lead for full return of UK manufacturing.