BassApprentice Posted October 25, 2021 Share Posted October 25, 2021 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? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geek99 Posted October 25, 2021 Share Posted October 25, 2021 No, it won’t 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cato Posted October 25, 2021 Share Posted October 25, 2021 My main reaction is surprise that moving to full UK production results in such a relatively small price increase. 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ped Posted October 25, 2021 Share Posted October 25, 2021 In general I’m happy to pay more for stuff made in the UK. Good on ‘em 11 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisLovatt Posted October 25, 2021 Share Posted October 25, 2021 If anything I'm more interested in trying some out. Great news. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geek99 Posted October 25, 2021 Share Posted October 25, 2021 Well done @Chownybass 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little Dragon Posted October 25, 2021 Share Posted October 25, 2021 Already have 3 Retrovibes, this news is quite likely to cost me money in the long run.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burns-bass Posted October 25, 2021 Share Posted October 25, 2021 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pea Turgh Posted October 25, 2021 Share Posted October 25, 2021 I liked the Barracuda bass I tried at the SW Bass Bash. Nice chaps, too. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodinblack Posted October 26, 2021 Share Posted October 26, 2021 Quite a brave decision, although with the current shipping issues probably makes sense. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daz39 Posted October 26, 2021 Share Posted October 26, 2021 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) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Horse Murphy Posted October 26, 2021 Share Posted October 26, 2021 (edited) 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 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted October 26, 2021 Share Posted October 26, 2021 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. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted October 26, 2021 Share Posted October 26, 2021 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.... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burns-bass Posted October 26, 2021 Share Posted October 26, 2021 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
such Posted October 26, 2021 Share Posted October 26, 2021 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. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass Culture Posted October 26, 2021 Share Posted October 26, 2021 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. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skej21 Posted October 26, 2021 Share Posted October 26, 2021 I’m getting a semi-hollow, just at the thought of it… 1 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassApprentice Posted October 26, 2021 Author Share Posted October 26, 2021 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pea Turgh Posted October 26, 2021 Share Posted October 26, 2021 Had a look at their site - lightweight “lollipop” tuners, short scale neck, mudbucker - all nicely priced. Well fancy a little project now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy67 Posted October 26, 2021 Share Posted October 26, 2021 (edited) 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 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chownybass Posted October 26, 2021 Share Posted October 26, 2021 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. 20 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chownybass Posted October 26, 2021 Share Posted October 26, 2021 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! 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chownybass Posted October 26, 2021 Share Posted October 26, 2021 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! 37 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy67 Posted October 26, 2021 Share Posted October 26, 2021 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. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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