calling all scottish bass players

[jamiejames]

Hi all
I am opening a bass shop in Glasgow, yup, no guitars no drums no keys, just bass stuff, everything from beginer to pro level and i would appreciate a bit of help with a few questions to help with the marketing, you can reply here or to [email protected] i guarantee you will not be contacted via your reply unless you specifically ask to be, i would be grateful for your input and suggestions
1) Do you welcome a bass specific shop in Scotland
2) What would you like to see in stock
3) Are you more likely to visit the shop or use our online service
4) Roughly how much do you spend on bass goods in a year
5) Is this likely to increase if you had a bass shop you could visit?
The shop will be for bass players and by bassplayers so please take a minute and help us to provide the best possible service and to stock the things you want to see.
cheers
jamie

[~tl]

Hey!

1) Yes, as long as you don't mind me taking up residence.
2) Generally high quality instruments that you can't get in other shops. Guitarguitar has some nice stuff in these days (Sadowsky Metros & Lakland Skylines) and CC has Sandbergs but there's no where you can try anything else of similar/higher quality (Shuker, ACG, MTD, Dingwall, etc). Most shops only have the mass market brands (Fenders, Warwicks, and the like). Similarly, it's hard to try out decent bass amplification, since most places only stock Ampeg, Trace, Ashdown and Eden if you're lucky. It'd be nice to see Barefaced gear, Dr Bass, Bergantino, Thunderfunk, MarkBass, Genz Benz, etc. Look at the sort of stuff that Bass Direct and the Bass Merchant have, similar to that would be excellent. Also, strings. Nowhere stocks good strings. If I could buy TIs and DRs in person I would.
3) Definitely in the shop, since it's nice to be able to try stuff out... plus I'm in Glasgow.
4) Depends on the year, but it's been over the £1k mark in the last year. Probably going to be significantly more in the next one (damn GAS).
5) Yeah.

Edited August 19, 2009 by ~tl

[Doc B]

1) Do you welcome a bass specific shop in Scotland

Yes - that would be great!

2) What would you like to see in stock

A good selection of used basses. More 5 and 6 strings - there's not many in the Glasgow shops at the moment. A good selection in the £400-700 bracket, not just Fenders.

3) Are you more likely to visit the shop or use our online service

Visit the shop - I don't like to buy basses I haven't played

4) Roughly how much do you spend on bass goods in a year

Varies from year to year but I've spent about £2000 overall in the past 4 years. I've not even been in a band for the last 3 years!

5) Is this likely to increase if you had a bass shop you could visit?

I'd like to say no but yes it probably would.


Good luck with the shop and post more details on here.

[BarnacleBob]

Yeah, Go for it! I think we have a couple of drum only shops in Glasgow so why not bass?

Agree on the selection of s/h basses and certainly prefer hands on to online purchase (unless the returns policy is good)

I cant see a business model financially supporting the stocking of the real high end stuff- if the 'big boys' dont do it, it may be difficult for a true independant - but this may simply be due to the availability of esoteric items

Certainly spend 4 figures a year at least

And yes i am a terrible for impulse buying


Best of luck mate

BB

Edited August 19, 2009 by BarnacleBob

[Bassassin]

[quote name='jamiejames' post='574103' date='Aug 19 2009, 01:17 PM']1) Do you welcome a bass specific shop in Scotland
2) What would you like to see in stock
3) Are you more likely to visit the shop or use our online service
4) Roughly how much do you spend on bass goods in a year
5) Is this likely to increase if you had a bass shop you could visit?[/quote]
1 - Definitely (or since it's Glasgow, definAtely!)
2 - A decent range of realistically-priced used/vintage stuff. Ebay is working hard to squeeze out private sellers so a shop with a good & varied secondhand range might be opportune. It would be good to see some less mainstream new stuff - Lace Helix, Status etc - things you don't get in GuitarGuitar.
3 - Probably a bit of both. I'm in Edinburgh & don't get through to Weege all that often but a website which let me see instore stock & prices would be an incentive.
4 - Realistically probably less than a grand. Like my sig says, I'm a cheapskate Pikey & most of my gear comes from either BC or Fleabay, Glumtree & the local car boot.
5 - The above is partly the case because there's no local (ish) bass shop - so yes!

I'd also like to suggest a good range of components - hardware, pups & electronics, necks & bodies. BC is a perfect gauge of how popular building your own bass is - but trying to find the right parts can be a severe pain in the arse.

Access to good recommended luthiers/techs & amp techs through the shop would be good too.

Oh, and open it in Edinburgh.

Jon.

[neepheid]

[quote name='jamiejames' post='574103' date='Aug 19 2009, 01:17 PM']Hi all
I am opening a bass shop in Glasgow, yup, no guitars no drums no keys, just bass stuff, everything from beginer to pro level and i would appreciate a bit of help with a few questions to help with the marketing, you can reply here or to [email protected] i guarantee you will not be contacted via your reply unless you specifically ask to be, i would be grateful for your input and suggestions
1) Do you welcome a bass specific shop in Scotland
2) What would you like to see in stock
3) Are you more likely to visit the shop or use our online service
4) Roughly how much do you spend on bass goods in a year
5) Is this likely to increase if you had a bass shop you could visit?
The shop will be for bass players and by bassplayers so please take a minute and help us to provide the best possible service and to stock the things you want to see.
cheers
jamie[/quote]

1) Of course. It's a bit of a trek from Aberdeen, but if it's going to survive then realistically it needs to be in the Central Belt.
2) Good range from budget > high end. A plethora of parts/upgrades/accessories would be good.
3) Probably more online, but my wife has family down Glasgow way so I would definitely pop in if I was down.
4) a grand perhaps
5) temptation always makes this possible, yes

[jamiejames]

Great stuff so far, keep em coming

[LukeFRC]

[quote name='jamiejames' post='574103' date='Aug 19 2009, 01:17 PM']1) Do you welcome a bass specific shop in Scotland
2) What would you like to see in stock
3) Are you more likely to visit the shop or use our online service
4) Roughly how much do you spend on bass goods in a year
5) Is this likely to increase if you had a bass shop you could visit?[/quote]

1) yes. its not a bad thing, I hope for your sake there's a market for it!
2) Secondhand stuff. Theres only really one shop in edinburgh that sells much S/H stuff and they will point out if you take something in that you can get more selling it privately. I'm not sure how it would fit into your business model though.
Interesting stuff, not just a wall of fenders and other widespread brands, but for example status and other stuff.
Stuff you yourself are enthusiastic about is good, esp for beginners basses. Find something that you can tell wee willy's parents IS the best on the market for that price.
I tend to see something in a shop then go on internet and research it (and find out the market price for it) How about having all the information you can about the bass when its in the shop, something more descriptive than "Fender USA Jazz Bass £965", Not everyone will know that that model has an ash body and why. Things can sell themselves.
Team up with some scottish bass or amp manafacturer? Make things happen? Push both the shop and that manufacturer as part of the same homegrown excellence. Brand it as more than a bass only shop in glasgow, its the only bassist's shop in scotland, play on that, make it more than that?
3) I will look online. I will buy face to face. Music warehouse in colchester does it well. Their web prices are higher than in shop. You can see what they have but you are likely to go into the shop as you can get a better deal. I guess you want ppl in your shop as they are more likely to reuse you that internet customers.
4) I spent scarily this year £1500 on two basses and a POD. Sold two basses too though. I doubt next year I will need to spend much, but temptable.
5) No, unless I was looking for another bass it wouldnt be so high. But a bass shop would tempt me more. Especcially if you are all super friendly. (which beeing weegies you would be)


tell us whats happening when it happens and email me add me too your email list all you want! Good luck!

[Raving_camel]

1)This would be damn cool.

2)I think I'd be more interested in parts; bridges, pickups, tuning heads and the like. I would be nice to actually browse in a shop to see these things. Bass wise ; I think it would be nice to see a shop in Glasgow selling Schecters, Spectors, Peaveys, Trabens, the sort of £350 - £600 range. I havent been in Reverb yet, so I dont know if they are still the main dealer of Schecters and Spectors, so excuse me if im wrong.

3)I don't enjoy visiting shops to actually try instruments at all. I dont mind browsing the shops, but when it came to trying them out, I hated it. I liked McCormacks idea, of having a little music room. (Even though you could still hear the people in it..), it at least gave you a sense of privacy.

4)Last year I spent £50 lol...

5)Probably.

Did anyone here visit Southside music, on Cathcart Road? I really liked how open and friendly that place was and I think that would be a nice idea for a shop. (although..without the dog walking about and the over stocked shop). How about getting in contact with a few of the local timber yards (Reids metalwork, Lanarkshire hardwoods, etc) and getting small things like fingerboard blanks done?

Oh and as an unemployed student, can I have a job please?

[Beer of the Bass]

It's a great idea, if you can get it off the ground.

1) Do you welcome a bass specific shop in Scotland?

- Yes, it'd be especially nice to have bass specialist staff who could actually offer useful opinions on things!

2) What would you like to see in stock?

-All the above comments are good. In addition to that, it would be great if you had a small range of the better entry level double basses (and found a good guy to do the setup on them), as when I started on double bass I found it very difficult to find instruments that were available to try and properly set up. Classical string shops often view double bass as a bit of an afterthought (especially if you're spending less than a couple of grand), and many don't really understand the setup needs of non-classical players. I reckon having them in a nice friendly bass emporium would tempt a few electric bassists over to the double bass.

3) Are you more likely to visit the shop or use our online service

-Since I'm in Edinburgh, I probably wouldn't be nipping in for strings etc, but would certainly make the trip over if there was a specific item I wanted to have a look at. A regularly updated online stock list would be great.

4) Roughly how much do you spend on bass goods in a year

- Variable, but it's typically somewhere in the low hundreds, up to about a grand (when I've bought my main instruments).

5) Is this likely to increase if you had a bass shop you could visit?

-Possibly. Seeing things in the flesh might make some purchases more attractive.

[sdgrsr400]

There was an interesting thread about music shops here: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=54737&hl="]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=54737&hl=[/url] - it might give you a few hints on the customer/retailer dynamic.

On the regional issue, I'd say no surcharges for shipments to Highlands and Islands would be a good policy to have.

Good luck!

[Hutton]

I knew one day you would come.

1) Absolutely!
2)A good range of basses in terms of price and quality.
3)I would prefer to visit the shop.
4) £500 - £1000
5) Maybe when the recession is over.

Will you be taking trade-ins? A good range of second-hand basses would be welocme.

Looking forward to hearing more!!!!

[Beer of the Bass]

[quote name='Raving_camel' post='574528' date='Aug 19 2009, 06:06 PM']Did anyone here visit Southside music, on Cathcart Road? I really liked how open and friendly that place was and I think that would be a nice idea for a shop. (although..without the dog walking about and the over stocked shop).[/quote]


I'm a bit worried by that word "was". Is Southside music no more ? I used to drop in regularly when I lived in Govanhill - it was a great place and Charlie was a really pleasant guy to deal with.

[velvetkevorkian]

[quote name='jamiejames' post='574103' date='Aug 19 2009, 01:17 PM']Hi all
I am opening a bass shop in Glasgow, yup, no guitars no drums no keys, just bass stuff, everything from beginer to pro level and i would appreciate a bit of help with a few questions to help with the marketing, you can reply here or to [email protected] i guarantee you will not be contacted via your reply unless you specifically ask to be, i would be grateful for your input and suggestions
1) Do you welcome a bass specific shop in Scotland
2) What would you like to see in stock
3) Are you more likely to visit the shop or use our online service
4) Roughly how much do you spend on bass goods in a year
5) Is this likely to increase if you had a bass shop you could visit?
The shop will be for bass players and by bassplayers so please take a minute and help us to provide the best possible service and to stock the things you want to see.
cheers
jamie[/quote]
1) Definitely
2) Cool stuff in the mid-level price bracket would be nice. Also a slightly more esoteric selection of accessories would be good too (IE I can't get a 5 string set of Elixir strings in a gauge I like without it being a special order at the moment). Knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff. Books!
3) If its local I would try and come in.
4) Probably around a grand last year.
5) I've not bought many instruments new, but a reasonable selection of not-hideously-expensive stuff could certainly tempt me to impulse buy.

Best of luck with this and I hope it works out.

[jezzaboy]

I wish you all the best and hope it works out for you. I would come down and check it out. Just watch those East coast punters though. You know what they say about them.....

Jez

[BarnacleBob]

[quote name='Raving_camel' post='574528' date='Aug 19 2009, 06:06 PM']Did anyone here visit Southside music, on Cathcart Road? I really liked how open and friendly that place was and I think that would be a nice idea for a shop.......[/quote]


Used to go there quite a lot, lots of nice gear but haven't been in a long while.
The only other true independants now are Strungout, Merchant City Music, That one next to Victor Morriss ( which is part of them - Guns and Banjos!!!) and now Sound Control(west) has gone back to being CC music they may start getting more interesting stuff.

BB

[kingofthestuntmen]

[quote name='Beer of the Bass' post='574586' date='Aug 19 2009, 07:00 PM']I'm a bit worried by that word "was". Is Southside music no more ? I used to drop in regularly when I lived in Govanhill - it was a great place and Charlie was a really pleasant guy to deal with.[/quote]

Well, it was still open when I drove past at 5pm tonite, though I know Charlie has a 'flexible' approach to opening hours. Great shop, always worth swinging by if you're in the area.

And I'm still working on my responses to the OP...

[7string]

[quote name='jamiejames' post='574103' date='Aug 19 2009, 01:17 PM']1) Do you welcome a bass specific shop in Scotland[/quote]
Definitely.

[quote name='jamiejames' post='574103' date='Aug 19 2009, 01:17 PM']2) What would you like to see in stock[/quote]
A really varied selection of basses and the ability to order in more exclusive lines if requested. Also a line of quality parts, pickups (there's no Nordstrand dealer in Scotland!!), pots, caps, switches, screws, nuts and bolts. You wouldn't believe what a pain in the behind it is to get them in Glasgow.

How about making sure that basses (regardless of price) are setup to the customers style and that any adjustments can be made free of charge within 7 days of purchase?

[quote name='jamiejames' post='574103' date='Aug 19 2009, 01:17 PM']3) Are you more likely to visit the shop or use our online service.[/quote]
Visit the shop. Much quicker than waiting for the post.

[quote name='jamiejames' post='574103' date='Aug 19 2009, 01:17 PM']4) Roughly how much do you spend on bass goods in a year?[/quote]
Difficult to say.

[quote name='jamiejames' post='574103' date='Aug 19 2009, 01:17 PM']5) Is this likely to increase if you had a bass shop you could visit?[/quote]
No.


Just to add that I'd like to see a workshop which doesn't charge the earth for setups and so on. I started to do my own as there is no way I'd pay up to £50 + strings!! When I give lessons, I cannot and do not recommend a workshop in Glasgow and I do any setup work they need for free.

Edited August 20, 2009 by 7string

[Raving_camel]

[quote name='Beer of the Bass' post='574586' date='Aug 19 2009, 07:00 PM']I'm a bit worried by that word "was". Is Southside music no more ? I used to drop in regularly when I lived in Govanhill - it was a great place and Charlie was a really pleasant guy to deal with.[/quote]

Opps sorry, it's still open! I never venture into Govanhell anymore, so that's why I made it past tense. Yea he's a great guy, he wouldn't sell me a packet of strings for my guitar because "they were sh*te", so he gave me a slightly more expensive (£2) packet for the same price as the "sh*te" ones.

Incase you're wondering why I could afford the extra £2, I was 14 and it was during school hours lol.

[jamiejames]

Do the BUMP

[MacDaddy]

pre-owned is great and interesting, but like new gear needs to be set up right. I know people have their preferences on set ups, but making sure each bass is playable before putting it on display would be good.

I'm sure you will, but the amount of music shops that don't

[slaphappygarry]

1) Sure do!
2) Lot's of nice simple things. Good fenders, nice warwicks (between the £500 and £1500 mark) and maybe a sadowsky or two. Nice, solid amps (ampeg, harke, GK) in combo and stack form. Good spares and some decent music (sheet etc..)
3) Visit for a bass or amp, online for spares.
4) On music gear in general £2-3k. Thats a mixture of bass and studio gear. Some years bias to bass others (like last) to studio.
5) Yes, although these days I leave the Credit Card at home for these visits.

[slaphappygarry]

And, one last thing. I detest music shops who stock 75% tat. The starter squires are a good example. Sure, stock them, but don't have 8 of them on display to make the shop look like it has more stock.

I can thing of a newish 'import vintage' guitar shop here in Edinburgh that is 10% import and 90% beginner stuff and I just don't give it the time of day anymore.

[slaphappygarry]

One more last thing.

Good luck, and get stonecoldbass (glasgow) into your shop. He spends more money on bass gear than any human I know.

[thepurpleblob]

[quote name='jamiejames' post='574103' date='Aug 19 2009, 01:17 PM']Hi all
I am opening a bass shop in Glasgow, yup, no guitars no drums no keys, just bass stuff, everything from beginer to pro level and i would appreciate a bit of help with a few questions to help with the marketing, you can reply here or to [email protected] i guarantee you will not be contacted via your reply unless you specifically ask to be, i would be grateful for your input and suggestions
1) Do you welcome a bass specific shop in Scotland
2) What would you like to see in stock
3) Are you more likely to visit the shop or use our online service
4) Roughly how much do you spend on bass goods in a year
5) Is this likely to increase if you had a bass shop you could visit?
The shop will be for bass players and by bassplayers so please take a minute and help us to provide the best possible service and to stock the things you want to see.
cheers
jamie[/quote]

Cool.... do you have a location yet? Anyway...

1. Why not!
2. You should go to Guitar Guitar - who I would say have the best bass selection at the moment - and see how you can improve/differentiate from that. Everybody wants a bargain of course. If you have a shop full of Fenders and MusicMan's at full retail price you might struggle. Unless you can come up with a good finance contract which I know can be tricky for a start-up. Used and plenty accessories would be nice. Many of the existing shops don't even carry a good selection of strings which is really stupid.
3. Visit... BTW have you got someone to do your eCommerce site yes - ahem - that kind of thing is what I do (advert over)
4. It's probably running at around £1K per year at the moment (it could be more but I don't want to think about it)
5. It could well do if the stock is good.

Will you be doing repairs and/or providing lessons in the shop - the marketing people call that sort of thing 'creating footfall'