EB/MM Retailers (and jam nights) in NYC?

[shamus63]

Okay, so I just got word that I'll be in NYC (November 14 - 17th) which, coincidentally, is about the time I get my year-end bonus...EB Sterling purchase!

Actually, it may be a couple of weeks short of the payout, but my wife (cool chick that she is!) said she'll spring for my purchase 'til I get my check...sweet!

So, what I would like to know from any of our NYC EBF locals is where can I find both new and used EB basses? Doesn't have to be one shop handling both new and used, though that would be nice.

I'm willing to cab around if outside of the mid-town area. No trips to Long Island, unless there's a killer shop out there.

BTW, any good jam nights happening during the weeknights?

You can post your replies here. Much appreciated!

 

[adouglas]

Use the EBMM dealer locator and type in an NYC zip code (they all start with 100...like 10012). This will show you all the dealers in the city and surrounding area. Click on the dealer name and you get a listing of what that dealer probably has...actually it's more likely that it's what the dealer has bought from EBMM, not necessarily what's still in the store.

That covers new...used? Who knows?

 

[shamus63]

Use the EBMM dealer locator and type in an NYC zip code (they all start with 100...like 10012). This will show you all the dealers in the city and surrounding area. Click on the dealer name and you get a listing of what that dealer probably has...actually it's more likely that it's what the dealer has bought from EBMM, not necessarily what's still in the store.

That covers new...used? Who knows?

An excellent start! Thanks!

How about jam nights in the city?

 

[Joe Nerve]

If I weren't going to be in Europe you couldda come and jammed with my band. Oh hhwell... timing. There are a few jams going on, I'm not that familiar with them though. I will definitley keep my ears and eyes open though and let you know if I get any details on any.

As fer the places to check out MM, the only place I buy from now is in Jersey. There are lots of Guitar Centers, but the stuff they hang on the walls there gets really abused, and is almost always in dire need of batteries and a setup. The place in Jersey is called Jersey Guitar and Bass. It's easy to get to. The number is 732-225-4444. The treat their basses with the utmost respect, have used gear, limited editions, and every time I've gone in there they've had it all - Bongos, Stingrays, Sterlings, 4s, 5s.

Best part is its privately owned so if you purchase there you're helping support the little guy, and if you have cash in your pocket you can get them to practically give you the basses. Bought my brand new Sterling there about 6 years ago for under $1000 tax included. Bought my first Bongo there about 7 months ago. Paid about $17.00 for it. Naahhh. Psych!

edit: I vaguely remember reading something about posting prices, but don't remember exactly what it was, nor if it were even here that I read it. If I'm out of line my apologies - please just do what ya gotta do to make this right.

 

[Steve Dude Barr]

Personally, I'd hit Jack up on some Buttercream goodness...the last of it in every new model....but that's just me...

 

[shamus63]

If I weren't going to be in Europe you couldda come and jammed with my band. Oh hhwell... timing. There are a few jams going on, I'm not that familiar with them though. I will definitley keep my ears and eyes open though and let you know if I get any details on any.

Thanks Joe! I always like to try and find jams when I travel, and to find one on this trip would be especially cool, since I'll be sportin' a new woo...er, bass!

"...place in Jersey is called Jersey Guitar and Bass. It's easy to get to. The number is 732-225-4444." The treat their basses with the utmost respect, have used gear, limited editions, and every time I've gone in there they've had it all - Bongos, Stingrays, Sterlings, 4s, 5s...."

I really appreciate getting a non-GC shop to check out; you're right about the abuse and set-ups. Is that Jersey shop accessible by rail or bus, as I won't be renting a car on this trip?

 

[shamus63]

Personally, I'd hit Jack up on some Buttercream goodness...the last of it in every new model....but that's just me...

Good suggestion, but I'm a 'Burst 'n' 'Trans guy...wait, that didn't sound right...!

 

[mbgreene]

If you're looking to stay only in Manhattan, there is a massive GC on W. 14th Street near Union Square. A nicer shop is Rudy's on W. 48th, small but well maintained with prdominently higher end instruments including MM (basses only in stock). Also on W. 48th is Sam Ash and Manny's (which is owned by Sam Ash).

There are also some smaller independent shops throughout the city i.e. 30th St Guitars on W. 30th near MSG. Matt Umanov on Bleeker in the West Village and Ludlow Guitars on Ludlow on the Lower East Side. These places usually have a fairly eclectic mix of used stuff in their inventory.

Good Luck

 

[Joe Nerve]

I really appreciate getting a non-GC shop to check out; you're right about the abuse and set-ups. Is that Jersey shop accessible by rail or bus, as I won't be renting a car on this trip?

I drive everywhere I go so I couldn't help you there. If you call and ask for Jay (the owner) I'm sure he'd be more than happy to help you out. I believe he'd even go as far as picking you up from a station if it were a hike. He's a nice (slightly strange) guy who's incredibly accomodating. He's was willing to pay my travel expenses when I was amp shopping recently. If you make the trip, I don't believe you'll be disappointed. They carry lots of stuff I've never seen anywhere else in or around NY.

A note on 48th street in NYC. 48th St. USED to be a really great place. Now Sam Ash bought Manny's (although they still call it Manny's), and they pretty much took over the block. Rudy's is a great place where they also give their basses the utmost attention (and own seperate floor), but you may want to call first to see what they have in stock. 212-391-1699.

 

[shamus63]

If you're looking to stay only in Manhattan, there is a massive GC on W. 14th Street near Union Square. A nicer shop is Rudy's on W. 48th, small but well maintained with prdominently higher end instruments including MM (basses only in stock). Also on W. 48th is Sam Ash and Manny's (which is owned by Sam Ash).

There are also some smaller independent shops throughout the city i.e. 30th St Guitars on W. 30th near MSG. Matt Umanov on Bleeker in the West Village and Ludlow Guitars on Ludlow on the Lower East Side. These places usually have a fairly eclectic mix of used stuff in their inventory.

Good Luck

Cool! All this info is definitely helpful!

 

[shamus63]

A note on 48th street in NYC. 48th St. USED to be a really great place. Now Sam Ash bought Manny's (although they still call it Manny's), and they pretty much took over the block. Rudy's is a great place where they also give their basses the utmost attention (and own seperate floor), but you may want to call first to see what they have in stock. 212-391-1699.

Hey Joe D ) - Do you remember if that buyout was back in '02? I was in both shops in August of that year, and I thought Manny's was a great little shop at the time, with what I thought was no affiliation with the SamAsh shop next door.

 

[Joe Nerve]

Hey Joe D ) - Do you remember if that buyout was back in '02? I was in both shops in August of that year, and I thought Manny's was a great little shop at the time, with what I thought was no affiliation with the SamAsh shop next door.

Don't know exactly when the buyout was, but there's info on the net about if you do a search for Sam Ash & Manny's.

 

[shamus63]

Okay, I think the replies I've received for this thread have given me a clear map of choices in Manhatten and beyond; hell, it's only 13 miles from north to south, and 35 round-the-outside (Circle Line Cruises, 1976 ).

Unless someone knows of a secluded shop packed with EB's in Queens/Flushing, I think I've got this covered.

A big THANKS to Joe, MB, AD, and Dude for your input!

Sheesh! I want to jump on a plane now, and head out there. NoCal bites when it comes to bass shopping!

Plus, I just dig NYC anyway!

 

[Moondog]

'63
I'll 2nd Jay at NJ Guitar & Bass in Edison.
Small Shop, have to be careful not to
knock over sh*t, but he had an extensive
MM inventory last month. Call 1st - he will
make appointments during "off" hours and
discounts if you bring cash.

Or, if a MINT Bongo 5HH buttercream floats
your boat, you can easily train over to Elizabeth
& I'll present you with my new Bongo for less than
that Sterling

 

[shamus63]

I *may* try a Bongo at the jam, but I'm all-but-sold on the Sterling; pickup config's not mattering *all that much*, as I already have one HH.

BTW, if my bonus check doesn't arrive until after the trip, my wife is putting my new EB on her card; no cash deal-ios.

Too bad, too. Nobody can knock a cash bargain deal!

 

[Funky Chicken]

Another thumbs up for Jay at NJ guitar and bass. Great inventory and prices, and his inventory is usually kept in cases so everything's in clean condition. I bought a lined fretless Sterling from him a while back. I can't remember what I did with it, though...

 

[shamus63]

Wow! This Jersey G/B shop looks like it really would be worth the trip, given the positive feedback posted here!

I'll give him a call just before flying out.

Thanks!