The Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:
#1 Do you do repair work? Can you fix my...?
Unfortunately, no. I am not an instrument repair shop; I am a bass manufacturing facility.
#2 Do you loan basses for extended borrows? Can I borrow a bass when my amazing band comes through Eugene?
Unfortunately, no. I do not have any extra basses to loan. I usually only have my own personal bass, which I need to play for gigs and practices etc. I do have a friend who is sometimes willing to rent her modern carved Romanian bass out for short periods.
#3 Will you make one of your New&extensions for my bass?
Unfortunately, no. My scrolls are specifically designed to accept the New& (say "New Ampersand") Extensions that I make for them.
#4 How much do your basses cost?
Finally, one I can answer with something other than "no." For a long time we didn't put the cost on the website because it is hard to pin down. They are not inexpensive, as I intend for my basses to be capable of lasting a player for their entire career. On the other hand, I try to hit a reasonable range, given that I believe younger players going through college and graduate school and honing their chops, as well as people who make their living by gigging and teaching, need great instruments. It's not a 200 year old Italian bass, but I do work hard to make every one sound amazing (insofar as I have control over something so subjective) in addition to being well, and artistically made.
Currently, if you get a flat back of any model, in my basic wood (which is still lovely) with no added frills, the base (haha) price is $24K. A carved back, no frills version of any model is $26K Then we have "á la carte" pricing where you can choose to use fancy wood, add an extension or removable neck, etc. The top of the range with every bell and whistle you can imagine is around $40K.
And while we have had to increase our prices over the years to keep pace with inflation and taxes and all that, we have chosen not to raise our prices this year because of the Pandemic. I have also increased the student discount from 10% to 20%, because getting great instruments into the hands of developing players is one of my greatest desires. This discount is for any level of student from the time you're tall enough to play a 5/8 size bass through your third PhD. This means if you just get the base model of any model, you can still slide in the door for under $20K.
'Cellos range from $12K to $15K.
For more information about buying a bass from me, click here to go to the "How To Order A Bass From Seth" sub-page.
#5 How long is your waiting list for a custom order? How many basses do you make a year?
It varies of course. I try to reserve time at least once a year to make a bass that is not for an order, but to simply do something I want to try, which will then be for sale either at my workshop or at ISB. Currently I do have slots available for 2022, so get in contact of you're interested.
#6 I'm sure your basses are worth every penny, but do you carry other brands or used basses?
Unfortunately, no. (Back to that). I do not have the room in my bass manufacturing facility, nor the time in my schedule to offer this service. FORTUNATELY, there are many great basses for sale out there at both big and small shops around the country. If you can ever make it to the ISB (International Society of Bassists) biennial convention, it is a good place to get a feel for what's available and talk personally with representatives from many of the bigger instrument houses as well as lots of individual makers from around the country.
#7 Do you want to buy some high quality Chinese horse hair?
No.
{This is probably literally THE most frequently asked question, but I doubt those folks are reading this.}
#8 Will you be at the next ISB convention in .......?
ISB has announced that the next OCnventioon will be iat the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor from June 5-10Th, 2023. We do plan to have a booth, barring unforseen circumstances of course, and look forward to seeing you there!
