Author Topic: Luthier (Read 215 times)

moonbass · « **on:** May 15, 2011, 09:54:57 PM »

Can anyone give me the name of a good luthier to take my newly purchased Stanley Clark standard to in NYC for a set up?

adriaan · « **Reply #1 on:** May 15, 2011, 11:40:09 PM »

Hi Tom, welcome to the Club!

You could do your own setup, following the excellent (and concise) instructions in Joey's Post on Setting Up Your Bass.

terryc · « **Reply #2 on:** May 16, 2011, 02:16:33 AM »

Welcome moonbass.as adriaan says, read the set up instructions and save yourself a load of money.
It is easier than you think BUT do the following:
Read Joey's set up instructions
Read them again
Read them for the third time with the bass in front of you
Do the set up and take your time with no distractions(phone calls, kids, wives/girlfriends, pets etc)
best of luck

moonbass · « **Reply #3 on:** May 16, 2011, 08:34:40 AM »

Thanks, i have read Joey's instructions but i prefer to take my basses to a professional luthier when possible.

jack · « **Reply #4 on:** May 16, 2011, 09:07:09 AM »

Moonbass, I had some peculiar problems with a bass and looked around for someone to help. I went to two of the bigger names (Rudy's, Matt Umanov) and wasn't too happy with the results (note, this was a fairly strange problem, or couple problems; I'm sure either place could do a regular setup without hassle, although they probably get good money for it).

The best guy I've found is Gary at:

friedguitars.com

-this guy really helped me out in a jam and didn't even want to take my money. He's in Brooklyn, a quick ride out to the Atlantic-Pacific stop and two blocks from there.

Before I found Gary, Rick Turner recommended Flip Scipio to me; Flip was unavailable and recommended Norio Imai. I haven't met or worked with either, but I think you could find both through google.

If you try a search on Talkbass you'll get a lot of options as well.

tubeperson · « **Reply #5 on:** May 16, 2011, 09:12:10 AM »

Moonbass,

I am curious. I use Jeremy Perks at Rudy's and he has set up a few of my Alembics with excellent results. Who did your work at Rudy's?

Another good place in NYC is Peekamouse on West 30th Street. They have a Plek machine there, and is the spot for the original STeinberger instruments.

tubeperson · « **Reply #6 on:** May 16, 2011, 09:13:11 AM »

Moonbass,

I am curious. I use Jeremy Perks at Rudy's and he has set up a few of my Alembics with excellent results. Who did your work at Rudy's?

Another good place in NYC is Peekamouse on West 30th Street. They have a Plek machine there, and is the spot for the original Steinberger instruments.

moonbass · « **Reply #7 on:** May 16, 2011, 12:06:53 PM »

I didn't say i used Rudy's. Although many moons ago i did have some work done there. It wouldn't be on my A list of places to go but i don't know who is doing their work now, they might be good. Somebody mentioned Matt Umanov. Imho you should run not walk out of there with your bass. I have been using Manny at David Gauge bass shop and am very pleased. I was just hoping to find an Alembic specialist. I will probably go back to David Gauge, if i don't find someone who specializes in Alembics. Some people say David Gauge is too expensive but i haven't found that to be the case. They always treat me fairly and do a correct job.
Thanks
tom

artswork99 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 16, 2011, 12:29:54 PM »

Tom,

I believe that Steve was referring to Jack's comments with Rudy's and wondered whom he had used.

I started doing all of my own setups and have become adept at it. Very happy with my results

Hope you find that right person!

Art

edwin · « **Reply #9 on:** May 16, 2011, 07:34:14 PM »

Tom, I don't have any advice about NYC, but every time I've taken my basses for setups, I've had to rework them myself. Even when people with great reputations have done them. Maybe just try it yourself before you bring it in and see what you can do. Worst case scenario is that he does a better job than you and you get to learn about how your bass works.

Of course, I've heard great things about David Gage with regard to uprights and can only imagine that the folks he has working on electrics are equally as good.

sonicus · « **Reply #10 on:** May 16, 2011, 07:47:17 PM »

I agree with Edwin. I do my own setups as well as far as truss rods, bridge height and intonation, string nuts etc... ... ...
The fact is that only you know what feels right to your own hands .

Fret mills and the such I leave for the luthier.