Thunder Road Guitars / The Bass Shop!

For years, I’ve talked with Chad Beeler of BassEFX.com, which is a site focusing on bass related stop boxes. Chad has been a long time supporter of EffectsBay and has sponsored give aways in the past. A totally great guy, and incredibly knowledgeable about all things bass. Through that relationship, I was introduced to Frank Gross of Thunder Road Guitars (Seattle, WA), and just like my relationship with Chad with Effects Bay, Frank has also sponsored give aways and been a long time supporter. I also have to admit that I’m slightly addicted to Thunder Road Guitars Instagram page. Thunder Road Guitars acquires and sells AMAZING instruments and amps!!! Seriously, follow the Instagram.

Over the last year or so, Chad at BassEFX started The Bass Shop, but this is a physical location (where BassEFX.com was an online presence). Here Chad is providing effects, bass guitars and amps to the Seattle area (and beyond). But recently, Thunder Road Guitars and The Bass Shop have combined forces and moved into a shared location offering a great line of new/vintage gear. To me, this is a perfect partnership and expect nothing but greatness.

I had a chance to send them a few questions about the new location and future plans:

– So Thunder Road Guitars and The Bass Shop have merged?

Joining forces would be more accurate. We’ll have our own points of purchase, separate web sites, and separate inventory.

– Where is the new location?

4736 California Ave SW in West Seattle. Also known in these parts as “The Junction”.

– Why are you moving to this location?

Thunder Road Guitars completely grew out of their old space and needed a larger store front. When Frank found this location, which is a totally prime spot, he realized it would be large enough for both businesses while simultaneously cutting costs for both of us.

– So since TRG and Bass Shop aren’t merging, but co-existing in the same place how will that work from the customer’s point of view?

From the customer’s point of view, it’ll look and be run like a cohesive shop. Anyone in the store will be able to answer questions and even write up deals regardless of whether it’s a TRG or Bass Shop purchase.  That said, bass players will more than likely come to me and guitar players will gravitate to Frank, Will, or Sam.

– Will TRG be dipping into more bass stuff, or is that exclusive to the Bass Shop?  

TRG focuses strictly on used and vintage guitars and amps. An occasional vintage bass may make its way through them, but everything else bass related will be with The Bass Shop.

– Will the Bass Shop be looking into vintage basses as well?

I am always open to vintage basses that come through the shop on consignment. However, the mix of basses will cover a range of styles and price points including some vintage instruments.

– Will both of you maintain your separate web presences?

Yes, but we will certainly cross-promote.

– How did you guys decide to combine forces?  

As I mentioned before, TRG outgrew their old space. I had originally planned on taking over their old spot when they found a more suitable location, but that all changed after Frank found the massive space we’re in now. It made sense for us to combine our inventory and clientele. As a result, TRG is now the most complete vintage and used guitar shop in Seattle.

– What’s the biggest thing you want people to know about this change – location and businesses?  

The biggest thing is that guitarists and bassists come to know our shop as being the best place in the Pacific Northwest to do business. Frank and his crew are the best at what they do and I have 25 years under my belt as a bass specific retailer. I think what we’ve created here is very special. You will not find many stores like this.

– When did the doors open?

Saturday, June 27th!

If you’re in the Seattle area, this needs to be on your radar for stopping in. Seriously… do it! If you’re not in the area, please visit Thunder Road Guitars and The Bass Shop on the web. Like ’em on Facebook and follow, because they have have some great gear.

Also, in the not-so-distant future, we’ll be offering a GREAT give away sponsored by these two stores. It’s going to be sick, so be sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss out on this awesome give away coming down the pipe soon!