Yeah, you're on it, I'm on it. All thinking (and especially listening) musicians are forever parties to that noble quest to improve their amplified sound. It was my personal quest for sound that got me into the biz of making these pickups, mics, amps, cabinets, instruments, and other stuff available to fellow musicians -- see the Who's Bob? page for the dirty details. I proudly offer a varied line of pickups and microphones, preamps, and amplifiers along with other superior products for bass players (and other musicians) at very good prices. You will notice one thing here that is rare... a large number of the bass items that I sell are those that I used before becoming a dealer — and anything I consider adding had better pass the "Bob Test" or you won't see it here.

We will continue to add cool new bass stuff now that we're finished implementing our new web presence. Any suggestions for additions?? Please email me! Take a look around, you'll see new items here and there, various bass needs that I've been wanting to add for a while.

At left you'll find menus for browsing categories of products that will take you to results pages that can be further refined by clicking on the entries to the right of the results. There's also a search engine block at the top of the column to help you locate what you want. Specific information on ordering details, contact info, product manuals (also linked to each product), and warranty info is under the INFO heading.

"HELP! What should I buy?" We've tried to include as much information on each product as possible; I endeavor to bring as much detailed information to you about each item — and not just the marketing talk — as I can. If you're looking for a bass pickup, but don't know which one would be best for you, I'd suggest taking a look at the "Overview" page to start. Narrow down your choices using the short description, then follow the links to get more detailed information on the ones that interest you most.

We also include links to Product Manuals where they are available. Just click on the special button on the page (shown at left). Many of the manufacturers' Product Warranties are recapped on a special page you can access under the INFO heading.

However, if you're still unsure, QUESTIONS are always welcome, whether you are buying stuff or not! We're all in the same boat, and if I don't know the answer, I'll try and point you in the right direction. Making sales is not my only reason for living — I have been a bass player a whole lot longer than a music store owner.

We've developed useful BASSIST RESOURCES on the Gollihur Music site. You'll find answers to lots of Frequently Asked Upright Bass Questions in the FAQs section, and those same FAQs are also linked on product pages where they apply. Our Double Bass Links have been on the web since 1996, and include over 900 links to upright bass-oriented sites, as has the Luthier Directory which includes dozens of bass makers and repairpersons all over the world. An experienced luthier can be invaluable to we bassists. If your favorite repairperson is not included, please let us know. We also have a free Upright Bass Classified Ads section where you can directly enter your own bass or bass bow ad.

What should you bring to a gig... stuff or attitude?

This blog started off being a discussion of Gig Bags - what you should bring to a gig, but brought to mind another very important thing — What sort of attitude should you bring to a gig?

I don't think I consciously realized the importance of this little tidbit until I was into my second decade of gigging: It is important to leave all your problems behind once you step on stage. While I'm definitely guilty of violating this rule over the years, recent breaches reminded me I need to remember to toe the line.

We could all analyze the many reasons we perform, anything and everything from ego to cash. In my earlier years it was definitely motivated by extra bucks to support my family, but I later realized that it was also a much needed escape. No, it wasn't alcohol or drugs; all but one of my bands from that era had strict rules about that. It was all about being somebody else on the weekend, leaving the demanding "real job" and other responsibilities behind, and releasing your alter ego by performing. Perhaps that's why "jamming" in somebody's basement just doesn't quite fulfill that musical mental health need for me.

If you haven't noticed it yet, true performance, to some degree, is acting. We take off our shirt and tie and jump into our Bass Player Costume, physically and mentally. That's when we have to put the argument we had with our S.O. or the fact that we're two months behind on our truck payment aside, slap on a grin, sway to the music, and merge into being the band.

My personal demon is chronic pain, and I've become more conscious of how it affects my own attitude when playing. Those aches don't seem to inhibit play as much as put Ticked Off closer to the surface. Last week I was in Ticked Off Mode for the first set for a variety of gig-related reasons, but in the second set, second tune, my bass groove helped to transform me into Blues Bass Guy, and the pain and attitude drifted away. It was then I realized I violated my own rule about bringing negative stuff to the gig or allowing problems on the gig to ruin what should be an enjoyable time. It was then I determined I had to be more cognizant of my failure to heed my own advice. So I write this today not just for you, but for my own sake as well.

My original Gig Bag piece about What should you bring to a gig? is now in the Upright Bass FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section. Those physical items and the mental ones above can be equally important.

Bob

All ACOUSTIC IMAGE amps, combos, and cabinets IN STOCK!

FREE US Shipping, Flat Rate DISCOUNTED International Shipping.
14 Day Trial Period on Acoustic Image Clarus, Focus, Contra, Coda R, & Corus amps!

Gollihur Music is a Preferred Dealer

We're now carrying select LR Baggs professional preamps that are useful for bassists, such as the cool NEW Venue DI, the popular and classic Para DI, and well featured, compact GigPro preamp.

Spirocore and Belcanto ON SALE!

From now until October 15, Thomastik Spirocore and Belcanto strings are ON SALE - prices are slashed by up to 20% on sets AND singles. Stock up now!
This discount does not apply to prior sales.

ATTENTION SCHOOLS!!

Yes, Gollihur Music takes Purchase Orders from schools and has made the process simpler than ever! Just use the shopping cart to create an order, and the shipping costs are calculated automatically. Select Purchase Order as the payment method when you check out. Use the copy of the order that is emailed to you to create your purchase order, and mail or fax your formal paperwork to us and we'll get the bass goodies right out to you. PO's must be for $100.00 or more. Those schools or organizations that prefer checks may select the payment by check option.

The Tiny U-Bass Acoustic Bass sounds HUGE!!!

Check out the September issue - the Kala uBass has won an award!
Ok, Bob, what does THIS "ukelele bass" have to do with Upright Bass?!?! Well, I was impressed when I checked it out at NAMM and ordered one to play with. It's about as close to an upright bass you'll ever find in a pretty solid wood instrument (ukelele?? looks like a small acoustic guitar to me) you can tuck under your arm. Check it out...