Luthier's Access Group...About Me and LAG

A little about me and LAG.Back in 1977 ( yeah , I’m no kid ) I had heard a about a local player here in Chicago.
He was “like Jaco” but he played a 5 string bass !
Imagine that!
For you youngsters , the only 5s available back then were custom orders only.

Then I bought an album by keyboardist John Serry.
The bass player was Jimmy Johnson playing an “Olympic” 5 string bass. It didn’t take long to figure out that should have read “Alembic”. I called Alembic , asking about a 5 sting bass.
They would have been happy to build one for me – I would pay for the bass , have it made , and sent to me when it was ready.
What if I did not like the bass ?
Well, that would be unfortunate.

Next move – I found a local luthier and had my 5 made, strung EADGC – there were no low B strings available back then.
Nevertheless , I got my bass. ( see photo )
The year was 1979.

1979 Jimmie L. Beach Fretless 5

This whole experience opened my eyes to a real problem for some very talented people. I was convinced that great luthiers created their instruments in places all over the planet, but most made a living almost exclusively from their local music community. Most never got their instruments out to the world. As an inquisitive young man , I wanted to know about and play basses from everywhere , in the quest for the “right” bass for me. I would see ads in Guitar Player magazine ( way before there was a Bass Player ) for cool basses from afar. Alas, no way to play these basses , no way of ordering a bass with confidence. There was a need here, for both the builders and players alike. Well, I saw the problem, thought I had a solution, but never acted on it.

Late December 1994, and I’ve got strep throat – dang !
I received a 10 day regimen of anti-biotics and started taking the medicine. After 7 or 8 days I was feeling great, so I stopped the meds.
BIG MISTAKE.

Three days later I was in the hospital paralyzed. My condition was a mystery at first, till I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. The prognosis was bleak : 4 to 6 months in the hospital , between 1 or 2 years to regain most of my physical abilities. Most ?

I do not know why, but while paralyzed I made a vow to give this bass business and “need” I had observed a shot IF I came out of my situation and was able to do so.

Maybe God likes us bass players ?
I was out of the hospital in 3 weeks and back to my day gig in 7 weeks. Whoever I need to thank, I have thanked. Amazing.

So, out of fear of being struck down by lightning, I started this business back in late 1994.

Back in 1994 my wife and I had three young sons and all the typical financial obligations most families have. I could not quit the day job, so I started the business as a part time venture. Not surprisingly, the first few years were tough. ( Hey, I’m not rich yet ! ) I still work the day gig and we still have 2 boys at home, one in college and one in high school. This is fine with me - the family is first , always.
But, my day job is flexible and allows me to rep basses I feel great about. ( Call me anytime 708 372 0573 – I can usually talk as long as needed )

I do not “need” to sell the easiest to sell name brand basses – I get to work with very talented who need more exposure. I feel the same way about music – I feel the most creative music is made when there is not a pressing need to have the music make money.
But I digress.
My goal now is to sell more basses and retire from my day job. I’d like to play more, write more, and support my family. Am I dreaming ? Of course , but why not ? How many of you players are not pro players ? How many of you work a day job and support a family. Most, I would guess.
Maybe you have a dream, too.
Maybe we can help.