Good DB Luthier Required

[gypsyjazzer]

I have a very good old German DB in need of an 'MOT'. I bought the bass SH about 35 years ago and has given very good service. I think it is time to give it an 'MOT' to bring it to top notch condition. My question is: Who do you consider to be the best guy in the UK to do this--and really knows his double bass? Recommendations?

Many thanks.

[Burns-bass]

Martin Penning.

[therealting]

Interested in this too, ideally in London. What sort of costs would a setup be, assuming no other issues?

[stingrayPete1977]

My local him is a her, Helen at Timothy Tofts. She did a lovely job of my new sound post. 

[geoffbassist]

I’m a big fan of Martyn Bailey. His work is superb! 

[NickA]

Helen at Tofts in Stone seems very competent.  Malcolm Healy down South. 

Good recommendations from fellow orchestra people for Timothy Batchelar in Leicester too (http://www.batchelar.com/).

George Stoppani in Manchester ( http://www.stoppani.co.uk ) did a great job of my 'cello many years ago and also makes lovely basses (something of an early music specialist).

As for "the best" ... well; who knows.  But T&G Martin in Oxfordshire are reckoned by many to make the best basses in the UK and also do restoration (https://www.thomasmartin.co.uk/).

None of it will be cheap; these are skilled people who take time and care and why shouldn't they be well paid for that.

[Happy Jack]

I have recent experience of Lawrence Dixon in Brixton - not the cheapest, but absolutely superb work. Happy to give an unreserved recommendation.

 

[bassace]

Plus one for Laurence Dixon. Brought my Bryant back to life for a very reasonable cost. 

[Happy Jack]

Laurence is, of course, Lawrence's twin brother.

Oops!

 

[Dad3353]

54 minutes ago, Happy Jack said:

Laurence is, of course, Lawrence's twin brother....

I'll wager that that causes quite some confusion, no..? Both luthiers..! What a coincidence..! 

[mangotango]

I have recent and good experience of using Jerome Davies.  Not quite in London, actually out in Kent, but worth the journey IMHO.

http://www.realmusicservices.co.uk/jdstrings/index.html

[neilp]

Jerome Davies and Martyn Bailey are both top men, and both very straight and honest. I wouldn't take my bass to anyone except Jerome or Martyn.

[MJJS]

On 28/10/2018 at 19:56, NickA said:

Helen at Tofts in Stone seems very competent.  Malcolm Healy down South. 

Good recommendations from fellow orchestra people for Timothy Batchelar in Leicester too (http://www.batchelar.com/).

George Stoppani in Manchester ( http://www.stoppani.co.uk ) did a great job of my 'cello many years ago and also makes lovely basses (something of an early music specialist).

As for "the best" ... well; who knows.  But T&G Martin in Oxfordshire are reckoned by many to make the best basses in the UK and also do restoration (https://www.thomasmartin.co.uk/).

None of it will be cheap; these are skilled people who take time and care and why shouldn't they be well paid for that.

I can vouch for Malcolm Healey as well. He ‘breathed’ on my cheap laminate and transformed it.

[gypsyjazzer]

Thanks everybody for your replies.

[DanOwens]

Laurence Dixon is probably the best in the UK (IMHO) but I've used an ex-apprentice of his in Manchester, Sam Wells, and was very happy. (http://www.doublebassrepair.co.uk/)

[beastie]

On 28/10/2018 at 10:05, geoffbassist said:

I’m a big fan of Martyn Bailey. His work is superb! 

I can 2nd that Geoff 

i am very fortunate that Martyn is an hour drive from me 

he does same superb work for players from all around the world at all levels  

A really nice guy to deal with His set ups are fantastic get your self an adjustable bridge made by him is a must for all basses