gypsyjazzer Posted October 27, 2018 Share Posted October 27, 2018 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burns-bass Posted October 28, 2018 Share Posted October 28, 2018 Martin Penning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
therealting Posted October 28, 2018 Share Posted October 28, 2018 Interested in this too, ideally in London. What sort of costs would a setup be, assuming no other issues? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted October 28, 2018 Share Posted October 28, 2018 My local him is a her, Helen at Timothy Tofts. She did a lovely job of my new sound post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoffbassist Posted October 28, 2018 Share Posted October 28, 2018 I’m a big fan of Martyn Bailey. His work is superb! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickA Posted October 28, 2018 Share Posted October 28, 2018 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack Posted October 28, 2018 Share Posted October 28, 2018 I have recent experience of Lawrence Dixon in Brixton - not the cheapest, but absolutely superb work. Happy to give an unreserved recommendation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassace Posted October 29, 2018 Share Posted October 29, 2018 Plus one for Laurence Dixon. Brought my Bryant back to life for a very reasonable cost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack Posted October 29, 2018 Share Posted October 29, 2018 Laurence is, of course, Lawrence's twin brother. Oops! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted October 29, 2018 Share Posted October 29, 2018 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..! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mangotango Posted October 29, 2018 Share Posted October 29, 2018 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilp Posted October 29, 2018 Share Posted October 29, 2018 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. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJJS Posted November 5, 2018 Share Posted November 5, 2018 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gypsyjazzer Posted November 10, 2018 Author Share Posted November 10, 2018 Thanks everybody for your replies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanOwens Posted November 15, 2018 Share Posted November 15, 2018 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/) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beastie Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 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 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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