Best DB supplier/shop in the UK?

Future_DB · #1 11-19-2009, 07:29 AM

Any help would be appreciated. Would like to eliminate direct shipping costs so I'll collect.

Future_DB · #2 11-19-2009, 06:55 PM

Anyone?

Pete G · #3 11-19-2009, 06:58 PM

I'm impressed by the Contrabass Shoppe in London, but you ought to be able to get a recommendation from someone closer to the scene than I am.

LouisF · #4 11-19-2009, 10:29 PM

I've visited both Thwaites and the Contrabass shop - and both a good places - if a bit pricey compare to US$$ basses. There's also Gallery Strings (I think that's what they're called) and Thomas Martin in London.

I think, perhaps more so in the UK than in the US, your budget sets a lot of parameters. Good conservatory models in UK include Stentor and Gliga that are pretty available. Also there's very good make near Guilford name Godfrey (Geoffrey??) Shepard, whose basses I have tried.

Hope that helps.

Louis

Roger Davis · #5 11-20-2009, 03:55 AM

Thwaites at Watford have a very good selection and they are very helpful. Thomas Martin is a very good maker north of Banbury. He makes to order upwards of £4.5k and the basses are very good indeed (I have one).

But don't discount shipping an Upton across. Even with the shipping costs of approx £700the basses represent very good value. (I have one too!)

miles'tone · #6 11-20-2009, 07:21 AM

Healey violins in Rose hill, Sutton would be my recommendation. Malcom Healey crafts his own basses and always has a room full of basses of all ages. I know he does alot of trade with the music schools of London and a great repair/set up guy too. One time I was in there he had a 17th century bass in bits that he was rebuilding - looked like it had been dug up - a famous luthier whose name escapes me made it and it was worth 20k sterling in pieces! Phew!!
He's a safe bet.

Future_DB · #7 11-20-2009, 08:35 AM

Thanks for the tips everyone, I appreciate it. They all look good! I shall have to ring around. I STILL need a teacher however.

simandlhandle · #8 11-23-2009, 06:08 PM

Bridgewood and Nietzert, church st, stoke newington. London.
and
Turners in Birmingham
as well as the previously mentioned.

dodgy_ian · #9 11-29-2009, 06:42 AM

Tim Toft in Stone (near to Birmingham) have some nice instruments in too (check their website for pictures etc).

Malcolm Healey's is great to - I bought my bow from him and I've had good reports about his own basses as well.

nickbass · #10 11-29-2009, 08:39 AM

+1 for all the dealers mentioned. Regarding the teaching -are you looking for mainly jazz or classical, or both, and where are you based in the UK?

Future_DB · #11 11-29-2009, 02:04 PM

Nick - I'm looking for a classical teacher in the Glamorgan area.