OP here, I've only just seen this, last time I looked it was a nice normal thread
I don't want or need to add anything more, but I will say that I was always 100% clear that this bass was part made in hungary. It said it on the (old) website, and we also we talked about the bass in depth when I went down to see it before purchasing.
I know a good instrument when I play one, and when I hear one. Being a half musician/half recording engineer, evaluating the sounds of a lot of instruments on a daily basis in a huge variety of situations/rooms and ensembles is my daily bread! (I often find myself pointing out sonic characteristics of peoples instruments that they hadn't even noticed themselves, not saying I posses any kind of final say, that would be silly. But I KNOW what good sounds like, down to a level that most musicians thankfully never have to deal with
)
As a side note, I have 2 other friends who have both bought Martins since, in part on my reccomendation. One bought the concert (the hungarian origin) and another commissioned a 5 string fully Martin made bass and they are also very happy.
A year on from first playing my bass it's gotten better all the time, I have received loads of compliments (again, including from several players who own some seriously nice instruments, and from my local very respected luthier). Its taken my playing to new levels and I don't know what I'd do if something happened to it. The thought of embarking on the search again and playing all those semi-inspiring instruments costing many thousands of pounds brings me out in a cold sweat. In fact I know what I would do, I would cut to the chase and go and get another Martin concerto. Simple!
If anyone would like more information in detail about the bass or wants to come and have a play if they are interested and nearer Norwich than Oxford then drop me a PM!
Owen
