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Double Bass Bass maker in Europe

#26
juusokasperi said:
This is a great thread as I’m currently in the market for a bass and am based in Europe. I know Martin has an entry-level bass starting at 8000 GBP, but does anyone know if some of these other European makers build basses with a roughly 10K price?
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If you don't have to pay German taxes, take a look to the "Nobles"-Series from Heiner Windelband... I never checked out one, which was not really, really good...:P
Bässe & mehr - Heiner Windelband - Sünnenblink Musikwerkstatt
 
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#29
Simon lob said:
oh I tried, I did not like them at all!
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I know about this feeling... I could tell you at least 3 luthiers, whose instruments didn't tell me anything when checking them out....:p
There must be a connection to personal sound ideas, playability, right choice of strings, personal ergonomics and and and so on...
For me and my ears they not only "work", but are really excellent and fine instruments...but I have to confess, that I'm not "neutral" there...;)
 
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#31
You could look at Jürgen Preyers offers. He's a great guy, amazing repair and setup work and just started getting much more involved in the making of new instruments. The Amsterdam Conservatory is buying some of his new offerings, so I can only imagine they are great instruments.
He's quite close to the German border also, in Arnhem.
 
#32
For Orchestral, you just cant go wrong with a Pollmann. Great sound, extremely well built and there are many models available. I have been to Mittenwald, Germany to their shop and have met Michael and Ralph Krammer.
2 very impressive guys, treated me extremely well and were a pleasure to deal with.
I would also check Horst Grunert, good solid well reviewed basses, both solo and Orchestral and Alfred Meyer, less well know, but has a long history of great basses and read about my experience further down.

For solo, I see Laborie has been mentioned and I hear great things about his work and basses.

Some of the makers referred to in other posts, which I wont mention are considered obscenely expensive for what you get.

I also second the 2 Italian makers, Golia and especially Scaramelli. Fair prices and great reviews and customer experience.

For a great bass and excellent value for money, Hungary is where to go, a few great luthiers here.
I'm talking Balazs, Barnabass, Gelert and others. You should research these sites.

My most impressive experience with a bass which I have never forgotten concerned a bass by the lesser known German company, and they have a website "Alfred Meyer" and their Orchestral Bass.
An old, established company which supply basses to several professional orchestras in Europe.

I was in Frankfurt at the Music Messa about 15 years ago to meet Michael Krammer, play a few Pollmanns and have my bass built. All very good.
Then I saw a small stall with a humble, quiet fair-haired guy called Focke and an Alfred Meyer Bass.
Their 4/4 standard Orchestral Bass. I played it and was blown away by the sound and response.
It was notably cheaper than the Pollmanns (which I got) and came alive in my arms on every note in a way no other bass has before or since. An under the radar gem.
If you get a chance to go to Europe, you should try the Music Messa which is run in the spring, maybe March or April. Check it out.
There you will see a selection of some of the best basses and bows in Europe. A beautiful city and a wonderful experience. There is also a great selection of Asian basses a bows, but you are familiar with these.
 
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#36
Another UK luthier well worth checking out, and that hasn’t been mentioned, is Martin Penning, who’s putting out some fantastic instruments. I’m still *quite* happy with the Kennedy model he built for me about 4 years ago (and I played many fine basses while shopping). You could always see if there’s anyone around you that has one of his basses and see if you can check one out that way.

Martin Penning
 
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#37
Not to forget about Bram de Man, a young very talented luthier, who worked for a time with and for Kanzian and Traunsteiner (still doing so for some time???:p) and has now his own shop in Bruxelles...
Home | Atelier Bram De Man // Contrabas, Double Bass, Contrebasse

And Marko Ackert, who has worked a long time for Rubner and now runs his own business....
Marko Ackert | Doublebass Luthier | Handcrafted Doublebasses and Service
I have not had the opportunity to check out his instruments yet, but I have heard only good things about them...
 
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#38
LaFaro01 said:
The "Musikmesse Frankfurt" no longer exists...in 2022 there wasn't a event and there is nothing to be seen of the announced new "event and festival concept" so far...
Musikmesse Frankfurt
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What a shame! I've been there twice and had planned to go and pick up a bow I had requisitioned just when Covid struck. Bow was also cancelled and I haven't yet re-ordered.
Even took my son the last time who was studying German. Bought nothing, but enjoyed looking around.
Beautiful city, famous for its cider and I haven't tasted fresh draft cider like it!
I am hoping this is just a post Covid blip and it will resume, but by your post it doesn't sound good.
 

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