Double Bass Bill Merchant...good?

[BGreaney]

Man, I almost soiled my knickers when I saw how this thread has unfolded! You guys are so silly.

Seriously though, why's everyone getting their panties in a bunch?

 

[sibass89]

Well I see that I have created some hell of a thread. Let me clear some things up.

Mark - I found Bill Merchant's name around TB and when I had a bad experience with another luthier I decided to put a thread where I can get some testimonial on Bill's work. I was not looking to be directed in another direction, simply some people's experiences.

Bollbach was the other guy in my mind and when I saw that very few people had anything to say about Merchant and more had things to say about Bollbach, I decided to take my instrument out to Bollbach because I can make a trip to visit some family friends as well.

Now that I see how much nonsensical fun this thread has turned into I can do nothing but laugh.

 

[philly]

It's true,Nick and I are friends. But I believe we can be unbiased in regards to our work. I would not talk up a luthier just cause he is my friend. I have luthier friends whom I would not reccommend-like that Ahnold guy[whatta putz].

Lemmee tell you something about why Nick and I are friends. Early on in my career, after I left my previous employ I reached out to every freakin bass luthier in the country that I could. With the intent of sharing knowledge and resource and building community. That may sound pious. but what the hey-it's true. Some were receptive, many were not. Many relationships were developed that I am very proud of. Some years back I get a TB pm from a young luthier. It's Nick[at that time just one N] and guess what, he's doing the same thing. Things have progressed over the years and Nick knows a huge amount of luthiers whom he can call friends and reap the luthier rewards of those relationships. Nick even started B.L.A.B.L.A.- the Brotherhood of Loosely Associated Bass Luthiers of America. Mostly tongue-in-cheek but the part that isn't is the real deal. I am very proud to be associated with that group and many had the opportunity but weren't interested. I won't name names.

I'm hip. Or -I've been hipped.

Believe me, I'm not questioning any of you guys, especially Nick Lloyd who has been MOST generous on this forums with his considerable expertise.

 

[KSB - Ken Smith]

I have known about Bill for over 15 years and maybe 20-25 but it was about 15 years ago when we first spoke to each other. He seems to be a nice guy, very professional, polite and dedicated to his craft. He comes from good training and has plenty of experience. I also know of several other Bass Luthiers on and off of TB in and around NY as well as around the world. If they are still in business with happy customers for the most part, then they are doing it right for their clients.

A Bass Luthier in a way is like your personal Doctor or Dentist. If you hit it off and understand each other, then it's a match. When you know several Luthiers then you might have them do different things for you depending on what you like most or least about them. I for one, no matter what will always do something to the set-up no matter how or who did it. I know how so that makes it worse. Kinda like a curse. I just altered the notch on the G or my Prescott Bridge just to tweak it less than a hair. It was the angle and I 'think' I hear and feel a slight difference but still, I just had to do it. Oh, and I lowered the Bridge just a tad as well.

The guy that comes closest to understanding what you want is the one you should go to. I would suggest talking first on the phone and then visiting his shop. See some work he has done that may be similar to what you need and then look around and see what else he can do. All the guys mentioned in this thread are good at what they do. Who is best is who is best for you.

 

[sibass89]

Ken thanks for the suggestion, thats more of what I was looking for in terms of advice. I'm only a 16 year old students and I'm limited in experience in this stuff. Thanks for everything