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Double Bass Contrabass Shoppe Workshop Bass / Bass Luthiers

J

johnfowles

Jul 31, 2008
52
0
#1
Hi all,
I'm at the point of almost putting a deposit on a bass at the Contrabass Shoppe (UK). I'm a left handed double bassist, so it's worked out that having an instrument built for me is better than spending money on and old instrument, and converted.

Has anyone tried one of their workshop basses, such as:

http://www.contrabass.co.uk/2622.htm

I don't think I've got other options in the UK, no one else really building any more. That said, I don't mind driving across Europe to pick a bass up, anyone recommend an Italian maker? I'm not sure which countries are 'in' at the moment.

Cheers,
John
 
#2
johnfowles said:
I don't think I've got other options in the UK, no one else really building any more. That said, I don't mind driving across Europe to pick a bass up, anyone recommend an Italian maker? I'm not sure which countries are 'in' at the moment.

Cheers,
John
Click to expand...

Thomas Martin, Paul Bryant build basses in the UK. In Italy, Luciano Golia makes beautiful instruments, reasonably priced, too.
 
#4
It seems you are willing to pay, so perhaps you would take under consideration the likes of Peter Elias or Krattenmacher. I think the latter has lots of orders, though, which is why a used Krattenmacher is more expensive than the €20,000 I believe a new is - apparently some people pay in order not to wait. Which is not the case with a Pöllmann... I was in contact with Elias recently - he has avoided double basses recently due to asthma problems, but seemed eager to start again. He takes 17k for the work.

The cheapest option is probably to turn to some luthier that has yet to make his name as a maker. I know a couple of makers in Sweden who are well on the way to make some basses; both are renowned for their repairing skills and I'll be damned if they don't make something really good. Of course, for a Brit, a trip to Europe plus taxes and stuff... Spontaneously, I would go on with your plans on getting one made by the Shoppe; haven't tried their own basses but they seem competent enough!!

Gee, you must be thrilled to get your very own bass!! You know, I almost sold my Pöllmann in order to order an Elias... Had I had a job, so that I wouldn't have to sell my current bass in case the new one wouldn't live up to what I believe it would, I would've gone through with it!
 
#6
mrmann said:
It seems you are willing to pay, so perhaps you would take under consideration the likes of Peter Elias or Krattenmacher. I think the latter has lots of orders, though, which is why a used Krattenmacher is more expensive than the €20,000 I believe a new is - apparently some people pay in order not to wait. Which is not the case with a Pöllmann... I was in contact with Elias recently - he has avoided double basses recently due to asthma problems, but seemed eager to start again. He takes 17k for the work.

The cheapest option is probably to turn to some luthier that has yet to make his name as a maker. I know a couple of makers in Sweden who are well on the way to make some basses; both are renowned for their repairing skills and I'll be damned if they don't make something really good. Of course, for a Brit, a trip to Europe plus taxes and stuff... Spontaneously, I would go on with your plans on getting one made by the Shoppe; haven't tried their own basses but they seem competent enough!!

Gee, you must be thrilled to get your very own bass!! You know, I almost sold my Pöllmann in order to order an Elias... Had I had a job, so that I wouldn't have to sell my current bass in case the new one wouldn't live up to what I believe it would, I would've gone through with it!
Click to expand...

Oh my god, I've just looked up Elias and wow does he build some beautiful instruments! I'm having to sell my 1880 german to afford it, but I think it's definitely a cost that would develop into an investment.

Many thanks for putting me onto him.

Cheers,
John
 
#7
mrmann said:
It seems you are willing to pay, so perhaps you would take under consideration the likes of Peter Elias or Krattenmacher. I think the latter has lots of orders, though, which is why a used Krattenmacher is more expensive than the €20,000 I believe a new is - apparently some people pay in order not to wait. Which is not the case with a Pöllmann... I was in contact with Elias recently - he has avoided double basses recently due to asthma problems, but seemed eager to start again. He takes 17k for the work.

The cheapest option is probably to turn to some luthier that has yet to make his name as a maker. I know a couple of makers in Sweden who are well on the way to make some basses; both are renowned for their repairing skills and I'll be damned if they don't make something really good. Of course, for a Brit, a trip to Europe plus taxes and stuff... Spontaneously, I would go on with your plans on getting one made by the Shoppe; haven't tried their own basses but they seem competent enough!!

Gee, you must be thrilled to get your very own bass!! You know, I almost sold my Pöllmann in order to order an Elias... Had I had a job, so that I wouldn't have to sell my current bass in case the new one wouldn't live up to what I believe it would, I would've gone through with it!
Click to expand...

i don´t think you could get a new krattenmacher for 20.000. i visited his shop some years ago, and remember something around 22 or 25k €.

but i was very impressed by tom martins new basses (one year ago), iirc under 20k€ and much more impressive than the krattenmacher i played (3 or 4 years ago)
 
#8
Also: Geofrey Sheppard in Kent (Malcolm Healy knows his work); Sergio Scaramelli in Italy; and Andrew Pitts in Prague.

That said - I think Tony's "shoppe" basses are good quality Eastern European instruments.

LF
 
#9
Hi John

I have got a handbuilt left handed double bass built by a Belgian luthier (K. Vandermeersch - 2002). The model is more or less based on a Panormo outline with a round back. It sports a completely new fingerboard and adjustable bridge (see picture). I would sell for € 13000.

Best regards

Frits Jochems
 

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#10
bassist14 said:
i don´t think you could get a new krattenmacher for 20.000. i visited his shop some years ago, and remember something around 22 or 25k €.

but i was very impressed by tom martins new basses (one year ago), iirc under 20k€ and much more impressive than the krattenmacher i played (3 or 4 years ago)
Click to expand...

Whoa, well, I never got in contact with Krattenmacher. I only had him recommended by the principal bassist in the Royal Opera in Stockholm, the one who got to play their Maggini. He thought Krattenmacher was a better investment than Elias, while Elias was cheaper, without the waiting time, and it's apparently one of the biggest sounding basses you can find. Perhaps better suited for orchestral than solo playing. Krattenmacher has delivered basses to a couple of the guys in the Berliner Philharmonic, so I am confident that his are great. Elias is tempting because he doesn't seem very by-the-book, and willing try try new things. And yes, his instruments are a sight to the eye!

I've checked out Tom Martin's page, and yes, his basses does seem to ooze quality. They ought to be a bit more costy than the Shoppe basses, though? But of course, if you can afford it, it would probably be an even better alternative.

It seems however as if the alternative that might provide best value for money is the one Frits has for sale. Judged by the brief look at the picture at http://www.leftybass.com/Eure_Baesse_1.htm, it seems like a very well-crafted instrument.
Anyways, John, if I were you I'd consider the tax rates, or the possibilities of getting around them, and then go to visit Frits. Secondly, I'd check these Brit luthiers that has been namedropped; Sheppard, Martin, Healy, and the Shoppe. Only thirdly would I consider an Elias or other continental makers. Please keep us updated on how things turns ut!
 
#12
johnfowles said:
Hi all,
I'm at the point of almost putting a deposit on a bass at the Contrabass Shoppe (UK). I'm a left handed double bassist, so it's worked out that having an instrument built for me is better than spending money on and old instrument, and converted.

Has anyone tried one of their workshop basses, such as:

http://www.contrabass.co.uk/2622.htm

I don't think I've got other options in the UK, no one else really building any more. That said, I don't mind driving across Europe to pick a bass up, anyone recommend an Italian maker? I'm not sure which countries are 'in' at the moment.

Cheers,
John
Click to expand...
I went to see Bryant last week (I have a 2005 Panormo of his) he is looking to wind down, but he'd probably take an order (and take his time over it) - the bass would have to be flat back too.
 
#13
Hi John

I would sell, but only to a seriously interested lefty colleague. Reason is, my twins absorb most of the time and the time left is spent mostly on sports (GP's advice). The instrument is suited for both classical and jazz, and was handbuilt in 2002. It took 3 years to complete it, but it was well worth waiting for. Extra's could include pickup, preamp, books, endpins, strings,...
Contact me on 0472/642551 or [email protected]

Best regards
Frits (in Belgium)

johnfowles said:
Hi all,
I'm at the point of almost putting a deposit on a bass at the Contrabass Shoppe (UK). I'm a left handed double bassist, so it's worked out that having an instrument built for me is better than spending money on and old instrument, and converted.

Has anyone tried one of their workshop basses, such as:

http://www.contrabass.co.uk/2622.htm

I don't think I've got other options in the UK, no one else really building any more. That said, I don't mind driving across Europe to pick a bass up, anyone recommend an Italian maker? I'm not sure which countries are 'in' at the moment.

Cheers,
John
Click to expand...
 
#14
John

I recommend that at the very least you give George Martin a call (contact details are on the website). George is Tom's son and is very involved with the business. Plus he is a delightful guy to talk to and exudes enthusiasm from every pore. I've just bought a bass from Tom and I'm so pleased with it. You can see a pic of me with the bass on the site.

Invalid Link Removed
 
#15
im always unsure about the contrabass shoppe as their prices are SO much higher than any other UK dealer,
if it was me i would go for a pollman or kratenmacher, both make amazing basses.
Paul Bryants are good,but no where near the same level of workmanship, but this is reflected in the amazing value!
 
#16
Roger Davis said:
John

I recommend that at the very least you give George Martin a call (contact details are on the website). George is Tom's son and is very involved with the business. Plus he is a delightful guy to talk to and exudes enthusiasm from every pore. I've just bought a bass from Tom and I'm so pleased with it. You can see a pic of me with the bass on the site.

Invalid Link Removed
Click to expand...

+1 for thomas (george) martin

edit: post#1 is from february - john: did you buy a bass? which one?
 
#17
[QUOTE: Geofrey Sheppard in Kent (Malcolm Healy knows his work); Sergio Scaramelli in Italy; and Andrew Pitts in Prague.QUOTE]
If i were in your shoes i would visit Prague. There are some excellent luthiers down there and you can also be in contact with Atelier Paganini, (Link Removed). Miroslav Bures, the owner, is a man to do business with. He can show you a fine collection of used basses in reasonable prices, but you have to communicate with him in advance and check availability for a lefty.
There are no taxes because they are in EU. You'll enjoy Prague and a very nice countryside.
Good luck
Mike
 
#18
johnfowles said:
Hi all,
I'm at the point of almost putting a deposit on a bass at the Contrabass Shoppe (UK). I'm a left handed double bassist, so it's worked out that having an instrument built for me is better than spending money on and old instrument, and converted.

Has anyone tried one of their workshop basses, such as:

http://www.contrabass.co.uk/2622.htm

I don't think I've got other options in the UK, no one else really building any more. That said, I don't mind driving across Europe to pick a bass up, anyone recommend an Italian maker? I'm not sure which countries are 'in' at the moment.

Cheers,
John
Click to expand...

I know you're more looking towards Europe, but have you looked at Nick Lloyd's basses? They've gotten medals at the ISB convention and with the Sterling(That is what you use, right?)-Dollar conversion youd get a steal. I got my Shen SB180 from him and know of his fantastic setup, I can only imagine how good HIS basses are!

You'll want to click on "Lloyd Basses"
 

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