Double Bass Luthiers

[Gutsontheups]

I just took my bass to the Gage shop for a new bridge and some minor adjustments. I have to say I was truly happy with the results. Even though i had to dig deeper into my wallet, my bass feels great and the dudes there are helpful and knowledgeable.

Over the years Ive been to many different Luthiers and there have be a few who have been obviously (IMO) trying to pull the wool over my eyes. Has anyone else had similar experiences?

 

[SAlcott]

I've had some less-than-satisfactory experiences in the distant past, but I put it down to lack of awareness on the part of the luthier that the double bass requires (and deserves) as much finesse to set up as the rest of the bowed string family. I'm sure there are some shysters out there; I just haven't run into them.

 

[wineaux]

I've been fortunate, because of references from my teacher and a veteran player, to have my work done by two top-notch luthiers, John Lemoine in D.C. and Mike Shank, near Harrisburg, PA.

Once you find a good one, hold on to him!

 

[drurb]

Never had a bad experience with a luthier. OTOH, I've sure seen some shoddy work on other players' basses. What's sad is that I know of so-called luthiers who would never get their hands anywhere near a bass I own, yet everyday students are taking their basses to them. Knowledge is power!

 

[mheintz]

I have had mixed experiences with some people, but Gage and his crew have always treated me very well. The only drawbacks are (1) you don't necessarily get Gage's all-star team every time, but Gage and Sprocket will definitely weigh in if you are working with one of the other guys (who are all very nice and competent), and (2) I've found their prices to be slightly on the higher side for big repairs, but sometimes you get what you pay for. Recently, I've enjoyed going to one-man shops; that way, I know exactly who I am working with. I have used Bill Merchant before and I hope to meet some of our other esteemed TB luthiers (Jeff and Arnold) in the future.