Custom Built Martin Double Basses and Cellos

We have been making basses now for more than 30 years and have made over 160 instruments, during this time we have built up a number of different models of double bass. These models have evolved and improved over the years and we plan to add new ones in the future. All of our handmade Martin basses are totally hand made by us here in our workshop, each instrument is treated as an individual from the moment we pick out the wood and we intend to keep it this way. We have an extensive wood collection amounting to over 200 sets of the finest bass wood imaginable! For the back and sides you can choose from, Bosnian Maple, English Sycamore, Canadian big leaf Maple, Italian Poplar, English Poplar, Cherry, Italian Walnut and Willow. For the front you can choose from Engelmann Spruce, German Silver Fir, Carpathian Spruce or Bear claw Sitka spruce. All of our wood is air dried naturally here in our specially designed wood drying sheds.

Which ever of our models you choose, there are two things that stay the same, our classic English sound with full deep rich tones and the playability of the instrument. We are happy to make all of our models 4 or 5 string as per your request.

We can of course do anything you like and would be happy to discuss the finest detail with the customer, please contact us for pricing and further information.

Instruments Available

Prices on application. Tom's excellent contacts mean we can often track down a specific instrument.

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  The Ruggieri Double Bass

  Five string double bass of the Vincenzo Ruggieri originally made for the Dutch player, John Van Lierop several years ago. Since then we have made many more. Click for photos.
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  Martin 3/4 Double Bass

  The 3/4 Martin model is an excellent all-round instrument and retains the normal characteristics of all Martin basses.
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  Martin 4/4 Double Bass

  This instrument is based on the great masters of bass making notably Vincenzo Panormo and Thomas Kennedy.
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  Tom Martin Solo Model

  This instrument is based on our ¾ model, we cut 1” from the top half of the original ¾ but kept the bottom half exactly the same to retain as much air space as possible.
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  Martin Patitucci Jazz Bass

  This bass is exactly the same as our solo model in the basic outline but we have cut 1" from the depth of the ribs.
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  Martin Concert 3/4

  This is a bass fully designed by us but is part made in Hungary, we carry out all of the essential work that make the sound and playability so fine.
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  Martin Concert 4/4

  This is a bass fully designed by us but is part made in Hungary, we carry out all of the essential work that make the sound and playability so fine.
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  Martin Concerto model - Quenoil style

  This is a bass fully designed by us but is part made in Hungary, we carry
  out all of the essential work that make the sound and playability such as
  the front and back thickness, bass bar, neck dressing and setting as well as
  the varnish and set up.