The Luthiers' Workshop

As many will know, The Thomas Martin Workshop has moved just north of the town of Banbury to an ancient hamlet called Williamscot. It took us several months to turn an ancient open fronted stone barn into a sate of the art workshop to carry on making instruments.

The workshop is a warm and happy place to work with an easy working atmosphere.

The workshop has produced over 100 double basses now - all hand work and all made to specific order. With each instrument the process has become easier and more organized. We manage to turn out several 'cellos each year and have orders outstanding for several violins in this year as well. In addition, we fit up and sell some of the finest instruments from the central European makers for the student and young professional.

Along with Thomas Martin, the workshop is fortunate to have some very fine craftsmen:

Ian Shankland: has been working with Tom for many years and is a woodworker of the highest standards. Very experienced in instrument making, he began his working life as a master cabinetmaker.

George Martin: studied with his father and Ian Shankland and tends to specialize in constructing the carcass of the instrument including shaping the blocks, thicknessing and bending the ribs, and bracing the flat backs. George is also an up and coming event rider and spends some time each day training and working with horses.

We occasionally can get the fine bow maker and restorer Andrew McGill who lives in the next village when we need a hand. Andrew is a top craftsman and has no problem with whatever he turns his hand to.

Several top people who have passed through the workshop over the years and gone on to other things include Robert Wright, and Patrick Arlid who now both live in Sweden.

Repairs and Restoration

As we are a fully operational specialist double-bass maker, repairs are not a problem. Although we haven’t sought repairs in the past, we are happy to discuss and take them on.

Appraisals & Valuations

Thomas Martin is widely considered one of the leading experts on double basses. He is happy to provide a professional appraisal and valuation service.