Instruments We've Made
We have now hand made over 160 double basses and a number of other fine stringed instruments, until now we have not photographed each instrument we have only kept a record of who they were made for. From now on we will try and photograph each instrument we make and put the pictures on the site for all to enjoy.
Anna Marsden
Marlborough Concert Orchestra
Concert 3/4 Double Bass called Bella and Claude Marchand bow
“I am delighted with my recently purchased Martin Double Bass.
It is a joy to play and I am able to provide a much improved sound for my local orchestra. I even look forward to practising now!
The whole experience of visiting the workshop and trying out the bass was a most enjoyable one and the family’s passion for the instruments is obvious.
Long may they continue to develop the instruments.”
Ken Miller
San Francisco freelance jazz and orchestral musician
I couldn't be happier with my new Tom Martin bass.
Though only a few months old, the bass already is playing extremely well. It has a beautiful, rich and very powerful tone from the low register to the high. I am amazed at the ease of response of this instrument!
I am currently playing the bass in the section of the San Francisco Symphony, and feedback from my colleagues has been very positive. The design of the bass is beautiful. It is a large model with deep ribs, but very easy to get around. The wood selection is lovely, the "quilted" Italian poplar of the ribs and back is spectacular!
I love this bass!!!
Tom Thoreson Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Ruggeri model bass made for Tom Thoreson
fitted with our Low C extension
"I recently got my Martin Bass, the Ruggieri model, and was amazed at the power on both the A and E strings. Having owned a Prescott for 38 years I was used to a lot of lower end.
The Martin bass is totally satisfying and easy to play." - Tom Thoreson Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
More photos of the Martin Ruggeri model Double Bass
Click on the photos to enlarge
Tam Nightingale
London based music writer and left handed bass player owner of a left handed Concert ¾ and Claude Marchand bow.
had never played a left-handed upright bass before, as not many of them exist! Since getting my bass it has appeared on the HSBC 'Cormorant' commercial and I'm using it on practically every track with the sensational new artist, Sophie Madeleine.
I would not hesitate to recommend the basses of Thomas and George Martin!
Visit Tam's website at http://www.nightingalemusic.tv/
Roger Davis
Professional jazz musician
owner of a Concert ¾ Bass.
"This is a very impressive bass; the workmanship is first class and it has a maturity that belies its youth.
The sound is even across the four strings, from bottom E right up to the thumb position on the G string. It has a brightness that is perfect for pizz jazz.
It was a pleasure to deal with Tom and George and I know my instrument will have the very best attention, should it need it, for many years to come."
Patricia Silva
Concert 3/4 model double bass player
'I purchased the Thomas Martin Concert Model Double Bass a while ago, and today I could not be happier. It's a great bass with a great affordable price.
The neck is just perfect, and the string length is very comfortable even for people with small hands. I would recommend this instrument to anyone.'
Orquesta Sinfonica de Castilla y Leon in Spain
Pair of Ruggeri’s, one 5 string and one 4 string with our low C extension.
Nathan knight
Concert model bass made for Nathan knight fitted with our Low C
More photos of the Martin Concert model Double Bass
Click on the photos to enlarge
Zoltan Dekany
Professional Jazz musician, Teacher of Jazz bass at the Royal Northern College of Music
I have receintly purchased a Martin Double Bass, which in the short time i have used it has proven to be a very playable and a well balanced instrument.
I'd like to thank both Tom and George for the excellent craftsmanship and care they put into making these basses. I very much enjoy playing it and get lots of compliments about the sound of it from my colleagues.
On another note, i started to study with Tom 3 years ago, and although i only had a few lessons so far, he has completely changed my approach to playing double bass and my perception of music.
He is undoubtedly one of the greatest double bassists and teachers of our times.
Yukio Kanenari
Martin 4/4 Double Bass model made for Yukio Kanenari
"Real things are beautiful and more attractive than it sees in the photograph. I played this contrabass. It is easy to play it very much. The pronunciation is good, and the sound of a low bowstring makes the wrapped comfortable deep sound. It is very attractive.
The future is very the enjoyment. I think it was really good because I ask you for the production of the contrabass. I give a reward again. Thank you." - Yukio Kanenari, Japan
More photos of the Martin 4/4 Double Bass
Click on the photos to enlarge
Eric Lacour
Ruggeri model bass made for Eric Lacour fitted with our Low C extension
"The bass has a big, rich, and commanding sound, even without being fully broken-in. It's the only fresh out of the shop instrument that I have played that is ready for both orchestral and solo playing from the get-go. Although the body of the bass is quite large, the neck, shape of the shoulders, fingerboard length, and string length make the instrument very accessible for any type of playing necessary. What has already been a strong beginning for this bass will only go on to be a fabulous life for this beautiful instrument as it fully breaks-in."
More photos of the Martin Ruggeri model Double Bass
Click on the photos to enlarge