Testimonials
We have selected a few testimonials of well known players who use their Martin Basses on a regular basis. Further testimonials can be found on the instruments we've made made page.
John Patitucci
Premier jazz soloist and proud owner of a Martin double bass
I have known Tom Martin for around 17 years and he has been a friend, teacher and a sage to me.
Tom is uniquely gifted, being a virtuoso Bassist and a skilled Luthier. I don't think we often see those two talents in the same person!
I have so much respect for Tom's vast knowledge of music, the bass, bass pedagogy, the orchestral and solo repertoire, the history of bass and bow making, not to mention his encyclopedic knowledge of Botessini's music. I am also very grateful to Tom for finding me the Vuillaume Bass that I now play and for building my Martin Bass incorporating all the things I look for as a Jazz player.
Chris Jennings
Superb left handed jazz player and owner of a specially made totally left handed bass
It’s a huge honour for me to have a Tom Martin double bass.
Tom made a dream come true for me and made me a custom made left handed double bass using beautiful quilted Canadian maple, exactly the same as my mentors, Palle Danielsson’s, Martin double bass which is a few years older. This instrument has completely changed my approach to music and has helped me reach new levels in my abilities on my instrument.
Everyone from fellow colleagues, to sound engineers and listeners in concerts seems to take special notice of this beautiful instrument. The bass “Karla,” has sounded amazing from day one and keeps getting better and better in every diverse musical setting from jazz, classical, tango, world music etc...
I am equally forever grateful for all the classical training, advice and musical input Tom has given me. I feel incredibly lucky, especially being a jazz bassist from the being, to have had the opportunity to study and learn classical bass playing a master, one of the greatest double bassist's of our time and I can’t imagine my playing without this experience.
Visit Chris Jennings website.
Some groups I am playing in with my Tom Martin Double Bass:
The Nguyên Lê Quartet (Jazz)
Nguyen Lê "Fragile Beauty" Group (Jazz/Vietnamese)
Dhafer Youssef Acoustic Quartet (Jazz/World)
Jacek Kochan/Dave Liebman Quartet (Jazz)
Kudsi Ergüner Group (Turkish/World)
El Gusto Algerian Traditional Orchestra (Traditional)
Chris Jennings "Country Jazz Trio" (Jazz)
Artyom Romanoff
Cello student at the Guildhall school of Music and Drama.
"I was introduced to Mary Martin right after my cello got knocked off my back by a car, and was broken in the neck area...
She took my cello to Oxfordshire in her own car, and later I received a call from George Martin to discuss the repair...In a few days they managed to perform this extremely fiendish repair - and I couldn’t believe the price, it was so much less than I was expecting!
"Amazingly well done! Send my regards to Tom!", - said Stefan Popov, my cello teacher in Guildhall School of Music and Drama, at the very next lesson...
I am so absolutely satisfied with the Martin's team and their work I think I won't ever ask anybody else to get things done for me from now on..."
Nathan Knight
NYO member and owner of Martin 3/4 bass with Low C extension
""Over 2 years ago I bought my double bass from Thomas and George Martin. The bass was fitted with a C Extension and projected well.
The higher and lower registers made a clear sweet sound. The bass is in tremendous form which has helped me excel in my playing. The height of the action is very comfortable and the extension works well.
I find that the bass is both suited to solo and orchestral playing (serving me well in my time at the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain) and will be of great service in future years."
Loren Pugh
Australian double bass student proud owner of a Martin 3/4 called Olympia
Olympia, as I have named my new double bass which I have just purchased from the Martins in England, is absolutely amazing. Through my old double bass teacher, Stuart Riley, we heard that Tom and George Martin and their team were in the process of making a "Martin ¾" double bass.
Stuart tried a few out, said they were amazing and then told me what to look for in a new bass. I have been playing for 5 years and my old double bass (which was starting to get very small) is the $2 500 one which I started off with so for me, it was a very big step and a great experience to buy one of my own when I actually knew what to look for and what I wanted. We contacted the Martins and got so many guarantees and lots of help in making such a big decision.
I learnt about the woods used (such as spruce, Bosnian maple and ebony) as well as why they are used and the sorts of sounds that they help create. Since we got in so early in the making process, I got to choose the colour that I wanted it and she looks amazing! They also put a sticker inside the double bass to say that it was made for me which personally, made it even more exciting. Olympia sounds absolutely fantastic, a rich, mellow sound, as good as many "older" double basses and her sound will only improve with age. I’d just like to thank everyone over in the workshop as I swear, I was the happiest girl in the world when I took her out of the box at customs to make sure everything was in 1 piece, and started playing her right there in the storage shed! Thanks again. Loren Pugh
Luzia Viera
Concert ¾ model double bass
Luzia has a concert ¾ model double bass and studies at 'Escola Superior de Musica De Lisboa' and has lessons with Manuel Rego.
Luzia loves her bass and just can't stop playing
Gerardo Scaglione
Virtuoso Tango bass player with Martin Solo model bass
"I can't believe that a very brand new Bass could sound like the Martin Solo Bass, it has the sound, colour of an old bass, a very deep sound in lows, brillant and refined highs with a great volume and projection, that's all I can expect from a Bass.
Hats off to Tom & George Martin"
Martin Rosso
Member of the Brussels Philharmonic and owner of a Martin 4/4 model
Dark deep sound, great playability and a beautiful voice are the features of this well presented bass.
The big orchestral sound of my Martin 4/4 bass matches all the other basses in the orchestra and the tone quality and playability makes of it a good bass also for solo playing.
I'd been several months looking and trying many basses from different origins and ages before I ordered my bass. No one satisfied my requirements as the beautiful Martin copy of a Marcucci bass I played many times in the past and made me decide to get a Martin bass of my own.
This instrument has all the qualities I expect from a good bass, it has no weaknesses. I couldn’t be happier with it. I also own a Marchand bow that’s really well made and works great.
I feel very grateful to the Martin family and team for being so friendly and helpful and for building this beautiful bass for me.
Meherban Gillett
Finalist in the young musician of the year competition and student of Thomas
In the picture is Meherban with his new Martin bass and his former Hungarian student bass also supplied by us, his student bass saw him all the way through his education and when he got his first orchestral job he decided to part exchange his student bass for a specially made Martin bass.
‘I wanted let you know how contented I am with the bass. It has already been a joy getting to know all its many qualities: it's warmth, it's willingness to release volumes of sound and especially it's ethereal clarity across the register. I can remember trying out some lovely old English basses but this instrument seems to fit me the best. This, I'm sure, doesn't surprise you, but it feels like a mature bass already and thank you again for the beautiful varnish work’
Dr Wendy Brown
Solo Model double bass with low C extension and Claude Marchand French style bow
As a retirement present to myself, I recently purchased a new Tom Martin Solo model double bass.
I received excellent service from the time I expressed interest in buying a bass. I had the opportunity to visit the workshop, and was given sound advice on the model most suitable for me. I was pleasantly surprised by the short time from placing the order to taking delivery of the instrument.
The bass looks beautiful and it has a rich, dark sound. I am thrilled with it. It has attracted a lot of interest from my colleagues in the bass section of the amateur orchestra in which I play.
The section has been complimented about how much better it now sounds. The low C extension has given real depth to the basses.
Now I have added a Claude Marchand French style bow to my outfit. This is beautifully balanced and is a dream to use. The combination of Martin bass and Claude Marchand bow enables me to play to my full potential.
Paul Kimber
Section principal with covent garden. Paul also plays jazz, sessions and arranges and orchestrates.
I took delivery of my new Martin 4/4 bass two months ago, and have used it in the pit at the Royal Opera House and in the concert hall with the BBC Philharmonic so far.
The tone is astonishingly good for a brand new instrument, and the dynamic range astonishingly good for any instrument. The bass speaks as readily as you'd expect a modern bass to, but a depth and warmth of tone that far surpasses the norm.
The instrument responds evenly in all registers from ppp to fff, with easy articulation and the possibility of precise accents on any dynamic level.
It blends well with a section of older instruments in soli passages (Aida), and projects cleanly with a full tone in solo mode (Poulenc Concerto for two pianos, Schedrin's Carmen ballet). Colleagues have been hugely impressed by the quality of my new bass, and it's a great pleasure to play.
Abe Gumroyan
Player in the Las Vegas Philharmonic and freelance double bass player in San Fransisco.
'I can not begin to describe the enjoyment I feel when I pick up my Martin Double Bass. My quest for a top notch instrument ended the minute I picked up this double bass began playing it. The sound and playability of my instrument are second to none. Never have I played an instrument with such ease. The ingenious outline makes the most challenging repetoire fall under the hand very easily and the sound, well, it shakes the floorboards !!
"Abreo" (as I call her) has worked well in so many diverse situations. Just weeks after receiving Abreo I used my instrument for a live television concert & recording with Michel Legrand where I sat principal bass in the orchestra. In the studio or on the stage, Thomas Martin instruments deliver with no questions asked.
Many thanks to the both of you. Your talents make life so much easier for double bassists where we dont have to worry about our instruments and we can concentrate on the important factors of our craft, MAKING MUSIC !!
Cheers, Abe Gumroyan'
Scott Pingel
Principal Bass, San Francisco Symphony, Faculty, San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
'"My Martin bass has served me very well over the years. Just months after receiving it, I used it to pass my audition for the principal position of the San Francisco Symphony and it has been my workhorse on the job since.
It has the power, clarity, and breadth of sound so appropriate for orchestral playing combined with a well-designed shape that facilitates even the most demanding solo repertoire. I have scarcely seen more value in an instrument and have often preferred it on its own merits to pricey antique basses.
Recently, however, I was thrilled to learn from Tom that the very bass that was the foundation for the design of the Martin model had become available: his beautiful old Vincenzo Panormo bass of 1810.
Now that I am the proud owner of that splendid instrument, I can see why he used it on the job for 20 years and found in it the inspiration for making his own wonderful instruments. I consider myself quite fortunate to have these two closely related basses as my tools for making music and thank Tom for the parts he played in bringing them both into my life."
Dan Storer
Principal bass with Manchester Camerata, Sinfonia Viva and Lancashire Sinfonietta and also holds a principal position within the Halle.
"My Martin bass is less than six months old yet has a real depth of sound and no rough edges.
Its ease of playing lets me devote more of my energy to the business of making music, having removed many technical obstacles to my playing.
Playing the bass has become more enjoyable and rewarding and I've been getting some great comments from colleagues within the profession.
It's a great bass. Thanks Tom and George!"
Leon Bosch
Virtuoso double bass player and member of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble.
'I have known about Thomas Martin’s double basses for some time now, but only recently had the opportunity to perform on two of them, the Ruggeri and Concert models.
What a revelation: new instruments that combine extraordinary resonance and power of projection with outstanding craftsmanship, pleasing aesthetics and exceptional attention to detail, qualities coveted by discerning double bassists and more usually associated with instruments from the great workshops of previous centuries.
These double basses were a real joy to play and I cannot think of a more compelling case for modern stringed instruments.'
Visit Leon's website at http://www.leonbosch.co.uk
Timothy Cobb
Principal Bass, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; Instructor- Juilliard School, Manhattan School, Lynn University
'Tom, I just want you to know how much I love this Martin bass! It has a great sound, is very easy to play, and is really beautiful! In short, a real pleasure.
I have known your basses for quite a few years now, can recognize their sound, and know their subtleties- but I have to say, your newest basses are on yet another level! Bravo!
Thank you! and I look forward to hearing my Martin bass grow as the years pass!'
Find out more about Timothy Cobb
Marc Ramirez
Principal Bass, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Lisbon
"After winning the audition in December of 2008 I was determined to find an instrument whose qualities were worthy of the title, Principal Double Bass.
My quest took me to many places and I was privileged to have played on many wonderful instruments. My search eventually brought me to Thomas Martin whose reputation as performer, teacher, collector and luthier precedes him. Tom was so helpful and understanding. He new exactly what I was looking for.
It is true what they say, that nothing replaces the wisdom of experience. His advise was invaluable. It was there that I found my instrument, an old master double bass by Giovanni Cavani. From his shop basses to his copies of the old masters, Thomas Martin’s instruments are of the very highest standard. The combination of playability, sonority and affordability make them very attractive to both the student and the professional. At the most recent ISB Convention I had the opportunity to play and to listen to others play Tom’s basses.
I was very impressed. Tom, George and Ian are very good at what they do. They know what the demanding bass player is looking for."
'Franck Brousseau
Bass Player and owner of a Claude Marchand French bow
"Nice bow, easy to play, big sound, with a nice price for a really good product. I'm happy to have one !"
Franck Brousseau (France)
Listen to Franck in action on youtube
Frank Christensen
Principal of the Aarhus Symphony Orchestra in Denmark - Owner of 5 string 3/4 model
On demand Tom has made an excellent 5 stringed bass for the soloposition in the Aarhus Symphony Orchestra (Denmark).
It is an instrument very easy to play and with a beautiful sonorous sound perfect for solos and at the same time with its huge register from the low open b string and up a clear fullbodied bass sound.
Together with the new Symphonic Concert Hall in Aarhus (inspired by the Musikverein Saal in Wien) which is said to be the best symphonic concert hall in Denmark the bass feels like having got a Formula 1 racer or a Rolls Royce according to temperament.
Willemijn Knödler
Cellist and proud owner of a 2003 Martin Cello
I have had my Cello since 2003, the year it was build. At that time I was still in high school and I was having cello lessons, participated in an orchestra and a string quartet at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague (Netherlands).
Nowadays I still enjoy my cello a lot. I finished my Bachelor Degree at the Conservatory of Amsterdam and I will start my Master at the Royal College of Music in London in September 2010.
This cello is still one of the most beautiful instruments in the cello classes both in The Hague and Amsterdam. The sound is dark, deep, bright and has a lot of character and colours. It has a great sound for chamber music as well as for playing solo with orchestra. I get a lot of positive reactions on the sound of my Cello.
Boguslaw Furtok
Principal double bass of the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, distinguished soloist and composer. Owner of Martin Solo model double bass.
I met Tom for the first time in Markneukirchen, Germany, Double Bass Competition in 1989 and I can say it was the beginning of our friendship.
Ten years later I asked Tom to make a solo bass for me, he just said to me ‘I know what you need and we can do it!’ Few months later I went to England and saw my beautiful bass, It was immediately big love. I have played this bass for 10 years already and my love to this instrument is bigger and bigger! Thank you Tom, you made the best double bass I have ever played!
It is a bass which does what I want, with really beautiful soloistic sound, really easy to play, comfortable, makes people astonishing how beautiful a bass can sound.
Tom is a really great musician, great person, he made a best gift for me with his instrument.
Thank You Tom!!!
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.
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
John Van Lierop
Great teacher and Bass player in the Scottish Symphony orchestra
‘The copy of my Vincenzo Ruggieri double bass is scaringly close to the original.
I have 3 Martin double basses, and they have been my happy companions for many years!’