sparkypiano

I am looking to reduce the amount of stuff I have to carry for classical gigs. I have a wooden stool which does the job but a folding stool would be easier to carry in a single trip from car to stage. Any recommendations for where to get a folding stool? Thanks Sparky

Great summary. I got mine from George Martin but almost went for one at Tim Toft. I found the staff at Toft excellent - very knowledgeable, left me to try the basses and checked up. Turner's in Nottingham had more stock but a lot had not been checked out and set up. Also, when I went, I was being looked after by the restorer - very knowledgeable but I can't help feeling he had better things to do! In the end I fell in love with a brand new Martin.

Thanks all - great comments. What are the Tom Martin basses like? Site shows lots of testamonials. Anyone got direct experience of the company / basses (Concert, Concerto models)

Thanks gents. Anyone come across Turner Violins in Nottingham (also in Birmingham)?

Hi all, I'm new to the forum. Been playing a "student" Stentor for a while and it is now limiting my playing. I want to step up to a good quality bass and bow. I've found a few shops and I am resigned to having to pay 3-5k (these things are pricy!) but I've not been to look yet. Going to the RNCM Strings Day on 17-18 March to see if anyone has any demo kit before travelling far and wide. I will mostly be playing classical but want to do a bit of jazz on the side also - so need good arco and pizz, 3/4 size. Used preferred as I object to chucking away 20% on VAT. I live in Cheshire. I've "found" (on the web) Thwaites (Watford), Tim Toft (Stone), Contrabass (Walton-on-Thames), and Turner Violins (Nottingham) but no visits yet. Where's a good place to not get ripped off and get good service? Or are there good forums for used basses (not ebay!!) I'd appreciate any pointers as a newby. Sparky