JD Strings

JD Strings Jerome Davies is a maker and repairer of string instruments, specialising in the double bass. He is also a professional bassist.

My first close up experience with a musical instrument was when I started playing classical guitar at the age of 7 and since then my life has been dominated by music and the instruments that I play. Over the years my interest in instrument design and construction grew until eventually I decided it was time to take this interest a little more seriously and I enrolled on the violin making and repair

course at Merton College under the tutelage of Keith Graves. Following three years of successful study at Merton I continued my own studies and gained experience working on a variety of different string instruments. Starting off working on repairing instruments of the violin family I have gradually widened my experience and have attended further courses covering guitar/bass guitar set up and electrics. I have also designed and built a number of instruments both for myself and as commissions. I undertake work on all string instruments and I love them all! Each different instrument brings its own challenges, whether repairing, setting up or designing and building new models. Whilst respecting the tradition and the centuries of accumulated knowledge that has bred that tradition I always try to question the methods and ideas to see if a more logical and elegant solution can be found to any situation. This is especially important in the design and building of new instruments. Many of the great makers throughout history earned their accolades not only by great craftmanship but also by innovation and intelligent development; even if only within the sometimes rigid boundaries set by tradition, physical form and function. As a professional musician I can understand the needs of fellow performers and I really know the difference that a responsive, well adjusted instrument can make to your performance, both on a technical and a musical level.

A little bit of veneer work for a current project.
19/11/2021

A little bit of veneer work for a current project.

Something a bit different this week:2 sets of harmonica tone/cover plates.Hand made from african blackwood for harmonica...
07/08/2021

Something a bit different this week:
2 sets of harmonica tone/cover plates.
Hand made from african blackwood for harmonica ace Pat Levett. As well as looking lovely they give the instruments a lovely sonorous and more 'rounded' tone.

This beauty is finally ready to perform after spending the early part of the summer 'sunbathing' in the garden (to help ...
14/07/2021

This beauty is finally ready to perform after spending the early part of the summer 'sunbathing' in the garden (to help harden/cure the varnish).
It is based on a C.19th English bass made by William Tarr but with adjustments to improve playability and response.
It sounds absolutely gorgeous! It has a 3/4 string length but with a large body and deep ribs it speaks quickly yet has an evenness and depth of tone somewhat surprising for a newly made instrument.
I won't be letting this one go but if anyone is interested I'm happy to make another ;-)

Making a new tuning peg.The old peg broke where the string hole is so time to make a copy on the lathe...
30/10/2019

Making a new tuning peg.
The old peg broke where the string hole is so time to make a copy on the lathe...

I'm currently restoring a French bass and having finished work on the belly it's time for the neck to get some attention...
23/08/2019

I'm currently restoring a French bass and having finished work on the belly it's time for the neck to get some attention.

12/07/2017
10/03/2017
17/05/2016

Address

Cranbrook
TN172LP

Telephone

07711268633

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