What our Customers say
Thanks for the fine instruments you have provided for me on my last two concert tours in the UK . They are always set-up beautifully and sound wonderful in our ensemble. Looking forward to our next tour in 2016!
Howard(Randy) Pendleton with the Bill Edgar Jazz Quartet.
My instruments and I have been beautifully looked after by Thwaites for well over twenty five years with the utmost skill, efficiency, punctuality and fun! I met my perfect double bass there and have come to view everyone at Thwaites with great affection and gratitude. It feels like a very important lifelong relationship and is now a kind of home for me. I always look forward to being there, learning there and laughing there. They are – quite simply – the best in every conceivable way.
Martin Brunsden – Double Bassist
I never go anywhere else for my stringed instruments for school. I know I will always receive an instrument that is great value for the money I want to pay and it will be set up properly with a good quality bridge and strings. A good number of my string playing students have purchased instruments from Thwaites and have been extremely happy and their turnaround on repairs is also what you would expect of a very professional outfit. Sometimes it can be while you wait. The owner is incredibly knowledgeable, helpful and honest and I can’t really recommend the shop highly enough.
Stephen Hussey, Director of Music, Watford Grammar School for Boys
Got a wonderful instrument, and loving service from people who really know their bottom end!
Harry Shearer (Derek Smalls – Spinal Tap; Mr. Burns. The Simpsons)Having used Thwaites For over 15 years I have had nothing but speedy quotes, full descriptions and competitive hire costs. With prompt delivery and all hires of the highest quality I would highly recommend Thwaites for hire, for a fuss free, high end product hire. Also the friendly expert advice from Bill is second to none.
Jules Sparrow, Music Bank (Hire) LTD
From someone who has been a customer with violin dealers for repairs, bow rehairs and so on, in Central London, South Africa, Canada and in Poland, I can only say that Thwaites have looked after my needs for the past 20 years and I am very pleased with all they do.
Evelyn Chadwick – Violinist…first class instruments, first class service…
Pepin Clout – John Henry’s, Specialist Suppliers to the Music Industry
Thanks for all the work you have done on restoring our beautiful basses back to life. Finally they can be played and the extension is a great addition.
Marianne Chapman, Performance Operations Manager, Trinity Laban Conservative of Music and Dance
I know I don’t qualify as the last of the Big Spenders, but the quality and value of Bass maintenance and supply of important peripherals make my visits to Thwaites a special sense of occasion-a most welcoming reception each time, great chat, cuppa’s and sometimes a little ‘tour’ in the back of the shop where I can enjoy the smell of heritage in the morning!
Dill Katz –Jazz Double Bassist
I’ve been bringing my Bass to Thwaites for 30 years now and have always appreciated their fine work and how friendly and welcoming they all are. I always receive a great service!
Simon Benson – Classical Double Bassist
Thwaites offers friendly, sound and reliable advice to string players of all levels. I would recommend them for repairs as well as accessories. They are very reasonably priced and I have always been allowed the pleasure of playing their fantastic stock of Cellos!
Laura Fairhurst – Professional Cellist and teacher
I have known Bill professionally and socially for years and would highly recommend Thwaites for repairs, accessories and advice. They have a fine stock of Basses which I have had the pleasure of playing on numerous occasions and staff are always happy to give you as much time as you need during your visit!
Steve Rose – Professional Jazz Bassist
Please let me take the chance to thank you again for the generous scholarship you gave me through Leeds College of Music this academic year. I feel honoured and super happy and recommend you to all me fellow students!
Simona Mannu – Cello Scholarship Winner
It was definitely worth the trip to Thwaites – would really recommend the service, help and expertise they offered. My daughter had a delightful day. Sam left us alone when we needed, came and played Violins for us on numerous occasions – talked us through all kinds of things from techniques on making, styles and so on. It was like a day out in a theme park for my daughter (and he even made me a cup of tea!). Their patience was outstanding – couldn’t recommend enough.
Mrs Dunkerly – Mother to budding violinist
Thank you so much – David is loving his violin – thanks Sam for spending so much time in helping him to come to his decision. We both really appreciated it.
I’m sure David will continue to bring the violin to you for servicing. He really values the personal service and expertise he gets from Thwaites.
Sharon Ide
Please do pass on our thanks to whoever did the work on James’s double bass – I did not appreciate in the shop at a quick glance quite how beautiful the double bass extension is. It really is a wonderful piece of craftsmanship! Thank you!
Alison Kiln