Community Highlights: Meet Craig Martin of Burton City Basses

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Craig Martin.

Hi Craig, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

Born and raised in New York, I began studying the upright bass at the age of 9 with Marvin Lewis (President of the New York String Teachers Association). During my youth, I performed with the New York String Orchestra at Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center in Washington, the All-Eastern Orchestra, South Shore Symphony, Suffolk Symphony, Tanglewood, and Saratoga Springs Performing Center. After attending Indiana University, majoring in music performance, I toured the U.S. as a bass guitarist/vocalist in classic rock bands for 15 years.

In 1991, I returned to Michigan and worked as an audio engineer for a production company, and in 1995, I was hired by General Motors. The desire to once again play classical music reawakened during the Christmas season of 2008. Shortly after that, I located an older German upright bass and began relearning to play, studying with Stephen Molina of the Detroit Symphony, eventually winning a position with the Flint Symphony Orchestra in 2012 and Saginaw Symphony in 2013.

Fortunately, during that period, I was introduced to master luthier Mark Schwartz of Mark Schwartz Violins, who began maintaining and restoring the upright basses I had acquired. Upon retiring from GM in 2018 as a Tool and Die Journeyman, Mark graciously offered me a luthier apprenticeship.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

With an active family, multiple careers, and musical ventures happening simultaneously, we have all heard the phrase, “There are not enough hours in the day.” I now know firsthand the true meaning of that quote. Time management was one of the most challenging obstacles. It was especially true when it came to relearning to play classical music at a professional level.

The learning curve to become a luthier also had its challenges. However, with hands-on knowledge of the upright bass, Tool and Die experience in the automotive industry, and a sincere passion for the trade, the transition was fairly smooth. Simultaneous multiple careers can be a bit daunting, but with the grace of God, family support, a sincere desire to succeed, and incredible mentors, anything is possible.

As you know, we’re big fans of Burton City Basses. What can you tell our readers who might not be as familiar about the brand?

am the manager and principal luthier of Burton City Basses, a division of Mark Schwartz Violins located in Burton, Michigan. The shop is unpretentious, and customer service is second to none. Our luthiers are professional bassists specializing in premium craftsmanship for repair, restoration, vintage sales, consignments, bow re-hairs, and custom extensions.

We are “Bassists Serving Bassists”.

We provide aspiring students and accomplished professionals with an unsurpassed double bass experience. All are welcome to visit our website, www.burtoncitybasses.com, or come tour the shop and experience a truly unique musical environment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://burtoncitybasses.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Burton-City-Basses/100092725592434/