Winners of the 2025 ISB Maker's Competition

The eleventh biennial International Society of Bassists Maker's Competition was held June 2-4, 2025 at the Florida State University College of Music. Dustin Williams served as chair of this year's competition, which attracted 15 entries from three countries.

As part of the 2025 ISB Maker's Competition, tone judges David Murray, John Schimek and FSU College of Music graduate student Dane Harter played competition basses from behind a curtain for audience voting during the competition's sound-off event. Photo by Shane Kiser

2025 ISB Maker's Competition Results

Silver Medal for Workmanship

Trevor Davis, Austin, Texas
Sam Morel, Brooklyn, New York
Gian Pangaro, Somerville, Massachusetts

Silver Medal for Tone

Benjamin Joella, Delray Beach, Florida
Jacob Stone Pembelton, The Plains, Virginia

Certificate for Workmanship

Frederick Boissonnault, Montreal, Canada
Jacob Stone Pembelton, The Plains, Virginia
Benedict Puglisi, Hawthorn, VIC Australia
Mason Weedman, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Certificate for Tone

Frederick Boissonnault, Montreal, Canada
Mason Weedman, Harmony, Minnesota

Convention Favorite

Benjamin Joella, Delray Beach, Florida

Convention Favorite Honorable Mention

Andrew Hassel, Chicago, Illinois
Sam Morel, Brooklyn, New York

Sound-Off Event Top 5 (Alpha by last name)

Christopher Gutierrez, Mystic, Connecticut
Sam Morel, Brooklyn, New York
Keiran O'Hara, Brewster, New York
Gian Pangaro, Somerville, Massachusetts
Gary Upton, Mystic, Connecticut

Thanks to Our 2025 Competition Judges

Workmanship Judges

• Pablo Alfaro, Decatur, Georgia
• Joey Naeger, Houston, Florida
• Bill Scott, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Tone Judges

• Jay Meder, Tampa, Florida
• David Murray, Indianapolis, Indiana
• John Schimek, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Thanks to Our 2025 Competition Sponsor
Robertson & Sons Violin Shop, Inc.