At Upton Bass, we’ve built our reputation as expert bass makers, but we’ve always had an eye on the cello world. While we’ve made cellos over the years, they remained a backburner project as our focus stayed on double basses. That’s about to change.
We take great pride in the unique place we hold in the double bass world, with our instruments played in top symphony orchestras, on the best jazz stages, and in the hands of Grammy-winning musicians, while remaining accessible to players on many levels. Crafted right here in Mystic, Connecticut, our basses offer tremendous value.
An important part of our success has been collaboration with top bassists. Players like Blake Hinson, Max Zeugner, Nina Bernat, Victor Wooten, Eric Revis and John Patitucci have shaped our instruments by telling us exactly what works, and – just as importantly – what doesn’t. Now, thanks to an exciting new collaboration, we can apply this same approach to cellos.
Meet Thomas Readett
Enter Thomas Readett: a Columbia Teaching Fellow, accomplished cellist, and Mystic native. Thomas brings a wealth of cello knowledge and an invaluable critical eye – exactly what we need to refine our cello-making process.
Our first step will be creating a copy of Thomas’s own instrument, a 1748 Carlo Antonio Testore cello. This elegant, slightly smaller instrument retains a full-scale string length while offering the playability of a more compact cello – something Thomas has found especially beneficial for students.
We’re also refining our existing Montagnana Sleeping Beauty model – a beefy cello built for power and depth. With the help of Thomas’s rigorous road-testing, we’ll fine-tune every detail to ensure our cellos meet the same high standards as our basses.
A New Benchmark for Cellos
Our first goal is clear: to create a conservatory-level cello for under $20,000, made right here in Mystic and capable of competing with $50,000 – $60,000 instruments – exactly the approach we have with basses.
This is no longer a side project, it’s happening. And along with this: a dedicated cello rosin is in the works.
Join Us on This Journey
Recognizing that cellists deserve their own space, we’re launching a new Instagram account to connect, share, and document all things cello. Follow us at @uptoncellos to stay in the loop.
Mystic Chamber Music Series – “And The Bass Makes 5”
Thomas Readett is also the founder and artistic director of The Mystic Chamber Music Series, an ensemble of young musicians from around the world who bonded over their love of chamber music.
On April 12 at 5:30 PM at Noank Baptist Church, the series presents “And The Bass Makes 5”, featuring music by Franz Schubert and Antonín Dvořák. Joining them is none other than Nina Bernat, one of the finest double bassists in the country. A recipient of the Avery Fisher Career Grant and winner of the CAG Elmaleh Competition, Nina’s artistry is exceptional.
In 2023, we had the honor of making a copy of her father Mark Bernat’s Busetto double bass for her – one of those truly special projects that we take great pride in.
Tickets and details for “And The Bass Makes 5” can be found here.
