As 2024 comes to a close, we at Upton Bass have been reflecting on what has been an incredible year for our team and our community. From new projects to exciting collaborations, this year has been a great one. Here are some highlights that made 2024 special. Collaborations and Craftsmanship We’ve had the honor of working with esteemed musicians and luthiers throughout the year. Highlights include refining our manufacturing process in collaboration with a master luthier. We have created bespoke instruments for top level musicians, such as the Gagliano copy for Blake Hinson, and the two copies of Max Zeugner’s…
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Jansen Herr called, asking for a beautiful example of a Bohemian 7/8 size bass with flamed maple—and that’s what we delivered! This bass is a fabulous showcase of a modest Upton bass built straight down the middle. Featuring gorgeous flamed maple on our signature mittenwald pattern, minus the outside linings, this Bohemian model is as functional as it is stunning. Freshly finished and ready for its new home. we can’t wait to hear this bass in any setting.
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Here we have an elegant Karr flatback Upton Bass crafted for Doug Ferreira. This instrument is designed to be a versatile, multifunctional arco bass, perfect for section work, solo performances, and even jazz gigs when needed. The Karr model boasts an incredible voice, and this particular bass is beautifully wooded with solid maple and a stunning spruce top. The depth and richness of the varnish highlight its simplicity and elegance, making it as visually striking as it is sonically impressive. Doug, we can’t wait to see this bass in action!
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The Restoration Earlier this year, Max Zeugner of the New York Philharmonic brought his early 19th Century double bass for restoration. The instrument was built in Florence by Cassini, and among the many things going on, the six piece top had lost much of its arch. Lots of tender care has been given in the restoration. A plaster cast was made, and with breast patches, careful repairs, removal of old problematic repairs, and doubling of the edges, it has come back to what we believe the maker intended. https://youtu.be/AvSQ6TxLSqc https://youtu.be/TtX063hZ998 Unrestored Cassini top left, getting intensive interior work The Recreations…
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