Here's a wonderful illustration of the staying power of big German gamba-pattern double basses. These three are all over a century old and have been kept in great playing shape with a range of modifications and replacements. These are historic instruments without the eye-popping price, having not stayed strictly original and without impeccable pedigree. They really are player's basses, set up to be responsive to 21st-Century hands with the resonance of vintage symphony instruments. New necks and/or setups keep them vital with playing comfort and adjustability. A quick tour of historic Germany with these three survivors! The Mittenwald (Left) came…
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Two beautiful examples of "Andreas Morelli" double basses, both are playing great with recent Upton restorations! Andreas Morelli-labeled basses have a reputation of being perhaps a tick up from Juzek and being very good all-rounder basses. They have longer bodies than the typical Juzek and a longer string length. As built - and preserved as seen here in the darker bass at right - Morelli basses have a 43" string length. That extra string pull isn't for everybody, on the lighter restoration it's been brought down to 42" via a custom t-nut. Both necks are original and healthy! The lighter…
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Straight out of setup, this beautiful diminutive Karr model is our first 5/8th version of the new pattern. In gloss French red, it has all the elegance and poise of its Quenoil inspiration. The top ripples with some beautiful Spruce figure. The comfort and fingerboard access is unmatched - it produces a beautiful lyrical tone under the bow and a focused low end! 5/8ths and 3/4 size Karrs 3/4 sized sibling New 5/8ths size Karr Model double bass This 5/8ths Karr is a hybrid, built for a conservatory setting. Now that we've created the mold and the tooling - the…
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If you've been following Upton Bass on Instagram, @uptonbass we've been offering beautiful instruments pre-restoration at remarkable "bored-in-January" discount sale prices! We've reassessed some of the basses on hand that could sit in our collection for years more and decided - it's just time to get them into the hands of players. Gary's even decided to part with his own personal 1950s Epiphone that he restored with new projection and a hefty ebony board. We haven't seen one nicer. This pretty American plywood upright bass will start a new chapter in new hands - here's a parting gallery for now…
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