If you were up late Saturday, you may have caught Dominic John Davis playing bass with Jack White on Saturday Night Live - he played one of our constantly-touring Suitcase Basses! Dominic says: "It’s been a game changer for me having something consistent on stage when means of our travel is ever-changing. They’re plenty loud too! I used a ribbon mic for this performance!" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJUDoB0errI
View Full PostTwo 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…
View Full PostIf 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…
View Full PostThese three beautiful late 19th century French guild double basses are all available for side-by-side comparison in the bass loft! Large format J. Thibouville-Lamys (and JTL-related Jacquot) with rounded upper bouts, all are in excellent playing condition and thrive in orchestral or jazz settings. It's pretty amazing to compare the patterns and details over a century later. Eric says, "As a workshop it's really remarkable to see the consistency of these instruments spanning, what, 50-60 years? The ff-holes are spot on." Left to Right: JTL c1890, JTL c1900, Charles Jacquot Paris, Mid-19th Century Left and Middle JTLs produced around 1880s-1900s,…
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