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…
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We have a very unusual instrument in our collection – a double bass made by Johann Ulrich Eberle (1699–1768). Eberle was a renowned luthier in 18th-century Prague, known for crafting violins, violas, cellos, and rare double basses that blended Italian and German influences. Originally from Vils, near Füssen, Germany – a historic hub for violin making – Eberle trained under Thomas Edlinger and became a key figure in Prague’s thriving musical scene, and a well respected citizen. His instruments, especially his violins, are highly sought after, often modeled after Stradivari and Amati. Eberle’s work helped cement Prague’s reputation as a…
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Abraham Prescott (1789–1858) holds a special place in our New England hearts. The New Hampshire luthier built his first double bass in 1820, followed by around 200 more. Right now, we have several Prescott-related projects underway. A beautiful example of New England lutherie When a Prescott bass arrives, it’s always a special day. This one, acquired from a trusted colleague, is in remarkable condition—almost entirely original. While some previous repairs need to be reversed, the instrument’s integrity is intact. This restoration is about preserving the bass’s essence. We’ll address past repairs, correct some bad varnish work, and carefully go through…
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Exciting things are happening at Build Bass. Our first group of students is nearing completion on their basses, and we're proud to see the progress they’ve made. Over the past weeks and months, they have learned, problem-solved, and honed their craftsmanship, turning raw materials into beautiful, playable instruments. We got photos from Jon in Austin, TX, and his bass is now very close to ready. Each student has faced their own challenges, from working in small spaces to tackling woodworking techniques for the first time. Through determination and with support in weekly calls and nearly instant feedback in the Facebook…
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