If you’ve been in the market for smaller bass, you might have noticed that the options for quality instruments are a bit limited. The double bass world tends to equate “small” with “student”. We are changing that. While in some circumstances there might be no substitute for cubic inches, a 4/4 Prescott is not for everyone. Perhaps ease of travel is a priority of yours, or you need the ergonomics of a smaller bass. Our goal is to maximize what you can get out of a 5/8 double bass. We recently finished a 5/8 version of our trusty, gamba cornered Bohemian model.…
View Full PostIf you go on our Vintage & Used Basses section on our website, you will see a number of basses awaiting restoration. Some of these need a little work, a few look like they’ve been hit by a train and practically need a new bass. We show them in their pre-restoration state for a reason: if you buy one, you should have input on the restoration process so it truly becomes your bass. Let’s say you are looking to have an old Juzek restored. Perhaps you want a certain string length? Within reason, we can adjust it. You have a specific varnish…
View Full PostGary and Chris are at the ISB Convention at Florida State University College of Music in Tallahassee, Florida. Leading up to this up a number of very special basses have been finished, to be on display at the convention. Lately, we’ve been talking a lot about “dream basses”, and that’s exactly what these are. Each one was built specifically for, and in close collaboration with its player. When you reach out to us, we want you to be as informed as possible — to know what’s possible and what options you have. Maybe it’s ergonomics. Do you need a smaller bass with a shorter string…
View Full PostUpton Bass is happy to return to the 2025 International Society of Bassists Convention in Tallahassee, Florida. We’re bringing a curated lineup of instruments that speak to the heart of what we do: turning the wishes and dreams of musicians into exceptional double basses. On display will be a dozen unique instruments, each one built in deep collaboration with the player it was built for. Highlights include: A bold five-string Brescian, with details custom made from the client’s own walnut tree. A six-string Gagliano model – the second six-string we’ve ever made. The Gagliano and Santagiuliana basses built for Blake…
View Full Post