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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These 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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