We've always appreciated the accomplishments of Abraham Prescott and his thriving early 19th Century New England string instrument company. Separated by an ocean from the violinmaking traditions of Europe, his large resonant basses built of native old-growth Sugar Maple have inspired classical and jazz bassists to this day. In this holiday season we can see his handiwork all around the Upton shop! From a Busetto-cornered 1820s example (available) to our fresh restoration of this 1830s gamba-cornered instrument, previously uncatalogued! This broken attic denizen came to us with in pieces, but with complete three-string originality. After a tremendous effort by the…
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Gary has pulled down some basses from the loft which need work but promise to be amazing instruments once tuned back to life! We've set the prices to include the full shop restoration, completely redone, down to the last cleat. The finished instruments will be tuned to precision with modern overstand and a complete setup that includes our remarkable Ebony fingerboard and world's best bridge. Be a part of the restoration of these century-old future gems! Gary can walk you through the plans: +1 (860) 535-9399.
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Gary shows off this piece of American bassmaking history in this new video! https://youtu.be/u0I_3I7INoI?si=QRplUJ-Yoog_ekXF This form is a piece of Kay Bass history - it was used to build most of the deluxe Kays, blonde S-7s and S-9s. Perhaps your Kay was built on it? If the thought of a new Upton Kay double bass interests you, Let us know! We're in the planning stages of a limited run of laminated instruments off this very form and would love feedback from bass players. Submit An Inquiry and select Upton Kay Project for the Instrument or email sales@uptonbass.com with Upton Kay…
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Gary's auditions three classic JTL-lineage French double basses from the late 19th Century! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2QiGbKYrnQ These three beautiful late-19th Century French guild double basses are currently available for side-by-side comparison at Upton Bass! 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. Left to Right: JTL c1890, JTL c1900, Charles Jacquot Paris (Mid-19th Century) Left and Middle JTLs produced around 1880s-1900s, Jacquot bass on right perhaps a generation older. Take a day at the bass loft to audition all three or call Gary for more details!…
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