Hi friends,On July 16th, 2025, we lost someone truly extraordinary: Gary Karr.Gary was a central figure in the double bass community – a mentor, a force of nature, a boundary-breaker, and a dear friend. His passing leaves a tremendous void, but also a legacy that resonates through every note we play and every bass we build.Our relationship with Gary goes back to the mid-2000s, and from our first conversations, he showed unwavering support for what we were doing here at Upton Bass. That support wasn’t something he gave lightly. He never endorsed brands. He never accepted a free bass—even when…
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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…
View Full PostAs 2024 comes to a close, we at Upton Bass have been reflecting on what has been an incredible year for our team and our community. From new projects to exciting collaborations, this year has been a great one. Here are some highlights that made 2024 special. Collaborations and Craftsmanship We’ve had the honor of working with esteemed musicians and luthiers throughout the year. Highlights include refining our manufacturing process in collaboration with a master luthier. We have created bespoke instruments for top level musicians, such as the Gagliano copy for Blake Hinson, and the two copies of Max Zeugner’s…
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The Restoration Earlier this year, Max Zeugner of the New York Philharmonic brought his early 19th Century double bass for restoration. The instrument was built in Florence by Cassini, and among the many things going on, the six piece top had lost much of its arch. Lots of tender care has been given in the restoration. A plaster cast was made, and with breast patches, careful repairs, removal of old problematic repairs, and doubling of the edges, it has come back to what we believe the maker intended. https://youtu.be/AvSQ6TxLSqc https://youtu.be/TtX063hZ998 Unrestored Cassini top left, getting intensive interior work The Recreations…
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