The UB Bostonian Double Bass was conceived at the 2009 International Society of Double Bassists convention. World-renowned bassist and Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of North Texas, Lynn Seaton, and Upton Bass String Instrument Co. President and Founder, Gary Upton were playing and discussing the various instruments Upton Bass had created for the convention. They started with a blank sheet of paper and together began jotting down Lynn’s preferences and suggestions with each model. The result was a rough outline of what would become our UB Bostonian Concert Double Bass. The Bostonian is an ever morphing design with the namesake of our old 1108 Boylston Boston MA shop…the “Bostonian”

The starting point was the Gamba model that we made for Gary Karr – an award-winning double bass crafted by Upton Bass – which was on public display for the first time at the show. The ergonomics of the Karr outline, coupled with the raised over-stand and projection resulted in a highly accessible fingerboard. Mr. Seaton, however, did not find the extreme taper of the Karr ribs conducive to his playing style and elected to keep our standard full depth ribs instead. The second bass on display was a Professor Poplar Deluxe (discontinued UB model) a fully carved poplar bass that already possessed the tonal depth and warmth of a century-old contrabass. After playing this upright bass, Mr. Seaton and Gary Upton concurred that the poplar, combined with deep ribs, would be ideal for an exceptional concert double bass, a truly fine instrument! Four months later, the first Bostonian Model Upton Double Bass was born. Years later the Bostonian has become a combination of our Mittenwald and Bohemian pattern Upton Bass and can be seen on stages and clubs across the nation.

The Upton Bass “BOSTONIAN” Double Bass, is a perfect concert double bass and is currently being played in orchestras and jazz clubs nationwide. Classic dark tone, light-weight construction, playability, and affordability with lots of volume and punch combine to make this Upton double bass an unprecedented American Made instrument at an incredibly low price. Starting at $12,500

Unlike the other Upton Bass models the Bostonian model Upton Bass is available in two build styles and not as a hybrid; with a full array of add on and upgrade items to choose from. If you are looking for a hybrid version of this bass see our Mittenwald Model Upton Bass as it’s the same body pattern.

Solid Wood Flat Back, from $12,500
Solid Wood Round Back, from $15,000

Now after much wait the Bostonian model Upton Bass is available with beautiful violin corners. Stay tuned for more updates.

*We have entirely custom commission slots available at all times and amazing tone wood selections to build you something truly one of a kind. These instruments range in the $20,000-$30,000+/- range. Checkout out our Upton Bass Blog and @uptonbass on instagram for examples of our work.

*American made basses made entirely at Upton Bass in Mystic CT

Ready to get your bass built? Get in our queue with an Upton Double Bass Deposit! Adjustable neck models and special instruments can be commissioned using our unique selection of rare tonewoods. Please call for current stock selection and pricing.

All Upton Basses come standard with our 41.5-inch string length and a D neck.  However as each bass is custom made for every client, we offer our basses with many custom configuration possibilities. Upton Bass offers all of our basses with string lengths of 42″, 41 1/2″, & 41″ and all the way down to 39 on our 5/8 models.  All of our necks can be configured with your choice of a D or Eb (e flat) neck.  We can also make all of our basses as left-handed instruments, truly crafted for the lefty upright bass player.  Five strings are also common customization with either a low B or high C string. 

Outside of our customizations we also offer many upgrades and add-ons: please visit our UB Bass Upgrade Options Page.  Do you have an idea? Something you don’t see listed on our site?  Please call us at +1 (860) 535-9399 to discuss customizing your Upton Bass.  Ask about our simple financing!

Ready to get your bass built? Get in our queue with an Upton Double Bass Deposit!

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT AN INQUIRY FOR YOUR CUSTOM UPTON BASS!

“I love the bass!!!!! It has really opened up over the last few months. The bass projects extremely well acoustically. I amplify it with a Shure Beta 56 microphone and/or a pickup. The instrument is easy to play with a clear and very even sound in all registers and all across the fingerboard. The deep chocolate color shows the beautiful details of the intricately carved instrument. Thank you for such an incredible instrument.”
Lynn Seaton
Associate Professor of Jazz Studies
UNT Phone 940-369-7639
www.lynnseaton.com