We understand the difficulties facing touring bassists when it comes to portability, weight and size restrictions. We also understand your desire to have a great sounding and inspiring acoustic bass to play once you reach your destination!
The UB Travel Bass combines the tone and playability of a conventional bass with a removable neck for secure and convenient travel. It is built to a standard series of specifications to attain light weight and bring the instrument plus most composite cases to under 50 pounds for travel.
We start with a gamba-patterned round-back hybrid bass built with a select deluxe top. Installed is our patented adjustable/removable neck system. The neck and scroll on the Travel Bass is carved from a block of multiple Poplar veneers for exceptional lightness and rigidity. Aluminum pegs and lightened cogs shave weight off the tuners. A flyweight tailpiece and end-pin complete the UB Travel Bass build.
The heart of the Travel Bass is the adjustable/removable neck system. Our design uses an interlocking high-strength billet aluminum joint in the neck block which allows the neck to be removed and replaced with perfect fit and precision. The system also allows for direct, instant adjust-ability of your string height and action. Using the removable hex key at the back of the neck joint, you can dial in exactly the string height you require for any musical style, season or climate. As string heights are set at the neck, we omit bridge risers and you gain the superior resonance of a solid bridge.
Removing and replacing the neck and setup is a simple operation which can be completed in a few minutes – please watch Gary’s demonstration video below. Packed and secured in most composite cases, the entire travel package weighs in under 50 lbs.
Our Travel Bass package has traveled the world with elite players and has proven its reliability and ease of use. Once assembled, it plays like one of our finest hybrids. No gimmicks – no truncated bouts, no pancake ribs, no missing pieces – the UB Standard Travel Bass is a complete, lively acoustic bass.
The Lightweight Travel Bass is available in two styles:
Fully Laminated Round Back from $5,500
Hybrid Round Back from $7,500
Pricing includes all lightweight travel options – does not include case, bag or accessories.
Please note, you can still have any Upton Bass model built with an adjustable/removable neck if weight is not a primary concern.