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“USAF” Mittenwald Model Upton Double Bass

Off we go, into the wild blue yonder!  We’ve nicknamed this “Air Force One” although it’s really our third bass for the US Air Force Band.  Ironically, we are now providing fully-carved Mittenwalds to this stalwart musical force, having replaced a famous Mittenwald maker as their supplier of double basses.  Round back, fixed neck, no…

The Upton Report Vol.200 – I Got 99 Problems and this Report Ain’t One!

200!!!  I’ve been watching the count go up thinking 200 sounded like a monumental feat!  From some humble beginnings to now, the report has morphed and changed since the first issue in 2010. Originally The Upton Report was just a collection of cool videos I would find on YouTube with an emphasis on entertainment, not…

“Griffin” Cavani Model Upton Double Bass

Here’s another stunner in this emerging star of our Custom Commissions category – This Cavani design, with it’s pinched, classic Italian shape and terrific fingerboard access is both aesthetically pleasing and a soloists’ dream. This is our first fixed-neck 3/4 size Cavani (note the Guttierez & Roy 7/8ths version competition model) and was built with…

The Upton Report Vol. 199 – From Prague to Greece

Our good friend Marc Ramirez was excited to share with us the news of a fantastic young bassist who will be playing the Bass Europe “Grant Bass” Upton Brescian that Gary and I brought and donated to the organization in 2012 during the Copenhagen convention. I reached out to Maria on FaceBook to congratulate her…

The Upton Report Vol. 198 – Milano Models Top Off!

While we were shooting the video in this week’s The Upton Report, a customer walked in watched the shoot.  She remarked after how refreshing it was to hear me say I didn’t know yet what I wanted to tackle first, and that I was overwhelmed with the scope of work that needed to be completed.…

The Upton Report Vol. 197 – HOT Italian Basses & Cars!

Going, going…gone! We’ll…not quite…but summer is slipping away FAST!  It’s been a whirlwind of activity here at the Upton Bass Barn this summer with new projects galore! Do you follow us on Instagram?  No?!?!  We’ll you should!  It’s one of the best ways to get inside tips on what Gary’s up to next…and there are…

“Spalted” Concord Model Upton Double Bass

This may be the wildest Concord yet!  This unique log has gone into several incredible basses, and for our Head Luthier Eric Roy, this Concord revisits a special log not used since the 2011 & 2013 ISB competition basses, resulting in one of the most stunning instruments ever built by Upton Bass. We got to watch Eric build…

The Upton Report Vol. 196 – Born on the 4th of July

Happy Fourth of July Weekend! If you’re traveling the 95 corridor this Weekend be sure to st Op in and visit us On Saturday July 2nd!  There’s some great bass making going on and a high profile bassis Ts instrument is curr Ently on display as we get ready for an exciting New project!  But,…

The Upton Report Vol.195 – Oven Roasted Basses

When you’re in the shop picking up your new Upton Bass, I have a series of “rules” I go over.  Keep your bridge straight, wipe down your bass when you’re done playing, humidify humidify humidify…and the puppy rule. We’ve had a few repairs walk into the shop from musicians playing in direct sun and having…