Old website for reference String Instrument Company

New Stonington Model Double Bass Sneak Peek

Here’s some studio shots of our Stonington Model double bass prototypes! The Stonington is a new medium-sized violin-cornered model in the works: A younger sibling to the Brescian, much like the Bohemian is to the Mittenwald. Build and pricing options also akin to the Bohemian. We’d love to hear your thoughts and gauge interest! Send…

Just Listed: King Mortone c1950

New Vintage listing – this beautifully-preserved King has defied the decades and is in great playing shape with Evah Pirazzis. Original neck set and fingerboard on this stylish American classic! +1 (860) 535-9399. 

Double Basses with Star Power

From Gary Karr’s French bass to the stately JTLs, here are a few of the stars everybody gravitates to here in the Upton Bass loft! Our big Martin 4/4 seeks a good home and is on deep sale – it spent it’s formative years pushing the Frank Sinatra Jr. big band. The French Mentec was…

UB Brescian Hybrid with Extension – available!

This Brescian double bass from 2021 has just become available – with some choice upgrades! C-Extension, flat back and a Rev Solo pickup really put the oomph in this cannon – super fun to play and ready to ship.

Upton Double Bass Extensions

If you’re on Instagram, check out our luthier Jack Hanlon’s page: @jackhanlonbass – Jack keeps it updated with some of the many exquisite double bass C-Extensions that come off his bench! The Upton Bass C-Extension was conceived and designed to have no structural impact to your scroll. No cuts, no notches, no drill holes. Our…

Upton Bohemian Hybrid 7/8ths, Opus 804

This large-pattern Bohemian Deluxe double bass glows with an amber varnish and delivers a big powerful note. It’s a hybrid build with outer veneers on the back and sides of finely figured Northeastern Sugar Maple. Nicely flamed Northeast Maple accents the neck and scroll. Other than the German Spruce top, it’s a showcase of regional…

Selmer Kay Bass Gallery, S-10 Thin Body, 1937

Here’s studio pictures of the restored Selmer Kay Bass Viol, the thin-ribbed deluxe S-10 model from the dawn of Kay Bass! We set out to not over-restore or “candy coat” this historic example, leaving its cool checked patina while returning structural health and playability to as-new. Learn more about this Selmer Kay bass restoration HERE…

Selmer Kay Bass Restoration, S-10 Thin Body, 1937

This Selmer Kay restoration began with some fact finding: Selmer Kay? Kay thin body? These early deluxe version Kays are some of the rarest. We’ve serviced vast multitudes of Kays and haven’t seen a Selmer Kay even for a string change. In fact, our friends at the Kay Bass Registry haven’t seen one either! We…