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 starting point was the Gamba model that we made for Gary Karr 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 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!
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 (not to mention the peace of mind of owning a new instrument with a warranty!) combine to make this double bass an unprecedented instrument at an incredibly low price. Starting at $10,500 in its simple forms with great sounding plain poplar. As always talk with Gary about making a special commission with selections from our wood stores. Moving into flamed maple and beautiful woods from our inventory, bespoke Bostonians can be amazing projects ranging from $15,000 to about 22,000 that will rival every bass in the section or be that singing jazz bass you bring to the club…we call these “Garys basses” Fill out our bass contact form to make your bass dreams come true with this special model from Upton Bass.
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 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 David Gage Realist 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
Featured Builds: Below are just a few examples of recently built Upton Basses to give inspiration to your dream bass. Click on a bass to see a full photo shoot and hopefully they can help point the way to an instrument that’s right for you!
The quoted names are the new owners of these basses, each bass unique down to the dot markers. Note the build name for options, wood choices, and varnish color references when inquiring about your potential build!
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT AN INQUIRY FOR YOUR CUSTOM UPTON BASS!
