Description
This is a first-version Upton Bass Bostonian model – in the original Lynn Seaton-specified build – Opus 15, from 2011. We’re calling it 5/8ths, but it’s quite nearly our regular size with a 40″ string length and 1.5″ trimmed off the lower bout. The result is a very responsive, compact instrument with easy playability. Owned and maintained by a symphony player, it has been expertly maintained and cared for. Very fun to play and quick, currently strung with Spirocore lights. A great instrument for lightening the workload for any player, an especially good fit for students or bass guitarists making the switch!
Similar to our first Karr model, the Bostonian had larger ribs and Poplar for a warmer, darker tone than its Maple cousins. The Bostonian was conceived after our initial success with the Karr (we had just opened a location in Boston) and while the shape has evolved, it remains in Poplar (full story below). This bass also has a Prescott-inspired step to the bottom of the scroll, for strength with the new string length. Slim, clean and ergonomic with tons of access, it is comfortable with any jazz, classical or modern setting (just ask Lynn Seaton)
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 – an award-winning double bass crafted by Upton Bass’s own head luthier Eric Rene Roy – 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!
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