Upton Bass String Instrument Company

Recently Made Uptons - A Gallery of Notable UB Builds

Andreas Morelli Basses – Restored by Upton Bass

Two beautiful examples of “Andreas Morelli” double basses, both are playing great with recent Upton restorations! Andreas Morelli-labeled basses have a reputation of being perhaps a tick up from Juzek and being very good all-rounder basses. They have longer bodies than the typical Juzek and a longer string length. As built – and preserved as…

New Karr Model double bass in 5/8ths size!

Straight out of setup, this beautiful diminutive Karr model is our first 5/8th version of the new pattern. In gloss French red, it has all the elegance and poise of its Quenoil inspiration. The top ripples with some beautiful Spruce figure. The comfort and fingerboard access is unmatched – it produces a beautiful lyrical tone…

New Year, New Karr! This Hybrid Is Available

Sneak peek for our blog subscribers – new Upton Gary Karr Model double bass, ready for its first owner! Hybrid flatback with straight fingerboard, strung with Evahs. The Karr is the ultimate in fingerboard access, quick and comfortable no matter your style. Add a bag, bow and pickup – audition and bring it home!  +1…

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…

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 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…

Alcoa Aluminum Bass c1930, #92

This big crazy Alcoa has been hanging at the shop, now fully sorted with a fresh setup and for sale on our vintage page! Shiny underneath, with weathered paint. Very few come through in original condition – it’s pretty cool! Many have been stripped and polished to hot rod chrome, they definitely have a cult…

“Tutu” Spalted Maple Concord Double Bass, Opus 220

Dramatic flame shimmers through the back and sides of this special Spalted Maple Concord (2202022). We bought the entire tree of this lightning-struck Bigleaf Maple from the Pacific Northwest. It’s already resulted in some amazing instruments and this two-piece back sets that bar just a bit higher. Travel neck and a rare last set of…