(Read part ONE in the series if you missed it) To build our first Victor Wooten double bass we started with tracings of his centuries-old Carcassi instrument. The outline was so asymmetrical, we thought it would be better as a NEW instrument to correct the outline, and we created two mirror images, yielding very different basses,…
Recently Made Uptons - A Gallery of Notable UB Builds
Victor Wooten Double Bass Project Part 1: The “Wooten” Carcassi
Upton Bass is proud to have just completed a very cool commission for legendary bass guitarist Victor Wooten! Over the next few posts, we’ll walk you through this whole Victor Wooten double bass project. It began with the idea for a collaboration at the 2015 ISB show in Rochester. Victor asked to bring us his…
“Wilson” Bostonian Model 5-String Double Bass
Here’s a fully carved round back five-string Bostonian that is pleasing to the eye from every angle. The warm amber finish really shows off the woodgrain with a beautifully arched and recurved poplar back. The low B string is very responsive and playable – even this young it sounds warm and full. What a cool…
“Parris” Brescian Model Double Bass
Here’s a very special Brescian in our shop, a beautiful instrument that awaits it’s owner. We want to send him a special photo montage for Thanksgiving. We love the dark hand rubbed varnish on this bass, it’s been a reference for many more to follow. It awaits a Navy sailor who was stationed out of Newport…
“Cataldi” Brescian Model Double Bass
Fully carved Brescian with rippling figured maple back and sides. Deep reddish amber varnish brings out the historic cues on this bass, and the stunning wood continues to the top of the scroll. Custom brass scroll plates complete the bass along with edge bumpers. Pics don’t really do it justice! A very special instrument with…
“Bean” Upton Bass Bostonian 5’er
Gary Karr Special ISB 50th Anniversary Upton Double Bass
In 1967, Gary Karr started what has become the International Society of Bassists, and the 2017 ISB Convention in Ithaca, New York marked its 50th anniversary with a very special performance by its founder. Gary wrote to us several months before the convention to let us know what a joy it was to perform a…
“Karr Camp” Karr Model Upton Double Bass
This bass represents the heart and soul of our Karr Model, from it’s remarkable origins a decade ago. A fixed neck flatback hybrid with deluxe carved top, this instrument represents the most affordable version of the Karr. Our sustained collaboration with Gary Karr has resulted in a unique double bass for the soloist with great…
“Limey” Karr Model Upton Double Bass
Fully carved round back Karr double bass with fixed neck. Poplar back and sides. Came out especially nice with the warm varnish and standout purfling. Customized with mother of pearl dot inlays, antiqued tuners, rib bumpers, set up with Evah Pirazzis and a Rev Solo. Ready for it’s performance career!
“Hunter” 5/8ths Bohemian Upton Double Bass
5/8 Bohemian Model Upton Double Bass This pearl of a bass was built for a high school, a flat back hybrid with a 40″ scale length. Puts out tons of sound and ridiculously easy to play – only 20 pounds!!! We built a new form and reconsidered all of the dimensions for this 5/8ths double…