Upton Bass String Instrument Company

Recently Made Uptons - A Gallery of Notable UB Builds

“Corbett” Brescian Model Double Bass

A mighty, well-mannered Brescian Model, built with some mild outline adaptations as we continue our pursuit of the ultimate double bass! The upper bouts stayed largely the same, but with just a bit more slope to the shoulders to aid access into thumb position. The longer C-bouts bring the lower corners further from collision with…

“Kirchner” Bohemian Model Double Bass

This is a pretty glorious Bohemian Hybrid Deluxe round back double bass, built as a 7/8ths! This moderately priced new Upton (came in under $6K) was built with some great upgrades: Deluxe top, Solo Extension fingerboard, upgraded Rubner tuners, edge bumpers and mother of pearl fingerboard markers. A big full-throated jazz cannon – very fun…

“Jazz Foundation of America” Concord Model Double Bass

The Jazz Foundation of America was created to bring assistance to musicians needing emergency medical, housing and disaster relief. Additionally, the organization creates dignified paid work opportunities for artists to perform with free concerts at schools, hospitals, and nursing homes. Each year they produce almost 1,000 concerts in 17 states and reach more than 80,000…

“France via England” Custom Commission Double Bass

This contrabass was built for an English musician, inspired by a 19th Century French bass. It is built with some of our finest highly-figured big leaf maple in a lean new design. The bass features a large upper bout, violin corners, flat back, ff-holes from the French bass, 41″ string length (could modify for 42)…

“Iwanicki” Cavani Upton Double Bass

This Cavani-inspired Custom Commission features an Italian shape with Karr-like fingerboard access. A straightforward build with a German spruce top and European Sycamore, a fixed neck, dark polish and rib bumpers. Apparently the older sister has the same bass in a Karr pattern, and as much as the younger sister wanted the bass sis had, she…

Old Meets New

With classic automobiles, you might call this a Retro Rod…vintage body with a new engine underneath. This early 20th Century Mittenwald double bass is ready for the next 100 thanks to some creative thinking and collaboration between its new owner and Upton Bass! Not long ago, this bass was cobbled together and overlooked, but had…

“Rector” Bohemian Model Double Bass

There’s bells and whistles, then there’s purity of form. And an amber varnish really brings out that form. This Upton Bohemian model double bass features a flat back, with a deluxe top. That’s it – BOOM. And some dot markers. And a Rev Solo – okay, one bell, one whistle. DONE – commence playing!

“Brock” Mittenwald Model Double Bass

This impressive Upton Mittenwald double bass was built as a hybrid with birch wood veneers on the back and sides. The birch upgrade lends a buttery undertone to the lighter varnish. Brass antiqued scroll plates and tuners and a Rev Solo pickup complete the package.