| Hi friends, On July 16th, 2025, we lost someone truly extraordinary: Gary Karr. Gary was a central figure in the double bass community – a mentor, a force of nature, a boundary-breaker, and a dear friend. His passing leaves a tremendous void, but also a legacy that resonates through every note we play and every bass we build. Our relationship with Gary goes back to the mid-2000s, and from our first conversations, he showed unwavering support for what we were doing here at Upton Bass. That support wasn’t something he gave lightly. He never endorsed brands. He never accepted a free bass—even when we tried. He insisted on paying. He believed in integrity, and he believed in people. Working with him on what became the Upton Karr Model was truly an honor, and we are happy to know that hundreds of those basses are now out in the world. Some of you are lucky enough to have labels signed by the man himself. It was very special to see him perform on one of the Upton Karr basses at the ISB 50th anniversary. And it was just weeks ago that we saw each other in Tallahassee. |
The Karr Model has evolved over the years, shaped by Gary’s input—its latest iteration now has violin corners as an option.
Gary’s joy for music, his energy, his “good crazy” nature, and his refusal to be boxed in by tradition are just a few of the qualities we remember him by. One favorite memory is calling him and suddenly receiving a live concert over the phone as he and his partner Harmon played a duet at home. That was Gary. Always giving.
If you want to get to know him better, we highly recommend Life on the G String by Mary Rannie. Especially the final chapter, “Karr on Karr,” subtitled “I have been the ultimate con artist in my life.” It’s witty, vulnerable, and classic Gary. One quote in particular says it all:
“I will always encourage people to play for the love of it. I wish the whole world played the bass—a great instrument with so much potential for individual expression. As for its future—and my career may have been just a fluke—the solo bass’s path to popularity, like my own, will never be straight.”
We are so thankful that Gary put his name behind us, helped shape one of our most important models, and inspired us every step of the way. His influence on Upton Bass, as well as on the entire bass world, is immeasurable.
Let’s remember Gary with laughter, music, and a little mischief. That’s how he would have wanted it.
Thank you, Gary.
You will be deeply missed, and forever cherished.
With gratitude,
Upton Bass
