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Josh
Upton Bass String Instrument Co.

One of the great lamentations of the double bass player is the difficulty of traveling with and transporting such a large instrument. Since flying with a bass can be a precarious (and expensive) venture, most touring musicians are left only one option: renting a bass locally and praying that what they end up with isn't a rent-a-wreck

The UB removable neck system not only solves the portability dilemma, but gives you the peace of mind knowing that you'll be playing your bass with your setup. Our simple yet dynamic design allow the player to assemble their bass in minutes and offers adjustable string heights with just the turn of a key- without changing pitch! And since the removable neck option is not as invasive and tonally prohibitive as other travel models, you can rest assured that your Upton bass will play, feel, and most importantly sound like a bass with a standard neck set- you won't even know it's there!

Please call to discuss adding the removable neck option on your Upton bass. Available on limited models only.

Often I get asked, "what difference does the top really make on the tone?" My answer is always "all the difference".

The central factor that gives a hybrid bass a better tone than a laminate is the top- bookmatched solid wood that "pumps". The Deluxe top takes this to another level. Hand-selected (and it really is too, from the shed behind the barn where all our wood is constantly being seasoned) from our shelf of best Sitka spruce, the top is carved and then completely hand graduated by Eric, with careful callipered attention to thickness and arching throughout. Once varnished (we prefer nice and dark), the beautiful corduroy grain catches your eye like a fine vintage instrument, and the tone is often as creamy and colorful as an old bass as well-  right off the bench!

 

When engineering our custom built extensions, two of Gary and Eric's main focal points were that it be both non-invasive and lightweight. Drilling through the scroll permanently alters the bass, while adding too much bulk can leave the instrument feeling cumbersome and unbalanced. The UB C-Extension offers additional range and flexibility without the burden or commitment. If one day you decide you'd like to return to a 4-string, all you need to do is switch out the nut!

Please call to discuss C-Extension options. Prices start at $1,500 for the custom built extension with one gate (at the E).

 

As a lefty player myself, I feel for those double bassists who call in and shyly but hopefully inquire- is it possible to get a lefty bass without spending a fortune? Usually followed with- will it actually be a "true" left-handed bass? I'm always relieved to give them the good news.

For a $500 upgrade charge, you can make any Upton bass a left-handed model. This entails SO much more than just a string swap. From the guts to the setup, everything on an Upton lefty bass is reversed- a mirror image of a right handed bass but curtailed specifically for southpaws so that they as well may enjoy that classic Upton tone, playability and quality as a right handed player.

 

Given the limited space of the newsletter format, it's impossible to list all of the upgrade options here. Interested in a 5-string? Want to add rib bumpers, dot inlays or hat-peg tuners? Hoping to get a custom string length?

Just visit our UB Bass Build Upgrades page for a list of all our features. And again, feel free to give us a call with ANY questions.