Upton Bass String Instrument Co
The Upton Report
Volume 149
April 17th, 2015

Upton Bass
In This Issue
Ed Barker Solo
That's No Drum!
The Karr Model
UB Archives

Upton Bass Barn
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$500 OFF!


Have you noticed that Gary has kept the $500 off Standard Laminated & Hybrid basses in place?  With fast lead times...you could be playing an Upton faster than you think!

The UB Karr Model

With the design of the Karr model, we sought to maximize the performance of the classical soloist by increasing access to the upper register and combining it with the flexibility of a multifaceted bass.

Gary Karr's Thoughts:
"The sound is large, projecting and has a great bottom and top...very even all the way. I'm really impressed with what you've accomplished..."

 



Whether you play a near priceless antique double bass, a Standard Laminate, or the highly evolved and ergonomic UB Karr model, one thing is for certain: your bass is your muse. This week, we are featuring three variations on this theme. We begin with Ed Barker's solo performance played on an Italian bass believed to have been built in 1780...move on to an interview that delves into Barker's past (which includes a very fortunate misunderstanding!) ...and finish with David Murray's search for the perfect solo instrument.

 

Give Gary or myself a call and let's talk about custom building a "muse" for you. We love what we do, and we'd love to do it for you!

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Upton Bass String Instrument Co.
Ed Barker Plays an Italian Pearwood Bass
UptonBass.com

Ed Barker, principal bass for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, is one of America's most accomplished symphonic and ensemble contrabassists. In this video, Barker solos on a remarkable Italian contrabass believed to have been built in the 1780s from slab Pearwood. He is joined with David Deveau on the Steinway. Click the photo link to be directed to this inspiring performance. For more videos, follow Upton Bass on YouTube...

The Italian Pearwood double bass featured in this video is currently for sale on UptonBass.com.

 

Contrabass Conversations with Ed Barker
ContrabassConversations.com

This interview with Ed Barker is an oldie but a goodie. Recorded in June of 2009, this interview delves into Barker's past, beginning with his initial "accidental" discovery of his talent for playing the double bass--he actually wanted to play the drums! You'll hear some elegant excepts from Hindemith and Vivaldi sonatas, followed by some highly technical information for those of you who enjoy the "geekery" behind what distinguishes an artist as professional versus amateur.

Conducted by "Contrabass Conversations" co-host John Grillo, this episode features Ed chatting about his early years on the bass, his schooling and time spent in the Chicago Symphony prior to his appointment with the Boston Symphony, an in-depth look at articulation on the bass, and a discussion on practicing. We hope you enjoy this conversation with this modern master performer and teacher of the double bass. Click on the photo link to be directed to this interesting and informative interview.

Upton Bass Trivia : In the opening ads for this interview, what was the new Upton Bass model introduced at the 2009 ISB? It was the original solid wood Karr model, and it won the silver medal for tone!

 

The UB Karr Model at 2013 ISB Convention
UptonBass.com

David Murray (former Gary Karr student) visited our showroom at the 2013 ISB Convention and found the UB Karr to be the perfect instrument for his solo work. While watching this video, you can feel his excitement growing while playing this bass, and we even caught on camera that moment when he was completely sold on the UB Karr. Click on the photo link to view David's audition of the Karr Model.

More information on the UB Karr on UptonBass.com...

 

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