Lam vs. Hybrid price question

[jayscheuerle]

I'm eagerly awaiting my Upton Standard Laminate to be delivered before month's end, but it's been a long wait since the beginning of December, so I peruse their pics quite a bit.

On their site, Upton's Deluxe Laminates are priced almost 50% higher than their Standard Hybrids. I understand that you can get a beautiful look to an instrument when the outer-most plys are exceptional wood, but other than aesthetics, why would someone choose a $4300+ laminate over a $3k hybrid when they're made by the same shop, with the same fittings, fingerboards, bridges, attention to detail, etc.? - j

[Matt Ides]

I would think a call to really figure out the standard vs. deluxe means from upton. Some of it could be as simple as wood quality, perfling, hours spent, varnish, ect.

Congrats on the new (first upright) bass!

[donn]

Originally Posted by jayscheuerle

but other than aesthetics, why would someone choose a $4300+ laminate over a $3k hybrid when they're made by the same shop, with the same fittings, fingerboards, bridges, attention to detail, etc.?

I assume that the Deluxe sells, or they wouldn't list it. To me, this strongly suggests that some players actually prefer laminate construction. Aside from the obvious reason, that it's more robust, the difference in sound may not be black and white, better vs. worse. If the bass completely meets your practical requirements, the Deluxe price is a small price to pay for a finer looking box, which of course may be a very important consideration. Especially since, for me anyway, exposed poplar ply takes a little getting used to.

A very modest price for a US made bass, either way.

[drurb]

As I understand it, it really is about aesthetics and attention to the finer touches. I think donn is quite correct. If you want a lami to be your working bass, you may find it well worth it to have one that's "prettied up." Different people place different values on the different dimensions. As Matt suggested, if you really want the inside scoop on the differences and why the different offerings are there and who tends to buy what, that could be best answered by giving Eric or Gary a call.

[jayscheuerle]

Originally Posted by drurb

...that could be best answered by giving Eric or Gary a call.

Like I would distract them NOW, when they've finally gotten around to making MY bass... - j

(four months is a LONG time to wait!)

[Rebop]

On the other side, there are people waiting up to 10 years for an EB to be built.

Darrin Huff Wait List Support Group

Un-Freakin-Believable