| Consider me "on leave" from the business, though I remain active as co-founder/adviser/consultant. Because I am so over-booked with building my handmade basses and with repair and restoration work, my friends at the Upton shop are picking up the slack and trying to alleviate the backlog with the New Standard basses. I am committed to insuring that the quality remains excellent, and I am always available to Gary, Eric and Wil. So far this transition has worked seamlessly, and I'm thrilled that more bassists will have the opportunity to own and play these fine instruments. | 
