New Upton Laminate?

charmicarmicat · #1 12-31-2007, 11:16 AM

Don't want to start another huge discussion but I bet it will end up being one. O the controversy

So I was just checking up on the site if there were any threads that were new and interesting as I've been gone for a week or so and as I was looking around the "out with the old in with the new" Upton banner caught my eye. Clicked on it and discovered a drastic change in price on the Hawkes laminate bass. Used to be $1999.00 and now it is $2500.00 but to their credit the have a bass that is somewhat similar (and looks stunning) that is priced at $1700.00 which was the price a couple of years ago. I remember a while back there was talk that one could not sustain a price point of 2K and sell a great laminate bass. Don't get me wrong, I'm not harping on UB. I have a ply Medio Fino and that I am happy with (I will ultimately get something else but for a newbie instrument it is more than enough) but I was just wondering if the folks at Upton or anyone who has played the two ply basses side by side would like to comment on the difference between both basses. You know, sound, construction, origin of raw material, finish and all that good stuff. Again, not trying to start another thread that will spark controversy, just curious, that's all

Greg Clinkingbeard · #2 12-31-2007, 12:28 PM

The prices have certainly gone up. Their Deluxe Hybrid is now $3700. I paid $2600 for my Hybrid a little over a year ago. The one below that lacks purfling on the back and the $1700 ply lacks any purfling at all.
I personally don't care for the looks of the poplar veneers, but some may.
The proof will be in the sound of the basses. They may all turn out to be winners.

moopants · #3 01-01-2008, 01:07 PM

I was curious about that change, too. I was saving up money for a UB bass, but now I don't know what to do!

What exactly is "deluxe" about the deluxe basses?

Greg Clinkingbeard · #4 01-01-2008, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moopants

I was curious about that change, too. I was saving up money for a UB bass, but now I don't know what to do!

What exactly is "deluxe" about the deluxe basses?

It looks pretty much like the Romanian version to me except for the price. It is possible that it is built to a higher standard. My Romanian version looks a bit rough inside.

Maybe we can get a comparison from a neutral party.

chuck1073 · #5 01-01-2008, 01:58 PM

Pretty sure the "deluxe" refers to the features retained in the US lami bass that are not included in the new Basso Rasa bass. The solo FB, spruce laminate top, purfling ect. The new poplar bass is pretty simple by comparison. Was going to stop down and try it the other day out of curiosity. Josh had called a few days earlier to see it I was interested in changing my order to that bass before they start on my (now) Deluxe lami this month. Never did get a chance to stop and play the new bass though. I'm happy that I beat the increase.

reedo35 · #6 01-01-2008, 06:32 PM

I knew this was inevitable. I'm interested in hearing some discussion on it,though. Count me in.

**Jeremy Allen** · #7 01-01-2008, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck1073

Pretty sure the "deluxe" refers to the features retained in the US lami bass that are not included in the new Basso Rasa bass. The solo FB, spruce laminate top, purfling ect.

Also, bridge adjusters and strings seem to be extra on the Basso Rasa.

jrlynch · #8 01-01-2008, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reedo35

I knew this was inevitable. I'm interested in hearing some discussion on it,though. Count me in.

i don't think this is any great surprise. they're reworking the line to maintain an affordable entry price point, along with a very clear upgrade path. i'm sure their costs are higher and, like everyone else in the states, they're dealing with doing business in "bush bucks" instead of euros.

i'm certainly happy with the timing of my transaction with them, but, again, it's no great surprise.

jeff.

moopants · #9 01-01-2008, 10:00 PM

Is purfling purely aesthetic? If the prices keep on rising, I'll end up only being able to barely afford the standard hybrid, and that's even if I can afford that. I might end up having to go with the laminate...

Will it really hurt to buy the "standard" bass? It can't be that bad of a bass, seeing Upton's success in the past.

Eric Swanson · #10 01-02-2008, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moopants

Is purfling purely aesthetic? If the prices keep on rising, I'll end up only being able to barely afford the standard hybrid, and that's even if I can afford that. I might end up having to go with the laminate...

Will it really hurt to buy the "standard" bass? It can't be that bad of a bass, seeing Upton's success in the past.

My limited understanding has always been that purfling is about damage control...purfling stops cracks or other common edge damage from continuing into the "field" of the top or back tables, and vice versa.

drurb · #11 01-02-2008, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Swanson

My limited understanding has always been that purfling is about damage control...purfling stops cracks or other common edge damage from continuing into the "field" of the top or back tables, and vice versa.

...and is purely cosmetic on a laminate.

Silversorcerer · #12 01-02-2008, 10:08 AM

I just checked out the new Uptons, or at least browsed the photos. I don't know about how it sounds, but I'm totally digging the look of the Italian Poplar "bare bones" laminate. It looks like a really sensible approach to a utilitarian instrument that delivers what you need. It also looks very, very American in concept and execution.

And the rest of their line is looking really sweet as well. Notice that I have to say I have not played any of these, but I wish I could in person.

About the higher prices, after seeing the photos: From high quality photos it is pretty easy for me to see that these instruments look better made than the former imported line and the finish looks really well done. As a professional photographer, I think it would not be possible to "fake" the quality of that finish in a photograph easily. Those basses look really nice to me and I think the difference in price reflects a real difference in quality that comes from New England craftsmanship.

If these deliver on the sound, I think these are well worth the difference in price. A carved bass from New England for $5K is a killer deal. I know we will hear reviews of these in sound from newbies and old pros, and I look forward to reading them.

Silversorcerer · #13 01-02-2008, 10:13 AM

OK, I will offer something for controversy:

Where's the gamba models, fellows???

charmicarmicat · #14 01-02-2008, 10:22 AM

Yes indeed. Where is it? Gamba gets no love from Upton

@DRURB: Thanks for the clarification on the purfling issue on a ply bass.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silversorcerer

OK, I will offer something for controversy:

Where's the gamba models, fellows???

MingusAmongUs · #15 01-02-2008, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drurb

...and is purely cosmetic on a laminate.

not necessarily - it can still serve to help prevent a crack from extending past the edges... but this is less likely to occur on a ply. also worth pointing out that some basses (not Uptons afaik) have painted-on purfling... in which case, yes, it would be purely cosmetic.

not arguing your point, dr., just clarifying.

Silversorcerer · #16 01-02-2008, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MingusAmongUs

not necessarily - it can still serve to help prevent a crack from extending past the edges... but this is less likely to occur on a ply. also worth pointing out that some basses (not Uptons afaik) have painted-on purfling... in which case, yes, it would be purely cosmetic.

not arguing your point, dr., just clarifying.

I think it is useless and perhaps even a little more delicate on a ply to have edge purfling. Paint it on there if you want the look, but I like the "plain face" on the ply. It is what it is. What you get with inlaid purfling makes the top laminate easier to chip off at the edge.

As far as crack stopping and inlaid purfling, that is effective on solid tops to a degree and I have repaired cracked solid top guitars where the crack stopped due to the inlaid rosette. I agree that this is cosmetic on a laminate.

drurb · #17 01-02-2008, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MingusAmongUs

not necessarily - it can still serve to help prevent a crack from extending past the edges... but this is less likely to occur on a ply. also worth pointing out that some basses (not Uptons afaik) have painted-on purfling... in which case, yes, it would be purely cosmetic.

not arguing your point, dr., just clarifying.

Agreed. To be more precise, the purfling serves far, far less of the protective function on a laminate which is not likely to crack past the edge because of the strength of the plies. I should have said it is mostly cosmetic on a laminate. Then again, Silver suggests that purfling on a laminate can actually make it more susceptible to damage. In any case, it seems we all agree that purfling serves a protective function on a solid top but it is not crucial (and perhaps undesired) on a laminate.

Dbassmon · #18 01-02-2008, 12:21 PM

No surprise prices are on the rise. We all are feeling the pinch of energy costs and a generally weak economy.

Silversorcerer nice to see your favorable comments on the new Upton offerings. Are you OK?

I think this bodes well for all of us that are Upton owners. I imagine that our basses are appreciating.

Is the Hybrid Hawke of last year now considered the Deluxe"? If so, the price appreciated $1200 in 12 months. That's very nice!

Greg Clinkingbeard · #19 01-02-2008, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dbassmon

No surprise prices are on the rise. We all are feeling the pinch of energy costs and a generally weak economy.

Silversorcerer nice to see your favorable comments on the new Upton offerings. Are you OK?

I think this bodes well for all of us that are Upton owners. I imagine that our basses are appreciating.

Is the Hybrid Hawke of last year now considered the Deluxe"? If so, the price appreciated $1200 in 12 months. That's very nice!

I'll sell you mine today for $3,700. Very doubtful there would be any takers.

Silversorcerer · #20 01-02-2008, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dbassmon

Silversorcerer nice to see your favorable comments on the new Upton offerings. Are you OK?

Well, you know, I got to call 'em like I see 'em. The new scroll is quite distinctive if a bit modern. I'm wondering if that is based on an old design or if that is their own. It's the same look on all of the models. Simple, elegant, distinctive, and modern. And on this blond one, it's an eye catcher:

Hope they don't mind me linking to the photo.