pulled the trigger...

5stringDNA · #1 07-31-2006, 05:27 PM

After close to 2 years with my Engle M-1, I'm quite tired of the feel and sound really, and started a bass search this summer, armed with my trusty Visa Platinum...after endless nagging questions and shopping around I decided on the Hybrid Upton Hawkes with a few extras thrown in and calld up Gary (again) today to order. I'm having it finished in an extra-dark antique look. I wanted the carved version, but the cash just isn't there. I'm going to be going crazy for the next month or so waiting, but rest assured that pictures will be posted as soon as I get my grubby hands on the thing.

I'm guessing some of you would like an expert opinion on the infamous upton bass, so I'll get it over to our man Paul sometime in September when it comes in, if he's interested of course

.

Tritonis · #2 07-31-2006, 08:55 PM

You and me both man. I ordered my Hawkes Hybrid from Upton a few weeks ago, and it can't come soon enough. I personally was blown away by the bass.

JimmyM · #3 07-31-2006, 10:49 PM

I own a plywood Hawkes but I've played a hybrid. Great bass...you will love it.

TPugh · #4 08-01-2006, 06:09 PM

Man, I'm feeling jealous right now. I'm thinking I'm going to sell my Engel C-1 and my Fender Jazz (which hasn't been plugged in since I starting playing URB) and invest with Upton. Still trying to decide whether to eventually go with the hybrid or laminate. I'd be interested to know what you think when you get it.

Congrats!

5stringDNA · #5 08-01-2006, 10:13 PM

Yah, I'm about to put my Engle on teh chopping block to fund this purchase. I won't really have any need for it with this new beauty.

I actually still put a good amount of time on my Electric basses- both fretless and fretted- but I have become more partial to the fretless at this point. I play an interesting variety of tunes, so it works out for me. I like what the two instruments have to offer in their own rights, and sometimes I just don't have the energy to drag out the monster, haha!

Tritonis · #6 08-01-2006, 10:19 PM

I find a way to divide my time between Electric and Upright. I play both a lot.

drurb · #7 08-02-2006, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tritonis

I find a way to divide my time between Electric and Upright. I play both a lot.

I guess I'm a one-trick pony. To me, the BG is another instrument in its own right and one I do not care to play. No offense to those who choose to do so. To me, you guys have found a way to be adept at two instruments. I'm just madly in love with the double-bass-- have been for 35 years!

Tritonis · #8 08-02-2006, 10:39 AM

I must agree, they are two very different instruments. A lot of people seem to think if you can play bass guitar, you can easily pick up Upright, but for those who play both, they know upright is a whole different story.

5stringDNA · #9 08-02-2006, 04:02 PM

tis true indeed! My BG skills far surpass my dexterity on the DB, but I'm slowly improving. Intonation (particularly with the bow) seems to be the worst enemy, as the other aspects ahven't been so difficult for me. I'm hoping I'll be able to play more when I get the Hawkes in, as the engle really cramps my hands if I play too long.

TPugh · #10 08-02-2006, 04:58 PM

I played in a bluegrass jam with my Engel C-1 last week and my hand cramped the whole next day. Long term, I'd like to have something with a different neck and with the ebony fretboard/tailpiece, so I'm thinking of selling the Engel and going with Upton. I admit, I can't complain too much about the Engel. I do get a lot of compliments on the tone and it was very well set up. For me, it's been a great one to begin with.

5stringDNA · #11 08-02-2006, 05:11 PM

For the most part, I am in agree ment TPugh. The bass has served me well, and I bought it for $950 and have only put about $200 into it if you don't include the pickup and bag, which I am selling along with the bass. In short, I'm getting almost all my money back out of the bass and I had a quality learner for a couple years. The neck is the #1 issue that prompted me to upgrade, but the tone increasingly sounds like a big cardboard box to me as I go about and audtion or listen to other basses available.

TPugh · #12 08-02-2006, 06:26 PM

You've made a wise choice IMO. One that I hope to make in just a few months. From what I have learned/read, the Upton tone is comparatively better and the set up will be top notch.

I anticipate my dilemma being choosing between the laminate or hybrid. I know that the laminate would serve me well (lots of bluegrass in hot, humid Tennessee), but I wonder if I will get it and eventually wish I had the hybrid. I certainly don't mind saving and spending the extra $$$.

philip sirois · #13 08-02-2006, 07:05 PM

but I wonder if I will get it and eventually wish I had the hybrid.

most likely

JimmyM · #14 08-02-2006, 07:22 PM

Nothing at all wrong with the plywood Hawkes. It might not be the favorite of guys who play hardcore classical and jazz, but it's a darn solid bass with a great sound.

Jazzman · #15 08-02-2006, 07:29 PM

Two years (!) with an EM-1? Ouch.

All of the Hawkes models are great. I can imagine there are situations where the sound of the Laminated would be more suited than that of the Hybrid. I found the Hybrid to be to my liking and I pick it up next Saturday...can't wait.

(That one of Gary's that is for sale is very tempting...)

5stringDNA · #16 08-02-2006, 08:37 PM

Well, 1 year and 8 months if you get technical.. just feels like longer.

Looks like I'm going to have to wait longer for that bass than I thought- on my way home tonight I had something happen in a parking lot- long story short, I have to put out $2,000 to get a guy's custom paintjob redone on his motorcycle. My insurance just cut my rate in half and I have a high deductible, so I am in no hurry involve the paper pushers or police. I'm calling gary tommorow to put my oder on hold for a few months. Man this stinks

.

drurb · #17 08-03-2006, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TPugh

I played in a bluegrass jam with my Engel C-1 last week and my hand cramped the whole next day. Long term, I'd like to have something with a different neck and with the ebony fretboard/tailpiece, so I'm thinking of selling the Engel and going with Upton. I admit, I can't complain too much about the Engel. I do get a lot of compliments on the tone and it was very well set up. For me, it's been a great one to begin with.

Wait till you get the Upton! You ain't seen nothin' yet. Those skinny Kay and Engel necks are killers, IMHO.

drurb · #18 08-03-2006, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TPugh

...From what I have learned/read, the Upton tone is comparatively better and the set up will be top notch.
...I know that the laminate would serve me well (lots of bluegrass in hot, humid Tennessee), but I wonder if I will get it and eventually wish I had the hybrid. I certainly don't mind saving and spending the extra $$$.

If the hybrid is affordable for you, even if it is a bit of a stretch, my opinion would be to go for it! Yes, the ply is a fine instrument but the difference in the complexity and refinement in the tone of the hybrid is, IMHO, well worth it. Let's put it this way. If you got the hybrid, I doubt if you'd EVER think, "Gee, I wish I had saved the $$$ and gone with the ply." If you get the ply, especially if you have played or will play the hybrid, there is a reasonable likelihood that you will kick yourself!

Tritonis · #19 08-03-2006, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5stringDNA

Well, 1 year and 8 months if you get technical.. just feels like longer.

Looks like I'm going to have to wait longer for that bass than I thought- on my way home tonight I had something happen in a parking lot- long story short, I have to put out $2,000 to get a guy's custom paintjob redone on his motorcycle. My insurance just cut my rate in half and I have a high deductible, so I am in no hurry involve the paper pushers or police. I'm calling gary tommorow to put my oder on hold for a few months. Man this stinks

.

I'm sorry man, that's awful.

drurb · #20 08-03-2006, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5stringDNA

Well, 1 year and 8 months if you get technical.. just feels like longer.

Looks like I'm going to have to wait longer for that bass than I thought- on my way home tonight I had something happen in a parking lot- long story short, I have to put out $2,000 to get a guy's custom paintjob redone on his motorcycle. My insurance just cut my rate in half and I have a high deductible, so I am in no hurry involve the paper pushers or police. I'm calling gary tommorow to put my oder on hold for a few months. Man this stinks

.

I feel your pain. I hope it all works out quickly.