Upton vs. New Standard?

junglebike · #1 08-04-2006, 10:57 AM

Anyone have any comments? These seem like the two major options for a solid new bass. Obviously, Upton is a good bit cheaper, even for the hybrid (2600 vs 4800 or so).

I've not had the pleasure to play either -- certainly I'll try to get the chance, but I'd like to hear from anyone who has played both (preferably back to back). Is NS worth the premium?

Pete

**Chris Fitzgerald** · #2 08-04-2006, 11:35 AM

Let me preface my remarks by saying that I am the very proud owner of two NS LaScala basses, a hybrid and a ply, which means that I'm biased as hell. That said, one of the students in one of my masterclasses at the Aebersold camps this year had an Upton hybrid, and it was a very nice bass. I only played it for a minute, but I thought it played well and sounded really good. I didn't feel it was same class as the New Standards, but I thought it would be an excellent choice in its price range. Before all the Upton owners get up in arms about my statement, please reread the disclaimer I started this post with, and also realize that I know my own bass inside and out (and the strings, too), and the Upton I played was a strange bass that I only played for a minute...which amounts to more of a salt lick than a grain of the stuff.

hdiddy · #3 08-04-2006, 11:58 AM

This is probably a comparison we've probably been trying to avoid in a sense. For myself, having to compare an Upton Hawkes Hybrid vs. a NS Cleveland would prob get me all messed up.

gomez hacienda · #4 08-04-2006, 11:59 AM

I'm am a very happy Upton ply owner, and I think Chris' remarks were all quite valid. Yes Chris is the proud owner of TWO LaScalas, and I only have ONE Upton...(I hope you feel appropriately guilty, Mr F) But I would say that they are in a different class. No different than a really fine carved orchestral bass, made especially for you by a top luthier, and a Shen Willow. One is going to be 10 times the price. Both good basses, but...wel you get the idea.

I bought the Upton, because I couldn't justify the cost of the NS at the time. I was new to the DB and more than a little scared. But after considerable woodshedding, I find that we were always meant for each other. (I used to dream about them as a kid. Sick, huh?) Now I would not hesitate to move up to another rung on the bass ladder. (Sorry Gary, I really do love my bass.) So, you be the judge. As long as you know that either way, you'll have nothing to worry about, except that maybe you skipped practice today.

gomez

jazzy bass man · #5 08-04-2006, 02:51 PM

I had to deal with this question recently. I traveled all the way out to NY and CN recently to decide (from MI). And I chose the New Standard Cleveland over a Upton Hybrid. I just recently put my order in to Nick Lloyd in Cincinnati. I decide to go this route because I felt the New Standard better suited my tastes and needs (unamplified Jazz). I cant say there was a huge difference in quality, just the differnce to be expected by the prices. If anyone is debating this question my advice is that you must, as with all purchases, try them for yourself.

Quote:

I've not had the pleasure to play either -- certainly I'll try to get the chance, but I'd like to hear from anyone who has played both (preferably back to back). Is NS worth the premium?

In response to this question, it was worth it for my tastes but may not be for others.

rdwhit · #6 08-04-2006, 04:29 PM

Like mr. Fitz.,I too have never played an upton,and play a new standard LaScala hybrid.It replaced my 1880 carved german bass(which every liked but YOU Chris,lol)----anyway,the main thing that sold me on the LaScala was the extreem comfort and ease of playing.Chris let me check out his LaScala against several basses over the past year.The LaScala won hands down.Plus it sounds and plays great both acoustic and amplified.Most basses seem less comfortable to me now,and I've tried manyin the last 2-3 years(shen willow,1960 gotz,eastman,a few 1900 german,etc.--all good in their own ways).If You go with a LaScala You,ll love it,IMHO OH,pops rosin works,and this summer it hasn't gotten griddy on me yet.

Jake · #7 08-04-2006, 11:25 PM

I would buy the Shen that Dragonetti11 has in the classifieds for cheap.

**Chris Fitzgerald** · #8 08-04-2006, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DANGER BOB

...my 1880 carved german bass(which every liked but YOU Chris,lol)...

It felt so fragile, it kinda freaked me out - I'm sure the skinny neck had a lot to do with that. I mighta liked it if the neck was thicker and the strings were higher. I thought the tuners were kind of cute.

Can't believe I haven't seen your LaScala yet. We'll have to remedy that soon.

Quote:

OH,pops rosin works,and this summer it hasn't gotten griddy on me yet.

You know, I've heard that your experience is not always typical, but I can't say where exactly...

rdwhit · #9 08-05-2006, 09:02 AM

I also agree with Jake about The Shens.Check out the web sight.I had a Willow(all solid) which I payed 3500 for.You can find a hybrid for under 3000,plywoods for somewhere in the 1500ish range.I don't know the Upton line,they may be fine. Oh Chris,Your points on the neck & strings are valid but remember,Opera is also alot better than it sounds......(kill da wabbit)

**Chris Fitzgerald** · #10 08-06-2006, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eroy, then moved to the thread that ended up hijacking this one

Being careful not to step on toes..... We have a good professional relationship with Arnold and we are supporters of his work. Hey, anyone notice the nice plug Arnold got in the Summer issue of Double Bassist (page 23, John Miller)???

$2600 vs $4800. We are comparing basses with a $2200 difference! Not to say that we are not giving you every bit of instrument quality and upgraded parts, as well as we are applying our own varnish now, for the $2600...but if we were to add another $2200 to our sales budget...we could be giving you so much more! Right now we don't have much interest in going head to head with Arnold at that price. We have thought of adding a deluxe version...but right now we are too busy with other projects, repairs, and just trying work through our existing orders and cut down on customer wait times!

Chris...Rob Rowlette just got our Hybrid (one of the new Hawkes models with our varnish, not the laq Medio Fino one you prob played)...and he is in your neck of the woods. Let him play it in a bit and settle into some string choices and hook up with him for some bass battles!

Here's a link to the other thread.

rdwhit · #11 08-10-2006, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdwhit

Like mr. Fitz.,I too have never played an upton,and play a new standard LaScala hybrid.It replaced my 1880 carved german bass(which every liked but YOU Chris,lol)----anyway,the main thing that sold me on the LaScala was the extreem comfort and ease of playing.Chris let me check out his LaScala against several basses over the past year.The LaScala won hands down.Plus it sounds and plays great both acoustic and amplified.Most basses seem less comfortable to me now,and I've tried manyin the last 2-3 years(shen willow,1960 gotz,eastman,a few 1900 german,etc.--all good in their own ways).If You go with a LaScala You,ll love it,IMHO OH,pops rosin works,and this summer it hasn't gotten griddy on me yet.

He was a nice Boy,He use to mow the grass.

rdwhit · #12 08-10-2006, 09:52 PM