Visited Upton in Boston

mjt0229 · #1 11-02-2009, 10:01 AM

I was in Boston last week and visited the Upton store that just opened up. Nice guys, and nice basses. I'd never played an Upton before, but I was really impressed. I've never heard a plywood bass that sounded that nice. Room filling, even. Could be in part that the room has hardwood floors and nothing but basses lining the walls (ie, a flattery room), but still.

Of course the Hawkes bass was the star, but my visit reaffirms my belief that unless you're a professional in an orchestra, there's no shame in playing a fine plywood instrument.

robobass · #2 11-02-2009, 10:39 AM

Only your undertaker will know for sure.

Sam Sherry · #3 11-02-2009, 11:18 AM

I didn't get to play the Hawkes -- it wasn't there the day I was.

The Prescott was incredible. I have not played a better-sounding bass.

mjt0229 · #4 11-02-2009, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Sherry

I didn't get to play the Hawkes -- it wasn't there the day I was.

The Prescott was incredible. I have not played a better-sounding bass.

The Prescott wasn't there when I was. I also played a bow that I really loved... if it's still there in a few weeks I'm hoping to try it with my own bass.

LouisF · #5 11-02-2009, 01:45 PM

Do you want to tell us who made the bow? We promise not to steal it!!

LF

drurb · #6 11-02-2009, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Sherry

I didn't get to play the Hawkes -- it wasn't there the day I was.

The Prescott was incredible. I have not played a better-sounding bass.

The Prescott is wonderful. Played and heard it last week in Stonington.

mjt0229 · #7 11-02-2009, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LouisF

Do you want to tell us who made the bow? We promise not to steal it!!

LF

It's the Johs Mennig that's listed on the website. I also played the Pfretschner, but wasn't that impressed. The Schroetter was also in the shop, but I couldn't put the Mennig down in order to pick it up.

My bass is still in Seattle but I'm driving it to Boston around Thanksgiving. I'm planning to bring it by the shop when I get there to try out the bow. I would be very sad if someone snatched it out from under me, but my bank account would probably be less sad.

That was also the first time I'd played a bass strung with Evah Pirazzis (the Hawkes is, among others). I've been tempted to try them on my bass in the past. It's possible that my current bow might respond better to the Pirazzis than to my current strings (Flex 92s).

mjt0229 · #8 11-02-2009, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Sherry

I didn't get to play the Hawkes -- it wasn't there the day I was.

The Prescott was incredible. I have not played a better-sounding bass.

The Hawkes had tons of clarity in all registers and responded very quickly under the bow. Nice tone, pretty good projection. Fairly playable considering its size. I usually play seated, but I didn't bring a chair so I was tring instruments from a standing position. I'd imagine that I'd have found it even easier to play sitting down.

Eric Rene Roy · #9 11-02-2009, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjt0229

It's the Johs Mennig...

That's my favorite, and Gary stole it from Stonington to bring to Boston! I can't tell you how many have played on that bow...whenever someone asks to play a bass and didn't bring their own bow...if they played French that's what I gave them.

I wish I knew more about the maker. Anyone have more info about Johs Mennig?

mjt0229 · #10 11-02-2009, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Rene Roy

That's my favorite, and Gary stole it from Stonington to bring to Boston! I can't tell you how many have played on that bow...whenever someone asks to play a bass and didn't bring their own bow...if they played French that's what I gave them.

I wish I knew more about the maker. Anyone have more info about Johs Mennig?

I already put it through Google and didn't come up with anything.

drurb · #11 11-02-2009, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjt0229

I already put it through Google and didn't come up with anything.

Well, then there must be no information available!

Remember when people used to consult things called books?

mjt0229 · #12 11-02-2009, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drurb

Well, then there must be no information available!

Remember when people used to consult things called books?

You're talking to someone who's about to move to Boston to get a master's degree in library science. It's just that I'm a bit busy with the move

drurb · #13 11-02-2009, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjt0229

You're talking to someone who's about to move to Boston to get a master's degree in library science. It's just that I'm a bit busy with the move

Excellent-- then you of all people would appreciate the humor! Good luck with your studies.

buffalobillh · #14 12-06-2009, 01:13 PM

Can you describe your experience with the plywood? Do have any experience with Kay basses to make a comparison? Thanks!

mjt0229 · #15 12-06-2009, 05:09 PM

I used to own a Kay C-1. I never minded the Kay, and with a set-up by a good luthier, they can be great basses. However, the Upton plywood that I played knocked the socks off the Kay that I used to own. Bigger, more room filling and more robust tone.

Ike Harris · #16 12-06-2009, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Rene Roy

That's my favorite, and Gary stole it from Stonington to bring to Boston! I can't tell you how many have played on that bow...whenever someone asks to play a bass and didn't bring their own bow...if they played French that's what I gave them.

I wish I knew more about the maker. Anyone have more info about Johs Mennig?

I thought he might be related to Wm. Moennig, another bowmaker, despite the different spelling. Didn't see anything on the web. Moennig Jr. had a shop here and taught repair work in Nashville until he died in the 80's.

Ike