Looking to Upgrade from Upton

Hey, everyone. I am playing an Upton French bow at the moment but I'd like to upgrade. I've heard that the Upton performs as well or better as more expensive bows so I'm unsure where to look for the next step up. I'd appreciate any suggestions as to makers and models.

Thanks for any help!

[dchan]

I suggest that you try as many bows as possible. Since you are near New York, go to various luthiers around the area so that you can try out bows in their shops. Also, Lemur Music allows you to try out bows on trial through the mail.

I would recommend Ken Smith's bows as an upgrade. Having owned both Upton's and Ken's bow, I would definitely recommend Ken's bows as an upgrade. He's in Pennsylvania, not too far from you so check him out. You can pick his brain about various topics on bass while there.

[theshadow2001]

Upton of course offer their own up grade from the $100 to their $550 dollar bow. That might be a place to start.

[dchan]

Originally Posted by theshadow2001

Upton of course offer their own up grade from the $100 to their $550 dollar bow. That might be a place to start.

That better be a really, really good brazilwood bow if it costs $550. I know of some very good pernambuco bows that cost less than that.

I'm sure Upton carries many other bows, as do other luthiers around your area. Keep looking.

[Eric Rene Roy]

Originally Posted by dchan

I know of some very good pernambuco bows that cost less than that.

Most affordable bows marketed as Pernambuco are not.

We buy them as Pernambuco...but I am not willing to put my head in the sand and just advertise them as such when I know they are not.