NBD: My road trip to Upton Bass (complete with both bass and food porn)

Last Thursday I made the 6-hour trek from Maryland to Mystic, CT to pick up my new upright bass from Upton Bass. I had ordered a basic, standard ply bass back in the summer, hoping to have it in time for a few Christmas gigs.

Due to the pandemic, Upton Bass had to push back their build dates and I was going to miss the holidays. So I called to cancel my order & find another option. Eric Roy, the shop manager said, “I have an idea that you might like...” He had a customer who had commissioned a Hawkes Hybrid bass back in 2007. That same bass today would be the Upton Brescian Hybrid. The customer broke the neck of that bass and ended up trading it toward a new build.

Eric told me he could refinish the body, put on a new neck and bridge, and have that bass ready to go in two weeks. He sent me a couple of photos and I jumped at it. It was a great deal. Hence, my road trip!

I arrived in Mystic on Thursday night, got checked into my hotel & decided to see the sights. There was a cool area called the Olde Mystic Shoppes where I bought a few souvenirs and enjoyed the Christmas lights.


After that, I got a little hungry. So I did something I don’t normally do... I went to a nice restaurant and ate by myself. At first it was awkward, but it felt like a bass player kind of thing to do. I had some delicious lobster bisque and the best lobster roll I’ve ever eaten. When in New England...


The next morning I went to Upton Bass. I’ve been there once before and it never fails to impress. Upton basses are built in a restored barn in the historic district of Mystic, CT.


As you walk inside, you’re on the 2nd floor, where the basses are being built by hand.


The third floor is heaven. It’s where all the finished basses reside, including mine.



It was quite an adventure with a big payoff! This bass is great. It looks new and the sound is booming.

Of course, as I drove home with my new bass, I had to make a quick stop in Philly for a Tony Luke’s Roast Pork Italian with spicy spinach and sharp provolone. Yummm!!!


Here’s a couple more bass photos from when I got her home.


Later this week, I’ll replace the D & G strings with Pirastro Obligatos. I’ll leave the Spirocores on the E & A. And that’s it. She’s otherwise perfect.

Needless to say, I could not be more pleased! This is a beautifully crafted instrument that will bring me years of enjoyment.

 

Yeah, man! It was a long couple of days, but well worth it (both bass and food... lol)

 

Yeah, the solid top really makes is resonant. It’s nice!

 

I have to admit, as much as I love the bass, the food was a highlight for sure.

 

One day is an ambitious trip. I stayed at the Hyatt Place in Mystic. I only spent $80 total for the room and their covid protocols were top notch. I felt very safe and comfortable spending the night.

Traffic was surprisingly busy for a Thursday. The Bronx was no big deal, but some of the CT driving was bumper to bumper.

It’s a cool little town.

 

Tony Luke’s makes a nice pork sandwich. But the best is John’s Roast Pork on Snyder Ave. It is spectacular. Their cheesesteaks are also the best in Philly.

I’ll check out Teds next time I’m up that way. Once covid is ‘managed’, I’d love to vacation up there for a week or two.