New Upton or something old/german

Play a lot of basses (25 at least) in many price ranges and then you will start to be able to make an educated decision about what bass is right for you.

 

I got a brescian carved. I think they do a fine job. It'd be best to take advantage of all the modifications with them. (Bent pin, pick your tuners, pick your as unique as you can possibly think varnish, any string setup, etc.) They're great and flexible. Nothing wrong with pride in a new bass that has baby fresh health.

 

100% trade in? I am pretty sure that is not true.

 

Rick, I haven't talked to them since last time I was bass shopping but on their website

4) Bass Equity? Our 100% trade-up credit given for the bass you purchased from us in the past allows you to match your instrument to your growing abilities. Start with a laminated bass, upgrade to a flat back, then move into a fully-carved new or antique instrument! You only need to budget the difference!

so I assume it's still true.

 

As someone who's played my fair share of basses, and currently on my second Upton, and I have to say it's most certainly the best bang for your buck under $10,000.

 

When I bought my bass, a pollman, at kagen & gaines in chicago (still in business?) I knew nothing and just went for the best sound I could afford. Several people were steering me to a couple of other basses they said were much better bangs for the buck. I stupidly went for the axe that came closest to the idealized sound in my head, and 38 years later I still love that bass and so does everyone else who hears it or plays it.

 

I have had plenty of old and new basses over the years and I can say without a doubt the Uptons are one of the best deals around right now, I unfortunately am selling my hybrid brescian because it is too big with my shoulder problems I am having right now but when I do I will be getting another Upton bass made.

Play a bunch, I seem to use my uptons more than any other bass that I own and my two uptons I have recieved the most compliments on tone from other musicians and audience members, even more than my french hawkes bass.

 

It's true. I traded up twice and that was with instruments they imported. The third one, the one I have now, was built in their shop. Sure, if you bang up the instrument you're not likely to get 100%.

 

I stand corrected. My apologies. I have a 2007 Upton hybrid. One of the early US made basses. In a very brief moment I once considered trading my hybrid for one of Upton's New Standard Clevelands. They did not offer me a 100% trade so I guess they only offer it on Upton models specifically. And since they moved away from the Standards and I've decided to keep my hybrid I suppose its all irrelevant.

 

You asked the question. Nobody here can know what the right bass for you will be and you won't either until you play it and compare it to others you've had hands on.

Ok, I see your current bass is a Wan Bernadel. I liked the two Wans I've played. You want something "a little nicer". What does that mean to you, exactly? A different sound, or feel, or...? If you're looking for that older bass sound, chances are you won't find it in a new bass, IME.

 

Listen to Eric. Your decision cannot be "educated" until you play many basses. Perhaps you've already done that. As for an "older bass sound," my opinion on this has evolved over the years. I don't believe that age, per se, does all that much (Note: I didn't say it does nothing). It's much more about the design (e.g., shape, cavity volume, carving). I chose to have Upton build a bass for me. I believe that was an educated decision. On the day I picked up my bass, when it was only weeks old, it sounded "older" than many old basses I've played. It was designed from the ground up to sound that way. I recently played several new Upton offerings that have those characteristics.

Is an Upton right for you? Only you can decide. You're talking about spending $6-8k. For most of us, that's not merely pocket-change. If you believe that Upton is a viable option, then get on a plane or go on a road-trip, visit them, and play a bunch of their basses. Do this after you play all the basses you can locally. You certainly wouldn't be the first player to do that.

 

I think you can also cut the butt-hurt attitude. What Eric is saying is right - you're in that gray area of spending money, so either you keep shopping for the bass you want. Nobody can make that decision for you. Condescending? If you had more experience, you probably wouldn't be asking the question of what the buy in the first place - or at least be a little bit more humble in understanding what it means to search for bass. By merely asking this question, you are showing a level of ignorance.

Furthermore, I think you might be a little short sighted in what sounds like you're only considering only new basses. In that price range, you can find many great used and vintage instruments. Juzeks, unnamed germans, etc.

And just because you want something darker doesn't neccessarily mean that you're going to find it by looking at the maker. Sound can differ from bass to bass - even with the same model. Everybody's ears are different as well as their tastes. If you're going to blow $8K on a bass, it behooves you to do the legwork and visit them in person rather than rely on someone elses opinion. You owe it to yourself to buy that flight out to the East coast and pay a visit to David Gage, Upton, New Standard, Arnold Schnitzer, etc. and do some serious shopping.

Either that or you're like me, rely on opinions I trust (including Eric Hochbergs), and have an instrument built. Essentially, buying blind. I did it and I don't regret it one iota. I fell in love with an American Standard, so I got the best thing above it: a New Standard Cleveland.

And one thing to keep in mind: no bass is perfect. There's always a drawback somewhere. You have to make the decision and compromise on what's best for you.

 

I really don't know what the hell you're talking about... No more "actual content" from me.

 

Good luck in making your decision. Have a blessed day.

 

Simply put, I find you to be misguided, rude, and just plain wrong-- a rather inauspicious way to introduce yourself to this community. Bass-shopping is a serious and involved endeavor. At least, it should be. Your initial inquiry actually demonstrated your lack of sophistication regarding the process. You said you wished to upgrade and regurgitated broad generalizations told to you about the used market and a specific maker. Eric's response was, in my opinion, right on target. He told you to play a bunch of basses in order to make an educated decision. Suggesting that someone make an educated decision, coupled with a specific suggestion regarding how to achieve that, is hardly condescending. Rather, it's appropriate, especially when the individual asking the question displays some naivete, as you did. The problem here is in the receiver, not the transmitter! You owe Eric an apology.

Now, I don't know of a legitimate reason why any professional would tell you to stay away from Upton. I'd sure like to hear the explanation that goes along with such advice. I wouldn't have much respect for anyone who says that and I would question his/her motives. Here's why. Although Upton may not make a bass that fits your needs, their reputation, awards earned, quality of workmanship, and history of producing overall, problem-free basses are now a matter of record. The only justification I could imagine for advice to steer clear of any builder, be it Upton or anyone else, is if the instruments are known to be faulty, poorly designed, wildly overpriced, or if the shop has a reputation of poor customer service. This is not a plug for Upton. Again, their basses may or may not fit the bill for you. Rather, it is an argument against the statement of a blanket prohibition. I don't know of any major, reputable builder out there such that I'd say, "Stay away from X." I can imagine saying, "The basses X makes just don't suit me because..."

hdiddy gave you sound advice. Make the trip, visit the shops-- several of them. Play the basses. Get to know the people behind the products in person.

Oh, and once more, I think you'd do well to be kinder to those who are trying to help you. You've dumped on a member who has real experience, patience, and who helps and has helped many players on a regular basis here. I know, I'm one of the ones who he's helped.