Opinions on Upton Bass Strings Company

I own a Hawkes laminated DB, and after 3 years of playing it and many other basses, I still consider it by far the best laminated bass I've played in its price class. I have also been to their shop and played one of their hybrids, and it's also excellent. Gary, Eric and Jack are quality guys who know their stuff and go out of their way to make their customers happy. Can't go wrong with Upton IMHO.

 

there's lots here about upton, so i'd say a basic search is in order. i've an upton hybrid and i love it, no complaints, but their prices have gone up, so if i were to do it over, i'd probably take a bit closer look at the new standard ... but, again, i love it. no regrets.

jeff.

 

I have owned a Hawkes laminated DB for two years and have yet to play a bass I like better for the price. I also purchased one of their $99 German bows; it is a decent starter bow and a great value, but you will quickly want to upgrade. The people at Upton are top notch: polite, helpful, patient, and thoroughly professional. DB luthiery seems to attract that personality type.

 

+1 for Upton, I own a laminated Hawkes, couldn't be happier.

 

i have an upton hybrid and i love it. Mine was one of the first american made ones and it is a great instrument for the price. Obviously it is not a professional quality instrument but it is great for serious and advancing students like myself. Of all the basses i have played in the price range the uptons are the best in my opinion.

 

I have had my Hawkes Hybid for a couple of years. The arco sound continues to improve. Admittedly, I don't get to hear my bass side by side against many other basses other than my teacher's 250 year old carved German bass. Not exactly a fair comparison.

My teacher always comments what a great sound the Upton has. Very punchy, punctual and produces a loud full sound. I asked to compare it to the New Standard. As he is Professor of Bass Studies at NYU and Rutgers, he gets to hear lots of different DBs, he says the Upton has a more aggressive sound than the Standard, which is a little mellower and sweeter and not as loud ... also a terrific DB.

Upton will give you great customer service and attention. They are very concerned that you are happy (isn't that refreshing?)

Prices have gone up but still they are very aggressively priced at $3500 for the deluxe Hybrid.

 

I bought the professor model and set it up with Bel Cantos for classical playing and it just gets better and better. I also just got the basso rasa standard for jazz and it really kicks. I highly recommend the Uptons.