Double Bass String Emporium Hybrid or Upton Laminate

[Quap]

I’m going to be purchasing a bass soon. I don’t have the resources or time to drive the 5 hours to any large city. So I plan on having one shipped in.

After multiple searches and reading many posts I’ve still not found a consensus in the forum.

I am a former high school player who is looking for a jazz set up and sound with a very small possibility of gigs in the future.

Climate wise I’m in Lubbock Texas where it is very dry.

What bass will I most likely be happy with for a long time?

 

[John Chambliss]

I don't think you'll find consensus here. I would recommend a hybrid if you plan on using the bow in the future (and you should). I would expand my search to include kcstrings.com and theluthier.us - both ship double basses as well as other sites.

 

[Fretless55]

The Thompson RM200 hybrid is a tremendous value for the price!
It was my choice and I’ve been very happy with it.

 

[Michael Glynn]

I've played basses from both Upton and String Emporium, though not the specific models you are looking at, and they have all been good basses.

If you decide to order a bass online, make sure to check on the return policy and get a full quote on shipping. Also find out what extras are included (strings, cases, bows, etc.). All of these things can add up quite a bit.

You may have already done this, but another option might be to check in with local bass teachers. I believe Mark Morton, who is a very highly respected bassist and educator, teaches at Texas Tech. Someone like him might be able to point you in a good direction, or might have students wishing to sell a bass in order to upgrade.

 

[james condino]

16 million people in the US filed for unemployment in the last three weeks; probably double that amount lost their jobs and do not meet the requirements for filing, like most musicians reading this.

Do you want to spend your money on a budget imported bass (that can be wholesale purchased for likely around $800) or do you want to spend a similar out of pocket amount on a quality US made product that supports people we all know as locals here on talkbass who make very nice basses in Connecticut and will reinvest that money back into the local and domestic manufacturing economy????????????????

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

16 million people in the US filed for unemployment in the last three weeks; probably double that amount lost their jobs and do not meet the requirements for filing, like most musicians reading this.

Do you want to spend your money on a budget imported bass (that can be wholesale purchased for likely around $800) or do you want to spend a similar out of pocket amount on a quality US made product that supports people we all know as locals here on talkbass who make very nice basses in Connecticut and will reinvest that money back into the local and domestic manufacturing economy????????????????

Or you could make the argument that buying the String Emporium bass will help support that Arizona-based company, particularly its owner who is a symphony bassist probably without gigs. LOTS of Americans earn their livings based on reselling stuff made somewhere else. Always have, always will.

I bought a String Emporium Hybrid last fall and love it. Excellent quality for the money, sounds terrific, and after consultation with Steve, he set it up exactly as I needed with the right kit.

You can't go wrong either way, would be my advice. But take that commercial user's rant with a grain of salt.

 

[BobKay]

I bought two Upton's. In part because they are made in the USA. Not important to everyone, but it was to me.

 

[Eli Brockway]

Or you could make the argument that buying the String Emporium bass will help support that Arizona-based company, particularly its owner who is a symphony bassist probably without gigs. LOTS of Americans earn their livings based on reselling stuff made somewhere else. Always have, always will.

I bought a String Emporium Hybrid last fall and love it. Excellent quality for the money, sounds terrific, and after consultation with Steve, he set it up exactly as I needed with the right kit.

You can't go wrong either way, would be my advice. But take that commercial user's rant with a grain of salt.

I agree overall, and think Steve is generally pretty great. But I'd also like to add on to take anything we say here with a grain of salt, be it from a commercial user (and fantastic luthier from what I've seen him post) like James, or some random hack from the middle of nowhere like me. Short of trying out the bass yourself, you'll never know anything other than generalities that any of us can express—every instrument is different; from what I've seen, it can at least be said that the Thompsons from Steve, any of the Upton standards, and any of the KC Strings instruments that were mentioned earlier are all going to be properly made and sound good.

How much have you checked around to see if there's anything reasonably local? One thing to consider, on the climate side of things, is that it'll be a lot easier for you in the long run if you can find a good, healthy bass that's been living in your area for a long time and is used to how your climate acts, rather than pulling in one from somewhere else that's going to take time to try and adjust. That's a fast recipe for splitting seams at best, and cracks at worst.

 

[210superair]

I second the local used bass. Isn't there basses everywhere in Texas? Seems like a music mecca, the entire state. If you're considering a ply, why not a nice used Kay or Standard? Save on shipping. (if it's on to travel in Texas to pick up right now, I don't know the situation there...)

I picked up my Kay for 850. Decent strings, pickups, and a setup, and I have a bass I'm very happy with for around 1200 bucks... Even my Eastman, which I consider a step above junk, is a decent starter bass for way less.

Not that I'd deter anyone from supporting either business....

 

[damonsmith]

If you get serious about the instrument you will outgrow the ply. You will also pay a premium for where it is made, if you have an extra grand or more to throw at it being made in New England. It will be well made.
I would go to Houston and see what Quantum has. You can likely get a nice fully carved instrument for what you'd pay for either of these!

 

[Steve Swan]

Socio-political considerations aside, if this is your first decent jazz bass in the torturous climate of Texas, I would suggest an all-laminate bass. Having a casual-use all-laminate bass in Texas is like owning a tough little 2 year old terrier dog. Having a solid top bass for casual use in Texas is more like owning a 12 year old dog. It takes an ownership mindset that is always, by necessity, acutely aware of temperature and humidity every day in every way. If you are a careful guy with your possessions and live in a large living space with other people that can buffer humidity fluctuations in the house, then maybe a solid top instrument is for you. All bets are off if you travel much, play at outdoor festivals for days at a time, or are gone away from your home for days or weeks at a time. An all-laminated bass is pretty much a worry-free proposition. If you have the dedication and willingness to be much more involved in the living conditions for your new instrument, then the rewards of a solid top bass can be very satisfying. Only you can tell us honestly how much responsibility you would like to take on at this stage of your life. Have big fun being a bassist !!

 

[Don Hergert]

... But I'd also like to add on to take anything we say here with a grain of salt, be it from a commercial user (and fantastic luthier from what I've seen him post) like James, or some random hack from the middle of nowhere like me. Short of trying out the bass yourself, you'll never know anything other than generalities that any of us can express—every instrument is different; from what I've seen, it can at least be said that the Thompsons from Steve, any of the Upton standards, and any of the KC Strings instruments that were mentioned earlier are all going to be properly made and sound good.

^^Need a REALLY LIKE button^^

 

[damonsmith]

I’m going to be purchasing a bass soon. I don’t have the resources or time to drive the 5 hours to any large city. So I plan on having one shipped in.

I would reconsider this, a tank of gas is going to be far cheaper than shipping and Houston has one of the great bass shops. There is nothing like seeing the instruments and getting your hands on them.
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[damonsmith]

With due respect to @Steve Swan, buying a ply bass out of fear is the wrong reason. A newer carved or hybrid should be fine if you pay attention to it. I lived in Texas for six years and played all over and had zero climate based issues. I had a bad neck and got a new one while I was there.
If you like the sound of ply, get it, don't settle out of fear!

Socio-political considerations aside, if this is your first decent jazz bass in the torturous climate of Texas, I would suggest an all-laminate bass. Having a casual-use all-laminate bass in Texas is like owning a tough little 2 year old terrier dog. Having a solid top bass for casual use in Texas is more like owning a 12 year old dog. It takes an ownership mindset that is always, by necessity, acutely aware of temperature and humidity every day in every way. If you are a careful guy with your possessions and live in a large living space with other people that can buffer humidity fluctuations in the house, then maybe a solid top instrument is for you. All bets are off if you travel much, play at outdoor festivals for days at a time, or are gone away from your home for days or weeks at a time. An all-laminated bass is pretty much a worry-free proposition. If you have the dedication and willingness to be much more involved in the living conditions for your new instrument, then the rewards of a solid top bass can be very satisfying. Only you can tell us honestly how much responsibility you would like to take on at this stage of your life. Have big fun being a bassist !!

 

[Quap]

I would reconsider this, a tank of gas is going to be far cheaper than shipping and Houston has one of the great bass shops. There is nothing like seeing the instruments and getting your hands on them.
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Houston from Lubbock is an 8 hour drive. One way. That makes it very hard.

That means I have to take off from work to buy a bass that is for all intents and purposes a hobby.

It doesn’t make a lot of sense when there are other options.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

With due respect to @Steve Swan, buying a ply bass out of fear is the wrong reason. A newer carved or hybrid should be fine if you pay attention to it.

He’s not you. He’s new to the bass. He doesn’t know all the tricks yet. Don’t pressure the guy. He’s spending his money, not yours, so his comfort level and opinions count for more than yours. Chill.

 

[GretschWretch]

With due respect to @Steve Swan, buying a ply bass out of fear is the wrong reason. A newer carved or hybrid should be fine if you pay attention to it. I lived in Texas for six years and played all over and had zero climate based issues. I had a bad neck and got a new one while I was there.
If you like the sound of ply, get it, don't settle out of fear!

Golly, Damon! I didn't know you had had neck replacement surgery. Did they use bolts to attach the new one, or go with the more stylish hatpeg tuners? Pics?

 

[LouisF]

Not to derail or hijack the thread, but... I have a ladder of titanium pins in 5 of the vertebrae my neck and took me over two years to get back to any sort of decent playing. No hatpegs. No bolts. No jokes. Sorry, I know it was probably meant in good fun, but: Cervical Myelopathy | Myelopathy Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prognosis
Louis

 

[damonsmith]

He’s not you. He’s new to the bass. He doesn’t know all the tricks yet. Don’t pressure the guy. He’s spending his money, not yours, so his comfort level and opinions count for more than yours. Chill.

I am recommending the cheaper option.

 

[Sam Sherry]

Houston from Lubbock is an 8 hour drive. One way. That makes it very hard.

Yep. But [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] says they do a bunch of work on DB and appears to offer a selection of basses. It's about 2 hrs each way. And as noted Robertson's in Albuquerque is five hours -- which, you're correct, is a darn long day.

That means I have to take off from work to buy a bass that is for all intents and purposes a hobby.

Personally, I have always loved visiting DB shops. It lights me up every time. I am just a DB wonk. I accept that.

And if things work out for you like they have for most of us on TB/DB you're going to spend hundreds, even thousands, of hours playing the bass.

It doesn’t make a lot of sense when there are other options.

That's true. There's nothing wrong with remote-ordering a bass, as long as you work with someone sufficiently reliable to deliver a bass (as opposed to a costly bass-shaped object).

That's where I speak well of my friends (and clients) at Upton Bass.


DISCLAIMER: I am proud to represent Upton Bass String Instrument Corp. as its attorney. This is not a neutral post by a disinterested person. This post should not be misconstrued as legal advice. Really, picture this: "My legal advice is that you play the double bass for thousands of hours, and grow as a person and musician by doing so."