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Double Bass Thompson v. Upton?

If you had $2K and you needed a bass, what would you choose?

  • Total voters
    34
  • Poll closed .
#42
chanson said:
Since the price of the Upton Standard is now $2500, how would you guys compare it to the Thomspson RM-200 hybrid ($2150)? FWIW the Thompson comes with strings of your choice included in the price as well.
Click to expand...

Following on this, we now have apples, oranges, and bananas. :)

Here's how I see it. The Uptons are in a completely different class from the Thompsons. As I said earlier, I think the Thompsons are a fine deal for what they are. It really depends what you want in a bass. If I wanted the durability of a ply bass because of the venues in which I expected to play, was concerned that the instrument might suffer some less-than-optimal treatment, but still wanted the playability, build, design, and sound of an Upton, then I'd go for their ply.

If I were on a budget and only could afford an entry-level ply, then I'd consider a Shen or, perhaps, it's Thompson cousin.

On the other hand, if I were in the market for a hybrid, then, if I could swing the $$$, I'd go for the Upton hybrid over the Thompson. If I had to be more budget-minded, I'd again consider Shen, Thompson or the like.

It seems, though, that you're asking whether given about $2500, which you should buy. The answer really depends on what you're after, how the bass will be used, etc. If you don't "need" a ply for its durability, then the tonal complexity of a good carved top will, all other things being equal, pay rich dividends. Then again, the last nice Upton ply I heard sounded better to me than I thought a ply bass had a right to sound. Will you be happy with the level of quality of a Thompson hybrid? Would you consider the playability, design, and build of the Upton ply to be such pluses that they become the deciding factors? Well, I'd suggest that you play them and determine all of that for yourself. There are other fine options. You really have to play them.
 
#43
drurb said:
Following on this, we now have apples, oranges, and bananas. :)

Here's how I see it. The Uptons are in a completely different class from the Thompsons. As I said earlier, I think the Thompsons are a fine deal for what they are. It really depends what you want in a bass. If I wanted the durability of a ply bass because of the venues in which I expected to play, was concerned that the instrument might suffer some less-than-optimal treatment, but still wanted the playability, build, design, and sound of an Upton, then I'd go for their ply.

If I were on a budget and only could afford an entry-level ply, then I'd consider a Shen or, perhaps, it's Thompson cousin.

On the other hand, if I were in the market for a hybrid, then, if I could swing the $$$, I'd go for the Upton hybrid over the Thompson. If I had to be more budget-minded, I'd again consider Shen, Thompson or the like.

It seems, though, that you're asking whether given about $2500, which you should buy. The answer really depends on what you're after, how the bass will be used, etc. If you don't "need" a ply for its durability, then the tonal complexity of a good carved top will pay rich dividends. Then again, the last nice Upton ply I heard sounded better to me than I thought a ply bass had a right to sound. Will you be happy with the level of quality of a Thompson hybrid? Well, I'd suggest that you play one and determine that for yourself. There are other fine options. You really have to play them.
Click to expand...

Sorry, missed your post back on page 2. I understand it's not a simple "this or that" case, but I'm an EB player transitioning over to DB and am just very unsure where to start (as if you didn't have enough of us posting already!). I'll do more research, thank you for the advice though
 
#44
chanson said:
Sorry, missed your post back on page 2. I understand it's not a simple "this or that" case, but I'm an EB player transitioning over to DB and am just very unsure where to start (as if you didn't have enough of us posting already!). I'll do more research, thank you for the advice though
Click to expand...

Always happy to help players look for their first DB. We're here to help! :)

PM sent.
 
#45
Not to derail the thread too much, but would the best choice to be to check out local shops with my instructor and go with the best sounding/feeling option, rather than go with what is considered a "good" bass bought online? For example, I'm may not going to run across a Thompson or an Upton in a shop around here, but should I just go with the best thing I can find?
 
#46
If you put the word out, you may be able to try an Upton in your area. I've found that Upton owners are often happy to "spread the word" and was able to get together with a very helpful and friendly guy and his bass when I was shopping.

I didn't end up going with an Upton because I found a bass that really clicked for me locally, but I did enjoy playing the one I tried.
 
#47
For Chanson, there are several very reputable dealers in Northern California - STeve Swan, Bruce Sexauer, Ifshin, etc -- so depending on your budget, making the rounds wound be a great way to see what you want and don't want.

Louis
 
#49
This a timely thread, as I'm currently shopping for my first upright. Have looked at an older 1954 Kay that is offered from a private seller close by. Other than a Carlo Robelli at Sam Ash and couple of EUB "stick type" basses that I did't like too much, I havent really had much of a chance to play or see much. The Kay sounded good, and I guess was in typical condition for a '54 Kay.

I've plans to travel to Upton this coming wednesday to take a look for comparison. There just doesent seem to be much around for comparison shopping. I know there is David Gage in NYC, but I'm not much of a city type and I think I'd rather take a day trip up to Mysitc, CT (3 1/2 hr drive each way) than to deal with NYC.

as a longtime guitar player and more recent bass player (about 5 years on electric bass now); the prospect of $2000 - 2500 as an entry level price to get a playable instrument is somewhat daunting. I've got a couple of guitars that are up in that range; but this is a whole new beast and I'm not even sure of what to look for.

What's the consens on Englehart? Since they are the lineage of Kay basses; are US made; but I don't see as many posts about them.

looking forward to the experience.

Jeff
 
#50
I purchased a used Thompson RM-200 6 months ago. The instrument was basically brand new since the fellow rarely played it. I got a great deal. It is a nicely made instrument, great finish, smooth ribs/top/back - all curves and surfaces are fair and smooth. The wood components are very nice: thick, black ebony FB, tailpiece, saddles, the ribs are nicely figured wood, the top is fine straight grained spruce (nice clean purfling), the back is has nice figured veneers. All seams are tight and have held up through a few New England winter/summers. It has quality hardware - nice brass tuners that turn smoothly and a nice endpin. The set up was very clean and tidy, adjustable bridge is very easy to adjust, ebony string nut set up well. The FB radius is probably set up more for arco, plays well with no buzzes in all positions. I am very happy to have the instrument - so far it is maintenance free and is comfortable to play. It works well for my beginner/intermediate level of ability. I am studying with a professional bassist who happens to own a Prescott. He likes the bass a lot and thinks it is a solid, well playing and sounding bass for the money - he has also played, not owned Upton basses. It does not have the tone nor playability of his vintage bass however!
 
#51
Perhaps a better question is:

Given a $1500 - $2500 budget, what's the best entry level bass?

Those 8 of you who voted "something else" on this poll; what would your choice be and why?

Musically I'm not sure where I'm headed with this. I like bluegrass music, but looking for more than that. I want to learn arco as well as pizzicato; and hopefully pick back up the long ago abandoned skills of reading sheet music.

thanks
 
#52
$1500-2500 represents a tremendous spread in function that you will be able to purchase. $1500-2000 gets you into some good quality laminated basses and some decent used hybrids. $2000-2500 gets you well into hybrid territory, but not quite into all-solid basses. You do have a lot of choice once you can get in the $22-2500 range.
 
#53
Steve,

was looking at your website, that's an interesting bass you have with the busetto corners. I have never seen that style before. The lower bout looks much larger - or is the upper bout that much smaller. How does this affect tone?

Also - Have never seen a DB without a tailpiece. this is certainly an unusual instrument. How are the strings anchored. detial photos of that are certainly in order :)


jeff
 
#55
The idea that there is a best $1500.00 bass is problematic. Ideally you want to play the basses in question so that you can decide if you like the sound, fit and feel of any particular bass over another. As an entry level player you probably will be happy with either Thompson or Upton - they are quality instruments made well with solid businesses that stand behind them. As a beginner having a solid, well set up bass, either plywood or hybrid with a good set of strings will get you very far in the process of developing your UB skills. My teacher can make a garbage can with strings attached sound amazing. IMHO half the battle with UB is developing the skills in your ears and hands to make the sound happen. The bass is one part of this equation.
 
#56
I have now owned my Thompson hybrid for about two years. I still love it. When I purchased it, it was shipped to me the very next day, via air, and I was able to pick it up the next day. It was great right out of the box. Beautiful looking, sounded great. Nice tuners, adjustable bridge, deluxe soft case, Realist pick-up. I couldn't have touched an Upton laminate for what I paid for my Thompson. I have absolutely no regrets about purchasing it, and plan on keeping it for the rest of my music making days. I've had nothing but compliments from other musicians about the look and sound of my bass. My band puts on a bluegrass festival up here in the Northwest. In 2010, we had the Boxcars. The bass player for that band had his choice of several nice basses to play and he chose mine. He said that it felt great and sounded great to boot. I have no doubt that there are better basses out there, but I've not yet played them. I have compared my Thompson to some basses at a local shop that specialises in violin family instruments, with several of their basses far exceeding the cost of mine. While those were nice basses, I find that I'm still happy with my Thompson. Best thing to do, as others have mentioned in this, and many other threads, is to get out and try as many instruments as possible. One last thing, there was a point that I had a buzz which was caused by a high point on the fingerboard. I contacted Steve at String Emporium. He located a luthier for me in my area and took care of the cost of the repair. He is a real stand-up guy and really believes in the product he's selling.
 

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