I broke the neck on my Upton ply a couple of years ago and Eric and the Upton guys put a new neck on mine, as well. Just like new. You’ll be pleased.
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Double Bass Upton Bass Club
- Thread starter kamakiriad7
- Start date
That looks painful! How exactly did it happen?
My newborn shipped yesterday and hoping it's here (closest terminal about 1 hr away) Friday!
Was unloading car after gig. Was in gig bag. Set it up against a wall for a minute while I did something else. Fell over onto hard floor. Hit the wrong way. Boom.
Oh man, that's tough! And that's all it takes. I'm sure they'll fix her up fine!
Opus 658
7/8 Bohemian Flat Back Ply
All Poplar
Picked up at shipping terminal this past Thursday. Finish is still curing.
Warm and punchy. DB newbie so heading to the woodshed every chance I get.
7/8 Bohemian Flat Back Ply
All Poplar
Picked up at shipping terminal this past Thursday. Finish is still curing.
Warm and punchy. DB newbie so heading to the woodshed every chance I get.
Attachments
Thanks! Been 11 months in the making and worth it! It started with me wanting a different finish. After a little back and forth emails discussing with Eric, I went with the 7/8 and flat back. The finish is similar to the 'Murphy' on the webpage.
Thanks for calling out the finish. Coincidentally i just put in an order for a hybrid Bohemian today and am deciding on a finish. I currently have a Standard Laminate and love it to bits so super excited to see what an upgraded model from Upton will sound like.
Congrats. Looks similar to the 7/8ths ply they built for me. I went with Birch and a somewhat lighter finish. Even though I have one of their hybrids, this has pretty much become my main instrument.
I went with the laminate since I wanted something that could deal with the church orchestra and the festivals. I have always liked the look of the flat back too. Feedback I got was the 7/8 and flat back would give good depth and volume.
Congrats on the order!
I appreciate it! I'm very thankful to be able to get this awesome bass. Lots of practice ahead.
Thought this might be as good a place as any to ask a question about Uptons, as opposed to starting a new thread. Let me know if not, tho.
I'm currently in the VERY initial thought process, and while the Upton folk have been VERY friendly and informative, I don't want to just waste their time with what might be tire-kicking.
How would describe their necks? IME, bass necks pretty much vary in 2 respects. They are either wide or narrow, and they are either "V" shaped or more of a flattened "U" shape. They said all of their bass models have similar necks. So how would you characterize them? Also, are they D or Eb at the heel?
What was your experience w/ Uptons before buying yours? Did you visit the shop before ordering?
Thanks in advance.
I'm currently in the VERY initial thought process, and while the Upton folk have been VERY friendly and informative, I don't want to just waste their time with what might be tire-kicking.
How would describe their necks? IME, bass necks pretty much vary in 2 respects. They are either wide or narrow, and they are either "V" shaped or more of a flattened "U" shape. They said all of their bass models have similar necks. So how would you characterize them? Also, are they D or Eb at the heel?
What was your experience w/ Uptons before buying yours? Did you visit the shop before ordering?
Thanks in advance.
I would say flattened U, not V shape to the neck.
You can specify either D or Eb, I believe (at least on some of the higher end models)
I did not visit the shop. Their reputation was enough for me, which has been born out in the 4 years since I've owned my Bohemian.
You can specify either D or Eb, I believe (at least on some of the higher end models)
I did not visit the shop. Their reputation was enough for me, which has been born out in the 4 years since I've owned my Bohemian.
yes, u shaped type. i must say I've played a lot of basses and have found theirs to be very comfortable for the left hand. i now own two Upton basses. Standard hybrid and a superswing blonde hybrid. both with wonderful neck profiles. you cant go wrong!
my 2 cents.
good luck!
jc
my 2 cents.
good luck!
jc
I can't speak to how they compare to other basses as much as many others here, since I've only been playing upright for about 4 years. My one and only upright I've ever owned is my Upton Standard. I bought sight unseen/unplayed from Upton, without ever visiting their shop or even playing one. I based my decision mostly on word of mouth referrals, reviews, anecdotes about their customer service, and of course the price. Also, because it is a USA made bass and not an import from Asia.
I have never regretted my decision about choosing the Upton! It works well, sounds great, stands up to crazy Michigan weather extremes, and even survived an attack by a drummer's falling cymbal/stand (with almost no damage).
My 2¢.
My kinda crazy situation is that I really am used to and enjoy playing my Engle. (I'm mostly a bluegrass/oldtime thumper/slapper, but trying to work on bowing and playing up the neck) My wife is a luthier, so she has it set up to sound/play exactly as I like.
I'm always trying to convince myself to spend money to upgrade
- but I haven't found any bass I liked enough to warrant the expenditure. Maybe I'm too picky or something, but I've played some VERY expensive basses that other people loved, that I just didn't fall in love with. There was only 1 example - an old German carved bass someone was selling for $10k. LOVED the sound AND the feel. But couldn't quite afford to pull the trigger at that time. Now I sorta regret that - tho I think hybrid would be better for me.
I'm thinking a new hybrid might be a nice way to treat myself, while keeping my Engle as a beater. But I want to LOVE whatever I get.
Yeah, I know my wife could probably set most basses up to sound/play well, but I'm hesitant to spend several thou on a "project" for her. (No - not suggesting a new Upton would in any way be a "project.")
Thanks for the answers. Apologize if this is too much of a hijack. I'm thinking I just need to plan a trip out east when I can stop by their shop and - hopefully - fall in love!
I'm always trying to convince myself to spend money to upgrade
- but I haven't found any bass I liked enough to warrant the expenditure. Maybe I'm too picky or something, but I've played some VERY expensive basses that other people loved, that I just didn't fall in love with. There was only 1 example - an old German carved bass someone was selling for $10k. LOVED the sound AND the feel. But couldn't quite afford to pull the trigger at that time. Now I sorta regret that - tho I think hybrid would be better for me.I'm thinking a new hybrid might be a nice way to treat myself, while keeping my Engle as a beater. But I want to LOVE whatever I get.
Yeah, I know my wife could probably set most basses up to sound/play well, but I'm hesitant to spend several thou on a "project" for her. (No - not suggesting a new Upton would in any way be a "project.")
Thanks for the answers. Apologize if this is too much of a hijack. I'm thinking I just need to plan a trip out east when I can stop by their shop and - hopefully - fall in love!
+1 to all the previous comments! I’d strongly suggest 2 visits to the shop in Mystic, if you’re within driving distance. One to “kick the tires” in their shop (they’re fine with that!), and also to play and compare a number of different basses back-to-back in real time (they have quite an inventory of used basses of many varieties on hand). The second to pick up the bass you ordered and to have them tweak the set-up to your own exact preferences. Plus you’ll save the $300 shipping charges.
I also with everything that has been said about Upton Basses in general, their customer service...
I had a Kay, kind of a similar neck than an Engelhardt I think? before I got my Bohemian. The neck of my Upton is a bit thicker and feels way better to me. Much more natural feeling and less tiring.
Mine has a very specific setup, at my request, and Jack did a wonderful job.
Your wife would probably have to find another project!
I had a Kay, kind of a similar neck than an Engelhardt I think? before I got my Bohemian. The neck of my Upton is a bit thicker and feels way better to me. Much more natural feeling and less tiring.
Mine has a very specific setup, at my request, and Jack did a wonderful job.
Your wife would probably have to find another project!
