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Double Bass Upton Bass Club

#1,501
jasonbraatz said:
I'm getting ever closer to putting in a deposit, but I can't decide between the Standard Hybrid or a Bohemian Hybrid + Deluxe top (as they no longer offer Standards with deluxe tops.) Wondering if you folks can help...

Is it really *that* substantial of a difference? "You'll always be thinking you should have done it" kind of a difference? What about durability, with the thinner top? I know the Bohemian would also be a flatback - how much of a difference will that make?

I can afford it, I guess, but I don't know if it'd be wasted on me. I've played pretty basic plys or EUBs all my life (Englehardt EM1 from 18 years old to 30, NS NXT5 from 30-35, Shen SB80 from 35 till today) but I've recently joined a community symphony and would like that sort of thing to be a part of my life again going forward. Finally having an instrument that isn't a chore to bow is appealing.
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I have an Upton Standard Hybrid (2014, at that time they were round back not flat) so mine has the basic version of carved top. I think Mine sounds amazing, especially now that it is a few years old!! I am sure that deluxe carved top will be a little more sound... but depending on what you are doing with the bass It might not be 1000.00 plus difference in sound. I have not compared the two as I just have the Standard Hybrid. I would think the thicker standard top might be more durable, It does make the bass a little heavier. The Deluxe top will be a little thinner is spots at least.
 
#1,502
In spite of Groucho's warning against joining a club that would possibly admit you, I'd like to join! Tomorrow I head to Mystic to pick up my Standard Hybrid - - almost a year in the process. I've been playing a series of lesser basses for too long so this is a big step up for me. Last 15 yrs or so I've been playing a 50s Epiphone laminate, nice bass but no real resonance. Having played a few Upton's, I'm pretty psyched . . .
 
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#1,503
wpatton11 said:
In spite of Groucho's warning against joining a club that would possibly admit you, I'd like to join! Tomorrow I head to Mystic to pick up my Standard Hybrid - - almost a year in the process. I've been playing a series of lesser basses for too long so this is a big step up for me. Last 15 yrs or so I've been playing a 50s Epiphone laminate, nice bass but no real resonance. Having played a few Upton's, I'm pretty psyched . . .
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Woo Hoo... New Bass Day! I am sure you will love it! Congrats
 
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#1,504
wpatton11 said:
In spite of Groucho's warning against joining a club that would possibly admit you, I'd like to join! Tomorrow I head to Mystic to pick up my Standard Hybrid - - almost a year in the process. I've been playing a series of lesser basses for too long so this is a big step up for me. Last 15 yrs or so I've been playing a 50s Epiphone laminate, nice bass but no real resonance. Having played a few Upton's, I'm pretty psyched . . .
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Pix; or it didn’t happen!
 
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#1,505
Here 'tis - - with a few friends resonating sympathetically. The folks at Upton build a fine instrument.
Upton showroom.jpg
 
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#1,506
If anyone is interested in a new UB Bohemian hybrid model with deluxe german spruce top. Contact Eric at Upton bass. It's a 5/8 size with deluxe arching and slab cut poplar face veneers back and sides, canted flat back with gamba corners.
 
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#1,510
marcox said:
Bargain-hunters in the Pacific Northwest: There's an Upton ply for sale in Seattle for $1,300. Listing price says $2,600; the body of the ad details the "hugh" discount. (Not my bass or listing.)

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
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I'm not sure if I'd want one with its hugh reduced, though.
 
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#1,517
glennreid said:
After reading all these post ,seeing all the glowing praise directed at Upton,I have decided to order a upton laminated bass . My other bass is broken bass bar,luthier said wasn't worth fixing. I'm 64 and will have a great bass to enjoy retirement with. Thanks again for all the great advice and pointers.
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Hope you can stand the wait!
 
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#1,520
New Bass Day for me was two days ago, October 19. I drove to Mystic from Northern Virginia to pick up my new Upton Bostonian fully carved.

This was a combination retirement gift (two years late) and birthday gift. It may be the last significant musical instrument I buy, since I am in my late 60s. (My wife doubts that “last instrument” business…)

It is a major upgrade over any bass I have ever played, and it is the nicest musical instrument I’ve ever owned (including a grand piano and quite a few guitars).

Eric and the folks at the Upton Bass barn in Mystic were a pleasure to work with. The wait for the finished product was about 11 months from placing the order to picking up the bass, but the wait was worth every minute of it.

Here I am looking very bohemian (even though mine’s a Bostonian) playing it for the first time in the barn.
 

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