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Double Bass Upton bass, reliabilty and other questions.

S

SuzyCreamcheese

Jan 22, 2008
100
0
Brussels
#1
Hi all,

I'm considering buying a bass from UptonBass.com but before going ahead with the purchase I would like to know what Talkbass thinks about Upton.
Also has anyone in mainland Europe ever had an Upton Bass delivered to them, and were there any issues?

Thanks in advance
 
#3
Upton shipped a Professor to me in the UK in 2007 and there was no problem at all. I'm not sure whether I 'micro managed' the whole thing too much (I am an engineer after all!) but I specified the airport in UK near my home and got things lined up with the UK shipping agent to receive it. I suspect that with Upton's experience they'll manage the whole thing for you. Enjoy your bass!
 
#4
There are so many choices in Upton's inventory that you can find everything you like. The transportation costs from USA to Europe are $800 more or less (air cargo). Upton can deliver it in the nearest airport to your home, so do not hesitate. If you like any Upton bass it will be yours in a matter of a few days.
 
#9
Suzie,
Many have purchased Uptons via internet and the responses are overwhelmingly positive on all levels.
This is a real instrument manufacturing company, staffed by craftspeople and musicians who actually care.
PM me if you want details, but I can recommend Upton to you with confidence.
=JR=
 
#14
longfinger said:
Hey all,

How is everyone's Upton faring after 4-5 years of playing it?
For those owners not near Stonington CT, what did you do if you had a problem with the bass after some time that needed repair?

thanks,
Click to expand...
Any qualified luthier can work on an Upton. There is no reason to send it back to Stonington for an open seam or sound post adjustment. Find a local luthier.

If a warranty issue arose from defective parts or workmanship would you have to send by to Gary and Eric. Mine is perfect.
 
#16
PaperbackRyder said:
excellent question.
They've been in business for a few years, but not sure how long they've been building for scratch.
Perhaps eroy can tell us...how long have you been building these?
Click to expand...

I bought my first bass from Gary in 2002 when they were importing instruments. They have been building their own since 2007, IIRC. My current bass is one they built in late 2008. Workmanship is the last thing I'd worry about with them.
 
#17
PaperbackRyder said:
excellent question.
They've been in business for a few years, but not sure how long they've been building for scratch.
Perhaps eroy can tell us...how long have you been building these?
Click to expand...

I have had my bass, one of the European models and was purchased approx. 6 years ago. It went from, CT, shipped to dry as a popcorn fart Arizona, and then moved to the the oregon coast where the humidity is 90%+ in the summer and dried to 50% in the winter by the furnace. I have had no problems other than the usual maintenance any bass requires, and less of that i am betting. My bass kicks ass on other laminated basses in the sound departnet as well.:hyper:
 
#18
I bought from them in 2005- my bass isn't the Upton bass but an Engelhardt which I believe they no longer carry. However, since my bass was a lefty with the full list of upgrades (tail peice, bridge, neck dressing, keys, yada yada), I feel I can definitely speak for UB's craftsmanship and that they stand behind what they sell- my bass came to them as a 'shell' and they essentially built it out. My skills notwithstanding, I've gotten nothing but compliments on the sound. Not to mention they spent a long time on the phone educating me during my transition from electric to DB, which was nice and waaay above and beyond.
 

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