I feel that I lost track of the point of all of this, so I reviewed the whole thread back to the beginning:
I've been drooling over the Upton Bass site-- in search of my first new upright in 15 years (just a poor hack). What is the general opinion of 1) their own basses (hybrid especially), and 2) their value and service in general. Thanks.
Chris
To share my experience to date and answer your inquiry more succinctly:
1) My opinion of their basses (as an owner) is that it something that is most useful when amplified and plucked. In other words, my bass really doesn't speak clearly/loudly enough for orchestral work, but is fine with a pickup/amp. The 42" string length makes my bass just a tad stiffer under the stick than other basses that are out there, but provides a nice punch with pizz. IMHO, Upton's products seem largely targeted toward a clientèle that is augmenting their sound with amplification.
I notice that their clients and staff seem weighted toward the pizz scenes...jazz, rockabilly, etc. I haven't yet heard about a lot of people playing their basses in orchestras or solo arco recitals. Perhaps I just haven't been at TB long enough...I am a newbie here. Educate me, folks!
2) My opinion/experience of their service is that they try hard. Overall, the value I have received is reasonable, per dollar.
This is clearly not a firm that suffers from false modesty or shyness. Marketing can happen lots of ways...they fearlessly use many traditional methods.
They are not marketing their basses by providing stunningly well made basses at unrealistically low prices, if that is what someone wants/expects.
My question for CMoon1 should perhaps be, "For what are you planning to use this bass?"
