Double Bass Upton v Christopher?

[5stringDNA]

I wasn't even implying that upton was not worthy of it's praise, just that there is a lot of upton support here, so that is likely teh recommendation you would get.

I had a chance to play a Chrissy hybrid over the weekend and I was very impresed with the volume and sound quality, but it had some issues with string buzz and such. It was a a reputable shop with a very qualified bass player as one of the owners, so i don't know if the buzz was due to the instrument just having issues taht made even a good setup look bad, or if the bass was settling in, so to speak.

 

[jmain]

I've got an Upton Hawkes on order that I should be getting within a week or two. Jack and Gary were very patient in answering all my questions about the instruments Upton carries, and in discussing my preferences for set-up.

It is a big investment for sight unseen, so the conversations with those two guys (and emails with Jack) went a long way in helping to solidfy my decision to get a bass from Upton. I wish I could have played it first, but based on all the good reviews from TBers and the impression I got of those guys, I think I'll be pleased with the bass.

 

[Huy Nguyen]

I've had a hybrid Chrissy for almost two years now and am extremely happy with it. Bought it from a local guy after trying out several basses. I've never had any problems with the bass and the only things I've done are had it set up twice to tweak it to what I want and do the standard part replacements (tailpiece hanger for a cord, string search, and MPM tailpiece). Plays great, sounds great, and puts up with the abuse I can give it. And now with Velvet Anima's and a mic it sounds awesome!

I think the whole thing about upton basses kinda caught on here on TBDB cuz there were some guys that had no access to basses at hand cuz they were in the midwest or something. Somehow it seems that some people would even bother skipping local shops just to buy from Upton (not that upton is a bad merchant). This includes some dudes living in NYC, which I really don't get at all since you have the best bass shops all around there.

To buy a bass sight unseen is kinda nutty to me. I'm sure Upton's basses are good quality, but to buy something without knowing what it remotely sounds like is akin to getting a mail order bride. You're marrying her cuz someone else told you she is pretty and kind, but you have no idea what she's like until she arrives and she starts living with you. Even if I were to buy one of Arnold's basses (which is quite a possibility), I would fly out there and find out myself what it plays like before breaking out a checkbook.

Despite what others might be saying, DEMONS I think you're doing the right thing. Just my two bits.

 

[JimmyM]

Living in an area where there's no good DB shops definitely helped me decide about Upton. No question about it. However, once I got it and have been able to play a number of different basses to compare it to, not only did I make the right choice, but the Upton has pretty much blown everything else I've tried right out of the water in its price range as well as a couple carved basses I tried that were in the $4000 range, with the possible exception of a Shen. The Upton was better than the Shen I tried, but I can't exactly say it blew it out of the water because the Shen was a fine bass.

If i were spending $10,000-20,000 on a bass, I might agree that flying to play it would be the way to go. But for a $1700 bass, especially one that has a guarantee and a return policy, I don't really see the point. I did enough research and asked enough people what they thought about all the different makes to where I felt I made a very informed decision, and have been happy with everything I got from them.

 

[jmain]

I've played a Shen SB180 (hybrid) and thought is was a fine pizz and arco bass, but I'm looking for a ply for my particular uses and budget.

I'm with JimmyM on not flying to try out a $1700 bass. If I had the disposable income to fly and try out a bass, then I would be laying out more cash. I'm one of those guys that can't really get to try any DBs out. The only two I've seen locally were a Cremona SB2 and a Palantino. Both were used, played horribly, and were over $1000.

Ideally, I agree with hdiddy that you should play before you buy. I guess I just have to go on faith with this one. I bought a used BG without ever playing the same from the maker and it is my main player. Although I would have to admit that I'm more familiar with fb radii, scale, nut width, pick ups, woods, etc. on a BG. (Plus, they're 'lectric.) I don't really have a reference for DB specs.

So my bride will be here in about a week - week and a half. I guess I'm going on what other family members have said that are currently married to her siblings; and discussions with the family. If it isn't a match, guess there'll be a return trip to CT. But like the Lakland JO5 I picked up earlier this year, I have a real good feeling about this one!

YMMV (But hopefully not)

 

[gomez hacienda]

If i were spending $10,000-20,000 on a bass, I might agree that flying to play it would be the way to go. But for a $1700 bass, especially one that has a guarantee and a return policy, I don't really see the point. I did enough research and asked enough people what they thought about all the different makes to where I felt I made a very informed decision, and have been happy with everything I got from them.

Exactly my story...I was a little shy about ordering from across country, but it was about a price point for me. Get the best bass and stay under 2K. I guess you could say I was lucky, but I'm certainly satisfied. Especially after I could stand in front of my bass and listen while someone else played it.

gomez

 

[jmain]

My Upton Hawkes came in last week. I had a friend in town the same day and this past week was crazy busy; so I didn't get a lot of playing time after I set it up. I did get to spend some quality time today with the bass. It is strung with Dominants and has a nice deep, loud tone. The fittings are top notch and the attention to detail is great for an entry-level plywood. Nice ebony fb and tailpiece and sweet endpin; tuners are nice. I'm very impressed by the quality of materials and workmanship. This one is definitely not going back to CT; or anywhere out of my sight for too long.

Gary and Jack at Upton have been great to answer my questions with patience and understanding. I'm fully stoked and I'm looking forward to some long hours of practice to be able to get around on it.

Thanks to everyone on this forum and the guys at Upton. I'm thinking that a Rev. Solo and one of Upton's deluxe bags will be in my not-so-distant future.

Great job guys, and thanks again Jack.

-Jesse

 

[gomez hacienda]

Gary and Jack at Upton have been great to answer my questions with patience and understanding. I'm fully stoked and I'm looking forward to some long hours of practice to be able to get around on it.

Thanks to everyone on this forum and the guys at Upton. I'm thinking that a Rev. Solo and one of Upton's deluxe bags will be in my not-so-distant future.

Great job guys, and thanks again Jack.

-Jesse

Congrats...exactly my story, except for the strings. It seems that the folks at UB really do a good job, not just a fluke.

Reminds me of the big two guitar makers...both Fender and Gibson have a lot of quality, entry-level guitars that even a young student can afford on his own. Obviously they want to sell instruments, but they also want to get a lot of young people playing them. Just think of all the garage bands. Ooops, maybe that isn't such a good idea after all.

If I had listened to other players who told me bottom end for a bass was $4-5K (Berklee grads, no doubt), I'd never have found Upton or TB.

The more I play my bass, the more I realize what an amazing, complex instrument it is. One could spend a lifetime playing one and never discover everything about it.

Good luck, gomez

oh, by the way, their bag IS a good one fer sure.

 

[jmain]

Congrats...exactly my story, except for the strings. It seems that the folks at UB really do a good job, not just a fluke.

Of course I was really hoping to buy an instrument from a local luthier, but there aren't any in town. The guys at Upton (mostly dealt with Jack) did a great job taking the time to discuss particulars about the instrument and about how they do business. Both Jack and Gary were very open and forthright. Also, I felt that I mattered as a customer even though I wasn't laying down alot of cash for one of their top instruments. As has been said many times before, they're good people, who offer more than quality products.

Reminds me of the big two guitar makers...both Fender and Gibson have a lot of quality, entry-level guitars that even a young student can afford on his own.

I traded a lot of PMs with some folks that were nice enough to take the time to give me some pointers. TBer robgrow offered the most, and talked me down off the cliff at least one time. He likened the Upton models and the Shen SB100 to a good Precision BG. I think both of you are right on the mark with this comparison. Solid, workhorse instruments that allow the weekend and aspiring player - and even the professional - a chance to learn and perform on a decent instrument.

The more I play my bass, the more I realize what an amazing, complex instrument it is. One could spend a lifetime playing one and never discover everything about it.

Good luck, gomez

oh, by the way, their bag IS a good one fer sure.

Thanks gomez! I have a long way to go, but I am enjoying every moment of it. What a magnificient instrument!
And I'll be looking to get one of Upton's bags, along with one of their house bows, and a Rev Solo...not necesarily in that order. And the hunt continues for a teacher!!

-Jesse

 

[robgrow]

My Upton Hawkes came in last week.

Hi Jesse,

That's great news. Hope you're really enjoying your new bass! Post some pictures when you get a chance.

 

[jmain]

Hi Jesse,

That's great news. Hope you're really enjoying your new bass! Post some pictures when you get a chance.

Hey Bob!

Thanks for all the advice. I'm definitely enjoying the new bass. My camera is on the fritz. I had just used it two days prior, but when I got my DB and busted it out to take some pics it was toast. Hopefull I can borrow a friend's camera this week and get some pics posted. After all these years, it's finally happened.
Woohoo!