Choosing an upright bass is one of the most personal investments a musician can make. Unlike mass-produced factory instruments that often arrive with rigid setups, inconsistent graduation, and generic tonal profiles, an Upton Bass double bass is handcrafted in Mystic, Connecticut by dedicated luthiers who build specifically for working players. Founded in 1999 by Gary Upton, the workshop blends centuries-old New England bass-making traditions—inspired by early American pioneers like Abraham Prescott—with modern acoustic research and ergonomic design.
The NEW Upton Bass Prescott Double bass recreates full-size 4/4 Busetto-cornered geometry with a white spruce top and sapele body for thunderous projection.
Whether you play classical repertoire in a symphony section, swing hard in a jazz club, or tour with a bluegrass band, every instrument leaves their historic stone barn workshop tailored to your musical voice.
What Sets Upton Bass Craftsmanship Apart
Musicians across conservatory, orchestral, and jazz communities turn to Upton Bass because every instrument receives individual care from seasoned wood selection through final acoustic setup:
- Handbuilt in Mystic, Connecticut: Every Upton instrument—from laminated and hybrid road basses to fully carved concert models—is constructed under one roof by a dedicated team of American luthiers.
- Seasoned Tonewoods & Historic Patterns: Tonewoods are aged outdoors and acclimated indoors for years before carving, ensuring structural stability and resonant projection across classic Bohemian, Brescian, Mittenwald, and Prescott patterns.
- Player-Focused Ergonomics & Custom Specs: Musicians collaborate directly with luthiers on string length, neck profile (including the slim, accessible Karr neck), varnish finish, and custom C-extensions.
- Equal Care Across Every Price Tier: Visitors to the Mystic barn consistently note that laminated and hybrid models receive the exact same bench precision and setup rigor as flagship carved basses.
- In-House Innovation & Ongoing Support: Beyond instrument building, the workshop engineers custom pickups, strings, rosin, and travel solutions while backing new basses with a 1-year warranty and free 6-month post-purchase adjustments.
Key Steps to Commissioning or Selecting Your Upton Bass
Finding the right upright bass follows a collaborative, musician-first process:
- Define Your Playing Style & Tonal Goals: Clarify whether you need a durable laminated or hybrid bass for amplified gigging, or a responsive carved instrument for solo and orchestral work.
- Consult Directly With the Luthiers: Discuss body outlines, scale length, wood pairings, and hardware upgrades with the Mystic workshop team—or visit the showroom to audition finished instruments in person.
- Custom Setup & Post-Purchase Dial-In: Have your bridge, soundpost, and string choice calibrated specifically for arco or pizzicato play, followed by complimentary six-month adjustments as the wood settles.
Discover the Craft Behind Upton Bass
When you are ready to invest in an upright bass built with genuine luthier pride, transparent guidance, and lasting tonal character, the team at Upton Bass String Instrument Co. delivers American craftsmanship made to grow with you for decades. From custom new builds and vintage restorations to precision setups and player-tested accessories, their Mystic, Connecticut workshop remains a cornerstone of the New England bass community.
Are you ready to meet the luthiers behind the instruments and learn how each bass comes to life? Explore the story, workshop philosophy, and heritage behind every Upton Bass double bass today.
For an inside look at the Mystic barn workshop and how every instrument is built from seasoned wood to final setup, watch Upton Bass: Tour the UB Barn in Mystic!.