Double Bass Upton Basses

#41
I wish they'd have the option for something other than the brown paint on the lowest-cost models.

But honestly I don't even know why I care since it's highly unlikely I'll ever own an Upton, nothing against them but I've been pretty well satisfied with the bass I have now.
 
#42
Here’s the 7/8 ply I bought from @BobKay with the upgraded finish. I think it’s poplar ply(?)

IMG_7801.jpeg
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0436.jpeg
    IMG_0436.jpeg
    2.6 MB · Views: 15
  • Like
Reactions: Michael F Clef, Jay Corwin, BassDaddy11 and 3 others
#44
turf3 said:
The only thing I have to say about Uptons is that I wish their base level finish weren't that ugly chocolate color. I know they may be using less beautiful wood but I'd rather see a clear stain over less-beautiful wood than just painting the whole thing brown.
Click to expand...

I feel that it looks better in person than in photos. Other people (non-bassists) seem to like the color more than I do, for what it's worth.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Lee Moses
#45
g-dude said:
I feel that it looks better in person than in photos. Other people (non-bassists) seem to like the color more than I do, for what it's worth.
Click to expand...
I've seen some in person and I don't think it looks very good. Truth is, the whole thing's fake as it can be anyway. The woods used for bass bodies (spruce, poplar, willow, maple) are all LIGHT COLORED woods. With extreme age, they will darken, especially the softwoods. But any kind of stain is a fake aging anyway, even the rather modest goldish-brown used on most basses. That deep chocolate brown? It would probably take 600 years for poplar plywood to assume that color.

So overall, when we talk about wood, I am always in favor of a light hand with the colorants. As I've already said, I would rather see a light finish on uninspiring wood than that brown paint. Even uninspiring wood is a natural product with its own character.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JBarz, BassGreaser and mjt0229
#50
Just for kicks, I took a couple of comparable pics of my Upton, to compare finishes. Not really apples to apples, as mine is a hybrid w/ deluxe top. But I asked them to make it as dark as possible, with some translucency as though you could see light through a red wine.

The first is in natural light in a sunny room, and the second is in direct sunlight.

upload_2024-2-29_13-22-16.png



upload_2024-2-29_13-23-3.png


I'm surprised it looks as light as it does. I usually think of it as a big (7/8) dark bass - but maybe I'm just thinking of it in comparison to my lighter ply. (And MAN - is it FILTHY!)

The Standard brown is not unattractive IMO. It gives me vibes of something old hauled out of an attic. I mena that in a good way!

How does the finish hold up? Do the inevitable dings enhance the sense of age, or do they stand out as light-colored nicks?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Aragorn35016
#51
Apsyclist said:
I am considering purchasing an Upton Standard laminated bass. I know they no longer produce laminated basses but was wondering how they perform. I am a bluegrass player and torn between buying one of the last Upton laminates produced or go for an older Kay or Engelhardt. I would appreciate any comments from someone familiar with Uptons.
Click to expand...

I just got an email from them. They have the last of the laminated basses for sale.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BassGreaser
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back