Here is my new upright from Upton Bass Co made to order specifically for me. Notable options are that it is left-handed, of course, and has a removable neck. The neck slides along a steel dovetail track by using a hex wrench through a small hole in the back, much like adjusting a truss rod. This is also the way you adjust the action, since it has a fixed bridge. This has been an incredibly valuable feature that allows me to keep my action perfectly even and extremely consistent with minimal effort. The folks at Upton Bass really nailed my setup preferences. The bass is a solid wood flatback of Big Leaf Maple. The light amber varnish I chose really brings out a lot character in the Spruce top.
The Strings are a mixed set by Thomastic called “Velvet Blues”, which are meant to emulate the gut-like Velvet brand that has been discontinued. They are steel-core Solo gauge strings intended to tuned to Orchestra pitch for lower tension. Belcantos on top (D & G), and Spirocores on the bottom (E & A). This is the 2nd bass I’ve used them on, and I’m very pleased with both. The perfect level of tension I’m looking for. A lot of crunch and punch when I want it. Very warm arco tone.
Upton Bass – Bohemian
