Business Details
27 Years
experience
Handcrafted Double Basses & Accessories in Mystic, CT
Founded in 1999, Upton Bass Company has established itself as a premier American manufacturer of handcrafted double basses. Our workshop in Mystic, Connecticut combines traditional luthier techniques with modern innovations to create instruments celebrated for their tonal quality and ergonomic design. With over two decades of experience, we've refined our craft through collaborations with world-renowned bassists like Gary Karr and John Patitucci, ensuring every instrument embodies both artistic tradition and contemporary performance needs. Our expertise extends to restoration of historic instruments and development of sustainable building practices, demonstrated through our 2012 eco-conscious workshop construction.We maintain authoritativeness in the field through continuous participation in industry events like the International Society of Bassists, where our Karr Model earned the Silver Medal for Tone. Our commitment to transparency is evident in our direct customer engagement approach, offering personalized consultations and comprehensive after-sales support including free adjustments for six months post-purchase.
Services
Custom Double Bass Building
Vintage Instrument Restoration
Professional Setup Services
Verbal Appraisal Services
Bass Accessories Sales
Tone Wood Selection
Pickup Installation
Endpin Modifications
Bridge Adjustments
String Recommendations
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of specialized expertise in double bass construction
- Our instruments feature patented ergonomic design innovations
- We maintain a 1-year warranty with free 6-month post-purchase adjustments
- Our workshop practices sustainable forestry and building methods
- We provide direct access to master luthiers for personalized consultations
What people say
Exceptional craftsmanship
Superior tonal quality
Excellent customer service
Professional expertise
Beautiful varnish work
Services
Custom Double Bass Building
Crafting hand-built double basses in Mystic, Connecticut using premium tone woods and traditional luthier techniques. Each instrument incorporates ergonomic design innovations and personalized specifications. Our process combines centuries-old craftsmanship with modern acoustic research to create instruments that meet professional performance standards.
Vintage Instrument Restoration
Specialized restoration of antique and historic double basses using period-appropriate materials and techniques. Our experts handle complete rebuilds and precision repairs while maintaining original character. Services include structural reinforcement, varnish restoration, and tonal optimization for vintage instruments.
Professional Setup Services
Precision adjustments for optimal playability and tonal performance. Services include neck alignment, bridge shaping, string height adjustment, and soundpost positioning. Our technicians use specialized tools and decades of experience to enhance each instrument's natural acoustic properties.
Verbal Appraisal Services
Expert assessment of double bass value and condition by experienced luthiers. Our appraisals consider tonal quality, structural integrity, and market value factors. We provide detailed verbal analysis for insurance, sale, or restoration decision-making purposes.
Bass Accessories Sales
Curated selection of premium bass accessories including strings, pickups, cases, and maintenance tools. All products are tested by our staff for quality assurance. We offer specialized items like our patented Revolution Solo pickup and custom transport solutions.
Questions
Do you offer custom double bass options?
Yes, we specialize in custom-built instruments with personalized specifications including wood selection, tonal characteristics, and ergonomic features.
What warranty do you provide?
All new instruments include a 1-year warranty covering manufacturing defects and a 6-month period of free adjustment services.
Can you restore vintage instruments?
Our workshop provides complete restoration services for historic double basses using traditional methods and period-appropriate materials.
Do you sell accessories?
We offer a comprehensive selection of bass accessories including strings, pickups, cases, and maintenance tools tested by our staff.
How do I schedule a visit?
Our Mystic, Connecticut showroom is open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm. We recommend scheduling appointments for detailed consultations.
What payment options are available?
We accept major credit cards and bank transfers. Custom orders require a 50% deposit with the balance due upon completion.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Michael Deneen
Jun 25, 2022
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I bought a new round-back Brescian model bass from Upton -- had it made for me with wood I chose, and the finish I chose, and before it left the shop they set it up for the way I would be using the instrument. The bass is a joy to play, and sounds wonderful already. What's not to like? Upton seems to be getting very popular, so there is a considerable wait for a new bass, but it's actually worth it. Nice folks to boot.
Nicolas A.
Apr 29, 2022
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Needed acoustic bass guitar strings for a fretless, they recommended the right product for my needs (TI Flats) -- even though they don't carry them. Class act.
Mikey Hyland
Apr 16, 2022
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Amazing service, amazing people, smiles on their faces. Willing to go above and beyond to service my old instrument (not bought from them) which is now unplayable without the premise of me purchasing a new one or even having them repair it. Great small business, located just off the highway in a beautiful barn. Great experience, would totally recommend!
James Brudnick
Jan 17, 2022
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Upton Bass is an excellent outfit. They go the extra yard to satisfy their customers' needs. Their sales department is personal and extremely helpful in all transactions. I will continue to buy my acoustic bass strings from them in the future.
Bruce J.
Nov 11, 2021
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Upton Bass is great! I haven't had the chance to try their basses yet, but my luthier says they are terrific. I'm on the hunt for a good upright bass, and Eric answered all my questions promptly and was very helpful. I'm still deciding what I'm going to do, but an Upton Bass will definitely be on the list of possibles.
Brian Wittman
Nov 11, 2021
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Upton Bass is the place to go for all things bass. Eric sorted out the shipping of my bass to Australia and set me up with an Upton model travel bass. Jack does great setups and the attention to detail was very impressive. Highly recommend Upton Bass. 5 star service. and beyond!
Bill N.
Sep 27, 2021
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I've found my Fur-ever luthier! Man, these guys know there stuff! Service was fast and fairly priced. In these times of non-existent customer service, it was refreshing to deal with a company that was more than willing to take the time to ensure I got exactly what I wanted. The Luthier was extremely knowledgeable, and very generous with his time "talking shop". I will definitely be doing more business with Upton Bass. ( 15 + yrs pro bass experience, I've seen / handled a lot of basses)