I recently bought a quality double bass from Gary Upton and I'm in LOVE with it. The reason I'm writing this review however is to praise the service he provides. I just had an issue with my causing some of the varnish to come off and he was right there, having me come in so it could be repaired like new. Quality work, great group of guys who work there! Bruce Rothschild read more

I am writing this as a customer once removed, as it is my wife who has had the relationship with Upton Bass. But I was along for the ride, and she is not a Yelper! She decided about 15 years ago that she wanted to obtain and learn to play the double bass for bluegrass. To start her out, I bought a bass on EBay, believe it or not. I think it was around $500 or a bit more, and we drove to a shipping depot to pick it up. It was an entry level instrument, obviously, something to try while deciding whether to get serious about playing. After a year or more, she decided she wanted to stick with it and get a better quality instrument. We were led to Upton Bass in Mystic, Connecticut. We directed them to build a bass for her, which they did right in house. They asked some questions and fine-tuned what sort of double-bass would suit her needs. They combine high quality with affordable prices. At least once we were there to see her bass in the early stage of being built, and then later picked it up to bring it home. She continued taking lessons and attending bluegrass jam sessions, both at bluegrass festivals and separate jam sessions. She learned to tune it and insisted on carrying it everywhere herself rather than asking me to do it. She enjoyed the experiences for many years. Finally it reached the point where she played it less and less. Back and knee issues made it more difficult for her to play and transport it, until finally she made the tough decision to sell the instrument so that it wouldn't fall into disuse. We had a thought to sell it to one of a few acquaintances who were interested, for a couple thousand dollars. But she checked and found that Upton Bass, still thriving in the business, could not build new basses fast enough for their demand and worked with people like my wife to inspect, evaluate and repair basses they had built to a large group of customers anxious to own an Upton Bass. So she sent pictures and a description and learned that he was sure they could sell the bass for much more than the 2K we had envisioned. We brought the bass down and found them in a new location, in a regular neighborhood in a well built and converted barn. He looked it over and reiterated that he was confident he could sell it so that even with their commission, we would receive much more than the price we had pulled out of thin air. It took a while to go through the sale process, as he likes to make sure the new buyer is serious and then satisfied so that the deal is clean and finished before sending out our check. But my wife had taken care of the instrument over the years, and it did sell for a great price. Who knew the original purchase was also a good investment? Even though it was difficult to let the bass go, it is good to know a serious musician now owns it. Thus our positive 15 year or so relationship with Upton Bass came to a close, and we would recommend them for the purchase (or the sale) of a quality double bass. read more

As of 13 days ago, I am the proud owner of an Upton Bass; a 7/8 Bohemian hybrid model with a deluxe top and a Rev Solo pickup. Though a lifelong musician and composer, I am new to the double bass as an instrument, having taken it up with a leased student model about two years ago. The bass is fantastic, delivered exactly as ordered. The difference between it and the student bass I had is practically indescribable. The Bohemian sounds and plays brilliantly, for both arco and pizzicato. The Rev Solo pickup is clean, quiet, and realistic when recorded direct to Logic via my interface. Since I began my Upton journey in the late Summer of 2022, they have been terrific. Luthier Eric Roy met with me at UB's delightful barn shop in October, convincing me that what I had in mind originally might not be ideal for me, and sensibly suggesting that rather than getting a fully carved but "stock" bass, that I go with a hybrid so I could take advantage of options that would serve me well such as the larger body size. All of this was done with respect for my budget and no up-selling whatsoever. The best part was that I was sent home with an Upton Workshop Bow (French Style) which definitely allowed me to learn and execute a lot more arco work, even with my very limited student bass. Along with thanking Eric for all of his sage advice, I would like to thank Jack for his personalized set-up consult, as well as Felicia, Brian (emeritus), and Sarah for their top-notch customer service. The one person I did not meet along the way is founder Gary Upton, but as a fellow entrepreneur I tip my hat to him for raising a fine barn and running a tight ship. It's one hell of a thing he has built. Eric J. Doberman Somerville MA @dobermanboston read more

Upton Bass String Instrument Company - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Mystic, Connecticut

This place is amazing. I went in for someone to look at my violin cause I just got one from someone (don't know who), I walk in and I see beautiful cellos! Many already constructed and some in the making. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. They helped me figure out my violin. It's too bad they don't do violin lessons here. I would love to be around a bunch of Cellos while learning to play my violin. But they did give me a number to someone who teaches. read more

Horrible customer service. never return phone calls. not a good instrument for the money. says hand made in use and most of the build is done by cnc machine. read more

I wanted to write you a review for the amazing bohemian bass you sent me. This bass has an amazing sound and booms so loud I have to practice softer. Thanks for your patience Upton Bass. Five stars! Thanks again, Roberto read more

This place is incredible! I made the drive from Western NY to play their cellos. I ended up playing four different cellos and going for a Cello with a beautiful low range (their expertise in bass shows) and a top range that sings out-- so much resonance and so smooth! All four cellos were superb in sound and I was most surprised at how good their laminate cello sounded, nothing close to the other beginner and intermediate cellos I have played. Their showroom is upstairs from their studio so you have to walk through their workspace which is amazing to see. So pleased to purchase a cello made in the USA and made by such skilled craftsmen. read more

If your looking for an incredible bass and knowledgeable staff that lives and breathes their craft .. These gentleman are it .. I bought my second upright bass from them and several other things .. The process was pleasant while going through the build process of my bass . Thanks you everyone at Upton you've got a customer for life .. read more

Upton Bass String Instrument Company - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Mystic, Connecticut

Just picked up my second Upton and Love it. They seem to outdo themselves every time As they get to know the player the bridge set up, neck, carving are absolutely custom made. I'm 5'4" with accompanying smaller hands. My Brescian is a perfect fit with a beautiful tone. Thanks again. read more

I just played my beautiful, truly lovely cello made by UptonBass. The craftsmanship is over the top-I am so thrilled with this instrument! Worth the wait 1000 times over! THANK YOU UPTON BASS!! Who knew you could make such beautiful cellos! Deb read more

Arrogant owner, was more interested in texting on his phone than he was was in helping me and my partner out. Walked out of there with a bad taste in my mouth. Well spent afternoon after a 3 hour drive to get there read more