Upton Bass String Instrument Co. - Mystic, Connecticut

lucy P.

It was a great experience. I called and made an appointment and Gary waited for us and showed us the shop, which is incredible. Everyone works in a very delicate and disciplined manner, paying attention to the smallest details. Gary asked my daughter how and what she wanted in the instrument and so they did. My daughter is happy because the instrument is not only great for playing classical music, but it is also good for playing jazz music.
Thank you so much for the great services.

Colescott R.

UPTON BASS IS SIMPLY PHENOMENAL! I can’t express how impressed I am with the incredible work they have done reinforcing and repairing my Chinese factory bass. They replaced the entire top of the instrument seamlessly with an incredible turnaround of only a few days! It sounds amazing and it is entirely due to the incredible attention to detail of everyone on the UB team! Thank you Chris, Jack, Gary, and all of y’all who did this stupendous job. Thank you for your kindness and ease of working together, too! Can’t wait for my Upton custom instrument! 🙏

Ritt H.

The Upton Bass shop is the coolest place, and the basses just feel good to play. Sound good too. While I'm on the wait list for a new bass, they helped me out with a rental to tide me over for a pair of recording projects I had this month. I'm looking forward to getting my new fully carved with C-extension travel Brescian. Thanks, Gary!

Saadi Z.

I've been here a handful of times, and it's always fun as a bassist to be in a place with so many nice basses around. The barn is a real experience not to be missed. I also had them make a bass for me around 10 years ago, and the instrument has been wonderful and I use it often and in a professional capacity. It's a fantastic instrument and the price was great! If you're looking for a new instrument, I really recommend Upton bass.

Alex D. M.

Just got my round back Mittenwald. Amazing sound. In my opinion light years above anything you can find in this price range.
The tone is dark and complex even with only 3 days of playing, I cannot wait to hear how it will be in 6 months and beyond.

...and one big note. fingerboard is essentially perfect. I like a very low action, and not a single buzz.

Gary and his team have been lovely throughout the process, and even now that I have it in hand he responded swiftly and provided suggestions.

Thi D.

The entire experience working with Gary and folks at Upton Bass was fantastic. Gary’s videos are full of information and working with Gary and team was a breeze. I had been playing bluegrass on a carved bass from overseas and also on a plywood Engelhardt. The difference in sound and playability is astounding. Upton’s standard Bohemian blows everything else I’ve played out of the water. The lower end tone and volume is so rich and full and is easily heard and able pull the other instruments together. The highs are equally rich and balanced. The difference in how much easier it is to play: all the notes on each string both are so much easier to play and ring out with such fullness and depth of tone. I only wish I had taken the plunge a lot earlier in my paying years.

Dennis M.

I brought my son here to shop for new bass as he out grew his previous one. The staff went out of their way to explain and allow him to play 6-7 different bass’s relative to his musical tastes. The workshop is as amazing as the selection of bass’s and the depth of knowledge of the personnel. Can’t say enough !

Jonathan B.

I was interested in buying an Upton because I found Gary’s videos to be helpful and informative, the shop seemed like the sort of enterprise that I would be happy to support, and I agree with their business, musical, and craftsmanship ethos.

I called to inquire about options, and received a return call from Gary. He was extraordinarily generous with his time and knowledge, and I shared with him a classified listing for an Upton Bohemian Hybrid I had been considering. He went over the pros and cons of the bass in question with me, and wholeheartedly encouraged me to purchase it at the listed price, even though there would be nothing for him in the transaction and the shop would instead miss out on a new sale. I appreciated Gary directly and personally helping a person he may never see or talk to ever again.

Of course he will see and talk to me again however, as I will be bringing my new gem to them for a once-over this summer, and they have earned my future business should I really fall down a rabbit hole into the world of double bass.