At Upton bass the direction of our company and double bass making is to offer
mid to higher level carved and hybrid basses hand made in our Stonington
Connecticut workshop...not plywood instruments. However we do
understand and appreciate the need for a reliable, playable and good sounding
laminated bass. We have thought as of recent to stop offering our UB
Standard laminated
double basses, however, we have decided at this time to offer them on a limited
basis. If you're a bass player in need of function and form, and want an
instrument built on the foundation of Upton Basses established standards and
methodology please contact us to see if our standard bass is the right fit for
you.
While Upton basses are customizable our standard laminate is built, as the name
would dictate, to a set of standard numbers and specifications. This way we
are able to keep the prices competitive and offer our handmade quality build.
If you are seeking a customized bass, with pattern, finish and many other
custom options, our
Deluxe
Laminated Upton bass may be just the ticket...they'll never
know it's plywood. Or for much better than plywood, carved bass sound on a
budget we'd recommend starting with our
Hybrid Standard. As with any
endeavor of this importance, please pick up the phone and give us a call at
860-535-9399 Tuesday-Saturday 10-6. We ship worldwide.
Our entry level laminated upright bass or AKA plywood upright bass. Simplistic in design and construction yet elegant and terrific sounding. Like all Upton Basses this laminated bass is entirely Handmade in our Stonington Workshop. A bass without all the unnecessary bells an whistles made to get the job done. The same body design, construction and identical components as our Deluxe Laminated Bass but without the costly face veneers, inlaid purfling and plain Maple neck. All Upton Bass instruments are entirely hand made in our Stonington, Connecticut workshop Professionally setup specific to your playing style. Feature top Grade ebony components, hand applied varnish, German tuning Machines and more. Think of our UB Standard laminate as a beautiful BMW without the frills like leather interior, heated seats etc. The same drive and the same performance without paying for the aesthetic extras. Read our reviews by clicking here to see what people have to say about the UB Standard Bass.
If ordered to build starting at $2,500, if in stock
$2,700 (plus strings, accessories and upgrades)

Please enjoy this video (with Audio) of a 2009 UB Standard Laminate
Please Note: Discrepancies may occur in the color of the instruments pictured versus what you receive. Monitor settings, screen resolution, lighting, and background all contribute to the former. As each bass is composed of unique pieces of wood, there are inherent qualities in the wood itself which make each bass slightly different from one and other which must be taken in to account when ordering. All hardware and parts pictured are subject to change and availability. Upton Bass guarantees and stands behind the function and quality of our instruments and all hardware and parts installed on each and every one of our basses.
Call Dave or Gary
at 860-535-9399 to talk about our UB Standard bass, and if it's the right fit
for your bass playing needs.
Average Customer Rating
(See All 29 Reviews)

Jay Scheuerle on 02/03/2012
I've been involved with other hobbies where the toe-dipping range was quite large and the temptation to opt for the cheaper end was palpable, but I applied those lessons as I was shopping for an upright. From my first experience spying a Palatino at Sam Ash to viewing Englehardts on Ebay, I knew that fulfilling my desire to play this instrument was something I finally was going take on (to what degree, I still do not know). Knowing that actual users were likely to provide better information than sheer marketing, I hit upon talkbass.com, read all the newbie links and did some research. Realizing that a laminate was the smartest place to start (and would provide me with years of satisfaction), I found myself drawn to a small handful of contenders, all new, because I didn't have the experience to evaluate used instruments. As I narrowed my search down to Christophers, Shens, Thompsons and Uptons (all having their fans), the reviews nudged me toward Upton. Yes, they were a little pricier than the others, but the players that owned them testified to it being money well spent.
My own nascent playing ability had no right to discern between any of them, but I was familiar with woodworking to a certain degree, so I took a trip up to Upton's shop. Seeing the process and noting the dedication of all those involved with creating the instruments sold me. I put in an order for a Standard Lam, including the finish I wanted, and an additional special request - I wanted everyone in the shop to sign the label that went on the inside of my bass.
After some 9 months of taking lessons, and two instructors that were VERY impressed with the quality of the sound coming from my plywood bass, I'm finding that "Chocolate Paul" (named after my father, who wanted me to fulfill this desire) has become a very comfortable sidekick. Though I haven't played out yet, I love turning into a hard corner or pulling the camcorder out. The bass makes ME sound better than I have a right to. Satisfied plus... - j

Doug Lowry on 03/04/2011
Dear (Upton Bass), just a quick note to tell you how satisfied I have been
with this new bass. When I picked it up at the Boston showroom, I had
to live park because president Obama was in town that day and Boston
was more crazy than ever. I didn't have much time to play it or chat
with your employee but, when I got home, it quickly became clear to me
how much fun this bass was going to be. The gut strings deliver just
the sound that I was looking for and when amplified, I don't have to
substitute presence with volume. My bandmates, after hearing the new
bass, were all happy to have a much better and consistent bottom end
to our sound. I look forward to many years of playing an Upton. Thanks
to All that were part of delivering such quality.

Robert Toma on 11/27/2010
I received my Upton Standard a little over two months ago, and I love it. Everywhere I play this bass it sounds amazing, and people tell me its beautiful. I can't get over how it seems to be getting louder, deeper in tone , and just better sounding as time goes by. What a great instrument. I will definitely buying another bass from Upton in the future, but I will not be taking advantage of their trade in policy. I love this bas way to much to trade it in!

David Trotter on 01/29/2010
Update from a satisfied customer: I purchase my UB Standard SN GS169 last May. I have since been taking advanced instruction at our local college. This bass turns heads everywhere it goes and the tone is, according to my Phd. instructor, superb! Thanks again and keep up the good work.

Frank Davenport on 12/09/2009
I received my Bass last week and I couldn't be more pleased. After a horrible experience of trying to save money and buy a Chineze bass (which was money thrown away,) I finally decided to put my trust in Upton bass and order an American made bass. I would have been money ahead to buy this bass to start with. From start to finish the whole experience was great. This is the easiest bass I have ever played bar none.
Frank Davenport
Tulsa OK
Average Customer Rating
(See All 29 Reviews)