UB Brescian Double Bass

The UB Brescian Double Bass, handmade in our Stonington Connecticut workshop, is inspired by our favorite historic basses. The Brescian is designed and crafted as a modern instrument with roots dating back to the 16th century. 

The "Brescian School" refers to the contrabass building tradition from the city of Brescia in Northern Italy. The instruments of this style, such as those of Gasparo Bertoletti da Salo, Maggini and Rogeri are dramatically characterized by their violin outline, deep ribs and generous proportions and thunderous tone.  This design was brought to England by Vincenzo Panormo and shaped the bassmaking landscape, influencing masters such as Lott, Kennedy, Fendt and many more over generations.  Reverberations of these great instruments can be heard to this day in the robust instruments of Thomas and George Martin which we are, happily, very familiar with.

While Upton Bass has referenced these classic instruments before, the Brescian Bass project takes direct aim at the design of these archetypal double basses: deep ribs, large shoulders, violin corners - dramatic arching, and pronounced canted backs. These factors and dimensions all contribute to large air mass and a powerful rich sound, built with the ergonomics, playability, and affordability that modern players expect from Upton Bass.  We couldn't be more pleased with the results. 

The Brescian makes a perfect "Jazz Cannon" with tremendous string response. Bowed for section Classical music, deep clearly pitched pipe-organ lows will lift the string section. Roots and Bluegrass players will feel more depth, string feel and boom in every note.  And as with all Upton Basses, we invite you to consult with us on exactly what we can do to make you an instrument that is truly Yours.

Pictured here is the first UB Bass Brescian Hybrid, ribs and back made of strong and lightweight laminations of Italian Poplar. The Deluxe Spruce top is arched and hand recurved for optimum resonance. Stiff back and sides with an ultra-resonant top is the mantra here. Kennedy f-holes were cut in a nod to the English master. 

The UB Brescian Double Bass is being offered as a hybrid (as pictured here) starting at $5,500, as a solid wood canted flat back for $7,500, and as carved round back starting at $9,500. 

Special Deluxe instruments can be commissioned using our unique selections of tonewoods. 

Every UB Brescian Bass is built by hand in Stonington, Connecticut, USA.

 


Measurements:

Upper Bout: 20 3/4"

C Bout: 15 1/4"

Lower Bout: 27"

Length of Back: 46 1/2"

Rib Depth: 6" to 8 3/8"
String Length: 42"

(String Length also works very well at 41 1/2")

The Brescian is a large Upton 7/8ths bass but, as with all of our builds, sizing is not set in stone!  Please speak to Gary about your ideal custom instrument.