Double Bass and Beyond - Gary Upton of Upton Bass

Strong opinion: the orchestral bass world needs to move toward purpose-built five string basses, and we need to talk about it.
Gary breaks down why C extensions — while still widely used and something we continue to install — may not be the best long-term path forward. 

Why many five strings have not been working as well as they could. (hint: they're conversions, not purpose-built)
The string tension mismatch problem nobody talks about — and how fixing the E string was a pivotal moment for this bass
Why playing in the C extension range is genuinely bad for your shoulder, scapula, and neck
Fingerboard width, bridge arc, and what a properly set up five string actually needs
The mental shift required to play and hear in five strings
Why the US industry is behind, and what it'll take to catch up

We're continuing to refine neck dimensions, fingerboard roundness, and string isolation to get five strings where they need to be. The technology is there. The will needs to follow.
If you're dealing with shoulder or neck pain from playing up high, or you've tried a five string and been disappointed — this one's for you.

In this episode, Gary from Upton Bass gets personal and reflective as he walks us through the foundation of the company—from the original vision inspired by Good to Great, to the values that continue to shape how Upton Bass builds instruments and relationships.

He unpacks the deeper meaning behind Upton’s mission "to be the leader in designing and building American double basses and products known for their tone, quality, and ingenuity," and shares the thought process behind a clever acronym: DOUBLE BASS, which defines Upton’s core values—Dedicated, Original, Unique, Bold, Listen, Excellence, Build, American, Service, Smarter.

This is more than a talk about instruments. It's a conversation about creativity, bold thinking, customer connection, and what it means to build not just basses, but a legacy of music and trust.

🎙 Topics include:

• The early influence of Good to Great
• The origin of Upton’s mission and values
• Behind-the-scenes insights on design, innovation, and service
• Reflections on what it means to build American-made instruments for players around the world

If you've ever wanted to know who we are and why we do what we do—this episode is for you.

🔗 Learn more at uptonbass.com

Learn from Gary Upton about the world of the unsung heroes behind the music—the double bass luthiers—as we explore the mastery and tenacity required in this highly specialized craft. Throughout this episode, we compare the path of luthiers with that of bass players, highlighting the profound commitment and perseverance both crafts demand. Discover why these artisans deserve our utmost respect and appreciation for their meticulous contributions to the world of music, and gain a deeper understanding of their rare expertise.

Join on an exploration of what it takes to become a skilled luthier, where traditional handcrafting meets modern innovation. Learn about the invaluable role of hands-on experience and the importance of mentorship from seasoned instrument makers. Whether you're an aspiring luthier looking for formal education at esteemed institutions like the North Bennett Street School or seeking accessible online courses for beginners, this episode provides a comprehensive roadmap. Embrace the journey of continuous learning, collaboration, and community as you refine your craft and contribute to the vibrant legacy of luthiery.

Unlock the secret to transforming your bass playing experience with Gary's insights on string tension and setup. Imagine driving a dump truck with a jerky gas pedal—would you swap its powerful engine for a smaller one just for a smoother drive? Gary uses this metaphor to challenge the common belief that lighter tension strings automatically make your bass easier to play. By understanding how to optimize your instrument's setup, you can actually make higher tension strings work to your advantage, offering a more dynamic and responsive playing experience.

This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for bass players of all levels, exploring the critical components of a proper setup like sound post positioning, bridge height, and even the choice of ebony for your fingerboard. Gary delves into how these elements affect sound and playability, empowering you to make informed decisions rather than defaulting to a string change. With practical advice and myth-busting insights, this discussion equips you to enhance your instrument's performance and your overall playing satisfaction. Don’t miss out on learning how to get the best sound and feel from your bass.