Entrepreneur Gary Upton of Upton Bass hosts a double bass and business specific podcast for bass players, luthiers and enthusiasts alike. Learn about Upton Bass and upright bass history, repair & maintenance, building basses and many valuable business and life lessons along the way. All with Gary and some amazing guests! Check us out at http://www.uptonbass.com/upton-bass-podcast/
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Learn the secrets of traveling with a double bass without the stress and hassle, featuring insights from Gary of Upton Bass. Ever wondered how to maintain your sound and comfort on the road? Discover the ingenious design behind Upton Bass' suitcase bass, an instrument that breaks down to fit into a Samsonite suitcase without compromising the essenc…
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Ever wondered what it takes to replicate a cherished instrument with precision and care? Join us as we uncover the secret world of custom bass design with our longtime friend and client, the talented Matt Rybicki. With two decades of collaborative projects under our belts, we revisit Matt's journey from hybrid bass models to his latest passion: rec…
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Have you ever wondered how a serendipitous moment could change the course of your life? Join me, Gary at Upton Bass, as I recount how an unexpected introduction to the double bass in middle school set me on a unique musical journey. Together with my wife, Antonia, we explore the power of representation and inclusivity in the world of music. Antonia…
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Unlock the secrets behind choosing your perfect Upton bass model! Ever wondered what makes the Bohemian model so versatile, or why the 7/8 Mittenwald offers a deep sound without sacrificing playability? This episode is your comprehensive guide to understanding the unique features and applications of various Upton bass models, including the Brescian…
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Have you ever wondered what it takes to nail a major bass audition? Join me, Gary, as I unlock the secrets to audition success and share stories from my own journey in bike racing. You'll learn how sticking to your trusted equipment can save you from unnecessary stress, why visualization is a game-changer, and how a calm, focused mindset can make a…
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Can a perfectly crafted fingerboard revolutionize your bass playing experience? We believe it can, and our latest episode breaks down how! Join us as we dive into the world of bass fingerboards, unraveling the complex dynamics of overstands, projections, and their impact on ergonomics. We'll explore the delicate balance needed to achieve the ideal …
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Are flatback double basses really less durable than their roundback counterparts? And does the shape of the back truly affect the richness of the sound? We tackle these questions head-on in our latest episode, using the Breschen and Mittenwald models to break down long-held beliefs and misconceptions. We dive deep into the construction details, cla…
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Did you know that improper humidity levels can drastically shorten the lifespan of your beloved bass instrument? Join Gary from Upton Bass, as he uncovers the secrets to preserving the condition of your bass by maintaining stable humidity levels. In this episode, Gary delves into the science behind humidity control and its critical role in preservi…
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Ever wondered why certain notes on your double bass seem to "howl" uncontrollably? We uncover the enigma of wolf tones, those pesky yet fascinating resonant frequencies that are a natural part of every instrument. Whether you're a seasoned bassist or a curious listener, this episode will enrich your understanding of wolf tones on the double bass. W…
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Ever wondered why your bass suddenly starts buzzing out of nowhere? Join Gary from Upton Bass as he demystifies the notorious "phantom buzz" and turns you into a bass problem-solving pro! Get ready to dive deep into the anatomy of your instrument, where Gary explains how the table or top of your bass acts like a speaker cone, amplifying every sound…
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Unlock the secrets of an innovative approach to double bass tuning with our special guest, the acclaimed Joel Quarrington. Discover how tuning in fifths can transform your bass playing experience, from enhancing intonation to creating a more cohesive sound within string sections. Joel shares his personal journey of transitioning from traditional fo…
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Have you ever found yourself awash in a sea of bass rosin choices, feeling more like a hapless fly than a master of your craft? Blake Hinson joins me, Gary Upton, in a gripping discussion that might just stick with you. Together, we explore the world of bass rosin, sharing tales from the quest for that elusive perfect grip. Pops may be the househol…
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Dive deep into the resonant world of bass-making with us, where the choice of wood isn't just a detail—it's the soul of the instrument. You'll come away with a newfound appreciation for the meticulous craft that shapes the dark, rich tones of an orchestral bass and the bright, punchy sound of a soloist's pride. We'll walk you through the impact of …
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String Theory Unstrung - Debating C Extensions, Five-String Basses, and Authentic Sound with Gary Upton and Blake Hinson
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Get ready to dive into the intriguing world of double bass strings in this captivating episode! Join hosts Gary Upton and Blake Hinson as they unravel the debate surrounding the necessity of a C Extension or a five-string bass for orchestral players. Discover the emotional impact and authenticity lost when bassists opt for playing notes an octave h…
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Are you giving your bass the love and care it deserves? Are you paying enough attention to its acoustic sound and how it reflects on your amplified sound? Today's episode stems from a stimulating conversation with a client who questioned whether a plywood bass with a pickup could sound as good as a fully carved bass. We dive into the dynamic labyri…
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Gary Upton talks with Chris Wood who formed Medeski Martin & Wood in 1991 with Medeski and Billy Martin. Wood also collaborates with his brother, Oliver Wood in the band The Wood Brothers. Gary of Upton Bass and Chris discuss Chris's musical approach he shares from lessons, and a long musical career that Chris has learned along the way. Bringing hi…
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In episode 2 of the Double Bass and Beyond with Gary Upton of Upton Bass, Gary chats with Grammy Awarded double bassist Travis Book of The Infamous String Dusters about the latest in bass and music-life for Travis. You might not know how far Travis has taken the bass...literally. Checkout this YouTube video for just how far he has!…
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In this episode (part 1 of 2) Gary and Vic talk post-pandemic new "normals" as Victor Wooten shares his perspective with Gary Upton on what, as people and a society we have derived from a new way. Parallels are drawn in music, racism and inclusion...playing with others, we make better "music" on stage and in society as one. https://www.victorwooten…
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In this welcome episode Gary says hello and introduces you to some of the topics that will be presented and covered in this new double bass podcast. Basses, business, life, wood, travel, building and much, much more! Stay tuned and be ready to hear from Gary and some of the best in the business. From Grammy Award Winning Musicians, Luthiers, Teache…
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