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