As we step into the new year, we wanted to take a moment to look back at what’s been happening here in the shop and share a few things we’re genuinely excited about moving forward.
One of the shifts this past year has been our renewed commitment to communication. These weekly newsletters are now a regular part of what we do, with shop updates, videos, and ideas that reflect how we think about basses, sound, and how it’s all made. You’ll also start seeing more of this content carried over to the blog as we prepare to launch a redesigned website that better reflects who we are.
Looking ahead, we’re also working on something entirely new: a dedicated Upton Bass app. The goal is to create a focused, distraction-free space for the bass community to connect, learn, and collaborate, without algorithms or noise. It’s a long-term investment in how we stay in touch with you and with like-minded makers and players around the world.
On the bench, and on the bandstand, this year brought some meaningful perspective. Gary has started playing again in real musical settings, and a bit unexpectedly on a five-string plywood bass. This first hand, hands-on experience of living with the bass on stage is already feeding into the five-string instruments we’re building now and planning for the future.
Another major focus this year has been the amplifier project. It’s taken longer than expected, purely because we refused to compromise. The result is a purpose-built double bass amplifier designed from the ground up for piezo pickups, correct input impedance, and true acoustic response. This is not a repurposed electric bass amp. It’s a specialty tool, developed with the same care we bring to our instruments and pickups. We’re targeting a small pilot run by the end of March, with cabinets built and finished here in the shop and components sourced as thoughtfully as possible.
None of this happens in isolation. We’re grateful to our entire shop crew, our collaborators, and most of all to you, our community, for your continued support, thoughtful questions, and trust. As always, if you have a thought, an idea, or a question, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Here’s to another year of building, refining, and making basses, and bass gear, that truly serve the music.
Warm regards,
Upton Bass
