Upton Bass Launches Chicago Double Bass Inspired by the Kay M-1
A piece of American double bass history is living on in a new model from Upton Bass. Their new “Chicago” model is a tribute to the Kay M-1, which helped define the sound of jazz, blues, and roots from its inception in 1937. Upton’s new bass is not a recreation, but it does have many of the same dimensions, and for a good reason.
In 2019, Upton purchased another manufacturer, Engelhardt, at auction, including all of the tooling and the company name. Engelhardt had acquired Kay in 1969. As such, Upton used the original Kay rib molds to design the Chicago model.
“The first prototype was built directly on the historic molds. After careful evaluation, we transferred the dimensions to our own proprietary mold and our methods,” they explain. “The result maintains the familiar proportions and visual character players recognize instantly, but benefits from the precision and consistency of modern workshop practices. This double bass meets our normal expectations for structural integrity, tonal consistency, and long-term durability, while preserving the unmistakable Kay-inspired outline.”
Hear more about the Chicago’s origin story from Gary Upton:
Some of those upgrades include a higher overstand for enhanced projection, a modern bass bar design, and more substantial corner, endpin, and neck blocks. Upton also builds the bass with their own plywood.
“We use real tonewood plies that we cut and press ourselves, using modern adhesives and controlled processes developed in our workshop,” they write. “The result is a plywood instrument that feels solid, resonant, and built for decades of use.”
The first Upton Chicago bass has a blonde finish, but they will also make them in brown with optional inlaid purfling. It is available for $7,500, and Upton is taking orders for more.
Upton Bass Chicago Photos:
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
