Shows
Double Bass and Beyond - Gary Upton of Upton BassBluegrass Legend Todd Phillips On Tradition and Innovation
2026-02-2726 min
Contrabass ConversationsIn-depth with Gary Upton - The Craftsmanship Behind Upton BassIn this episode, Gary Upton, the founder of Upton Bass, joins us for an in-depth conversation about the craftsmanship, innovation, and business of building double basses. We explore a wide range of topics including the growing popularity of 5/8-sized basses, the development of Kay-inspired plywood models, the economics of bass-making, and Upton's ventures into creating strings, amplifiers, and rosin specifically designed for double bass players. Connect with DBHQ Join Our Newsletter Double Bass Resources Double Bass Sheet Music Double Bass Merch Gear used to record this podcast Zoom H6 studio 8-Track 32-Bit F...
2025-11-281h 19
Contrabass ConversationsRemembering Gary KarrIn this special episode, Jason Heath shares three personal memories of the legendary double bassist Gary Karr, who passed away this summer. Gary Karr was widely regarded as the world's leading solo bassist who elevated the double bass as a solo instrument during his illustrious career. Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically! Connect with us all things double bass double bass merch double bass sheet music Thank you to our sponsors! Upton Bass - From Grammy Award winners and Phil...
2025-08-2819 minDouble Bass and Beyond - Gary Upton of Upton BassListen, Build, Create: The Philosophy Behind Upton BassIn 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...
2025-05-0815 min
Contrabass ConversationsGary Upton on double bass innovationToday's episode features a conversation with Gary Upton, the founder of Upton Bass. Since founding the company in 1999, Gary has built it into one of the most established and trusted names in the world of double bass. Besides exploring the backstory of Upton Bass, we delve into their latest innovations, including amplifiers, strings, BuildBass.com and rosin. Enjoy! Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically! Connect with us: all things double bass double bass merch double bass sheet music Thank you...
2025-04-1728 min2025-02-0723 min2025-01-2215 min
2025-01-1007 min2025-01-0310 minDouble Bass and Beyond - Gary Upton of Upton BassLooking Back at a Great Year, and Into the Future in Craftsmanship and Sound
2024-12-2707 min
Double Bass and Beyond - Gary Upton of Upton BassCrafting the Heartbeat: Celebrating the Art of Double Bass LuthieryLearn 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 hand...
2024-12-1412 minDouble Bass and Beyond - Gary Upton of Upton BassHarnessing String Tension: Elevating Bass Playability with Gary's Setup SecretsUnlock 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 fo...
2024-12-0707 minDouble Bass and Beyond - Gary Upton of Upton BassPacking Harmony: The Art of Traveling With Your BassLearn 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 essence of a real bass. It's like having your favorite pair of sneakers ready wherever you go! Gary shares the compelling story behind the suitcase bass's creation, from a lighthearted challenge to a serious, game-changing tool for globetrotting musicians.As we...
2024-11-3010 min
Double Bass and Beyond - Gary Upton of Upton BassBass Renaissance – Reviving a 1910 Hawkes with Matt RybickiEver 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: recreating his beloved 1910 Hawkes bass. Listen to Matt’s fascinating story of using pencil-rubbing techniques on backdrop paper to capture the complex contours of his instrument, all while maneuvering around the bridge. Plus, we’ll explore Matt’s recent move to North Caroli...
2024-10-3120 min
Double Bass and Beyond - Gary Upton of Upton BassAuthor Antonia Aviles – Empowering Youth with Musical RepresentationHave 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 shares the inspiration behind her children's book, "Catalina Plays the What?" which tells the story of a young girl of color exploring the double bass. Our discussion shines a light on trailblazers like Esperanza Spalding and Nina Bernet...
2024-10-0420 minDouble Bass and Beyond - Gary Upton of Upton BassBass Model Mastery - Customizing Your Dream Instrument with Upton BassUnlock 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 with its violin corners and the Concord, which fuses elements of Mittenwald design with ergonomic ease. We also dive into customization options like flatbacks, roundbacks, and wood choices, giving you the insights you need to match your bass to your playing style and preferences.But that's...
2024-09-1910 minDouble Bass and Beyond - Gary Upton of Upton BassAudition Alchemy - Crafting Success for Bassists and Bikers with GaryHave 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 all the difference. I'll also reveal the powerful impact of positive mantras and the essential skill of quickly moving past mistakes for a stellar performance. This episode promises to equip you with practical strategies that can dramatically improve...
2024-09-1209 min
Contrabass ConversationsFrom Naples to Berlin with Giuseppe BottiglieriGiuseppe Bottiglieri's musical journey spans from his early years in Naples, Italy, where he transitioned from guitar to double bass, to his career development playing on cruise ships and exploring jazz and contemporary music. Currently based in Berlin, Bottiglieri focuses on solo bass performances and experiments with electronics, drawing inspiration from various sources, including visual arts. The supportive arts scene in Berlin has significantly influenced his work, leading him to reflect on the importance of live music. Throughout his evolution as a musician, Giuseppe has embraced diverse experiences and influences, shaping his unique artistic voice in the...
2024-09-0547 minDouble Bass and Beyond - Gary Upton of Upton BassThe Fingerboard Factor - Unlocking Bass PotentialCan 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 pitch and pressure on the bass belly, and decode the mysterious "wet" fingerboard effect on the bass's signature growl. You'll also discover why fingerboard dressing is crucial and how different types of ebony – Indian, Chinese, and African – affect the instrument's resonance and resilience. Plus, get insp...
2024-09-0413 min
Contrabass ConversationsMark Morton and his awesome booksIn this engaging conversation, Mark Morton shares updates on his well-known educational series for bass, including revisions to his study books on scales, arpeggios, and technical exercises. We reflect on the evolution of bass pedagogy, the influence of past mentors, and the importance of making instructional materials accessible. We also delve into the bass community's rich history and the joys of attending festivals and playing music in beautiful locations like Costa Rica. Check out Mark's great books on DBHQ! Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to y...
2024-08-2928 min
Contrabass ConversationsAudition prep with Brendan FitzgeraldJoin Brendan Fitzgerald, Assistant Principal Double Bass for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, as he shares his comprehensive approach to preparing for and succeeding in orchestra auditions. From practicing at half tempo and balancing practice with a full-time job to managing nerves with beta-blockers, Brendan covers all aspects of his preparation process. Learn how to handle the audition day, manage your workload, and ensure your best performance under pressure. Don't miss his key takeaways for musicians looking to secure a professional orchestra position. Check out Brendan's past podcast appearance here as well as his appearance...
2024-08-221h 06
Double Bass and Beyond - Gary Upton of Upton BassFlatback vs Roundback - Debunking Myths and Unveiling Double Bass SecretsAre 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, clarifying that while roundbacks are often thought to produce a warmer sound, a skilled maker can work wonders with either design. We also debunk the myth about flatbacks' fragility, providing a historical lens that sheds light on why some older German-imported instruments got an undeserved...
2024-08-2111 min
Contrabass ConversationsExploring the Rhythms of Tango with Pascale Delache Feldman, Emmanuel Feldman, and Victor CayresIn this episode, Pascale Delache Feldman, Emmanuel Feldman, and Victor Cayres discuss their newly released tango album, 'Let's Tango.' The conversation dives into the intricacies of tango music, its cultural roots, and the creative process behind their collaboration. With stories about their musical journeys, unique tango techniques, and the joy of performing live, this episode offers a rich look into the world of tango. Listeners are provided with insights on musical improvisation, the influence of dance on their performances, and the joy of artistic experimentation. The episode is a celebration of the trio's synergy and the vibrant musical...
2024-08-1528 min
Contrabass ConversationsExploring Jazz Innovations with Bassist Richard AnderssonIn this conversation, Richard Andersson discusses his new album WAW!, recent touring experiences, and his unique collaborations with Carl Winther and Jeff 'Tain' Watts. He recounts his musical journey from starting with the piano to becoming a professional bassist following a life-changing accident. Highlighting his interdisciplinary projects, such as improvising music based on audience descriptions of visual art and a unique dance show for visually impaired audiences, Richard shares insights into his creative processes and the challenges of balancing teaching, touring, and composing. The episode also dives into his experience with specialized equipment, like the Nadine microphone, a...
2024-08-0827 min
Double Bass and Beyond - Gary Upton of Upton BassGuarding Your Bass: Navigating Extreme Temperatures and HumidityDid 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 preserving the integrity of various bass components. From the neck and fingerboard to the body, discover how fluctuations can spell disaster for your instrument. He will also share why hygrometers are indispensable tools in the shop and how they can help you monitor and...
2024-08-0214 min
Contrabass ConversationsDaniel Kimbro's solo album 'Carpet in the Kitchen'In this episode, acclaimed bassist Daniel Kimbro reflects on his experiences as a touring artist and the challenges of maintaining routine and mental well-being on the road. Daniel recalls significant moments from his musical journey, including his collaborations with Jerry Douglas and Tommy Emmanuel. He emphasizes the importance of staying grounded through activities like fly fishing, despite the rigors of tour life. Daniel shares his writing process, his passion for music, and the excitement surrounding his upcoming solo album, 'Carpet in the Kitchen.' The discussion also touches on the support and inspiration he gets from fellow...
2024-08-0156 min
Double Bass and Beyond - Gary Upton of Upton BassFrom Howl to Harmony: Understanding Wolf Tones on BassEver 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. We’ll help you identify these tonal quirks by playing open strings and harmonics, and guide you on how to adjust and work around them. Practical demonstrations will show the impact of body dimensions, setup, string tension, and tuning on these mysterious frequencies.
2024-07-2614 min
Contrabass ConversationsAlessandro Fongaro on his journey from Italy to the NetherlandsIn this episode, Alessandro Fongaro shares his fascinating journey from Italy to the Netherlands, where he fell in love with the vibrant jazz scene. He discusses his extensive experience with orchestral and jazz music, his shift from playing bass guitar to double bass, and his passion for composing. Alessandro also touches upon his involvement in Rotterdam's North Sea Round Town festival, where he curates and performs multiple projects. Additionally, he offers insights into his creative processes, practice routines, and the challenges and rewards of borrowing instruments while traveling. The conversation also delves into Alessandro's hobbies, such as a...
2024-07-2541 min
Double Bass and Beyond - Gary Upton of Upton BassSilent Strings - Unmasking the Phantom Buzz with Gary from Upton BassEver 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 and vibration. Through careful observation and practical steps, Gary reveals why a loose bass bar is rarely the issue and guides you toward pinpointing the real culprits behind those unexpected noises.In this informative and engaging...
2024-07-1807 min
Contrabass ConversationsBen Ticknor on Never Come DownWe're excited to introduce our podcast guest for today, Ben Ticknor! A versatile artist, Ben is the bassist for the band Never Come Down who recently released their new album. He's not just an accomplished musician but also an educator, having studied bass under Jeff Johnson at Portland State University. Currently, he's the Principal Bass of the Oregon East Symphony. And guess what? When he's not creating music, he's a professional Ski Patroller and Avalanche professional on Mt Hood. Stay tuned for a fascinating chat with Ben! Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews d...
2024-07-1857 min
Contrabass ConversationsRenata Soares Caceres on Bass BitesIn this episode, we're excited to bring you a conversation with Dr. Renata Soares Cáceres. Originally from Brazil, Renata began her journey in music as an electric bassist at age 11. She has since studied and performed in the US, obtaining a Master's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, an Artist Diploma Certificate from Texas Christian University, and a DMA degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. With a passion for teaching, Renata currently teaches at Illinois Wesleyan University and has extensive experience teaching double bass in the American school system and is certified in Paul Rolland's String P...
2024-07-1132 min
Double Bass and Beyond - Gary Upton of Upton BassFifth Dimension - Revolutionizing Double Bass Tuning with Joel QuarringtonUnlock 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 fourths tuning, the challenges he overcame, and the profound moments that affirmed his commitment to this unique method. We also explore the specific adjustments needed for a double bass to accommodate fifths tuning, such as neck modifications, and discuss the ergonomic benefits over five-string basses.Venture...
2024-07-0927 min
Good Gobar Show by Nishant ParasharEP01: From Gobar to Glory, Paddy Upton's Story Revealed | Good Gobar Show
Welcome to The Good Gobar Show, hosted by Nishant Parashar. In our inaugural episode, we are honored to feature the distinguished Paddy Upton. Renowned for his remarkable resilience and inspiring career, Paddy discusses how he transformed the most challenging moments of his professional life into significant opportunities, including his role in coaching for the Cricket World Cup.
In this episode, we explore how Gary Kirsten and Paddy Upton, at the invitation of Sunil Gavaskar and BCCI, joined the Indian Cricket Team during a period of turmoil following an early exit from the previous World Cup. Paddy, a mental coach...
2024-07-0555 min
Contrabass ConversationsPeter Dominguez on The Milt Hinton Institute for Studio BassOn this episode, we welcome accomplished bassist and Professor of Double Bass and Jazz Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Peter Dominguez. Peter started his career in Milwaukee and has also taught at Michigan State University, the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and performed with various artists globally. Peter's contributions include adjudicating international competitions, directing the Richard Davis Foundation conference, and the Milt Hinton Institute for Studio Bass. His discography includes "How About This", "Groove Dreams", and a solo recording "Bass Salute". We discuss the Milt Hinton Institute for Studio Bass, a summer program for teenage...
2024-07-0449 min
Contrabass ConversationsMike Gaisbacher on bowmakingOur guest, Mike Gaisbacher, is a Nashville-based bow maker who specializes in bass bows. He started his journey in bow making in 2022 after graduating from Berklee in 2015 and learning how to rehair from Sue Lipkins. Mike has since dedicated himself to perfecting the craft, studying with experts like Sue Lipkins, Matt Wheling, and attending Rodney Mohr's workshops. His work includes a remarkable project: a bow for Paul Kowert of the Punch Brothers, which is a copy of Edgar Meyer's bow. Mike's bows have also been played by Ethan Jodziewicz, Mark Schatz, and are featured in the Minneapolis...
2024-06-2742 min
Contrabass ConversationsSam Suggs on his double bass journeySam Suggs is the first solo bassist in 36 years to join the Concert Artists Guild roster, and was recently recognized with an award for Extraordinary Creativity at the 2017 Bradetich Foundation International Double Bass Competition. We dig into his unique path from a strong piano background in Buffalo, through Northwestern University, where he studied both performance and theory, to his time at Yale focusing on contemporary music. We also explore Sam's philosophy on concert programming and the importance of engaging the audience. Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!
2024-06-2039 min
Contrabass ConversationsStephanie Patterson on the value of community orchestrasStephanie Patterson specializes in teaching adult learners and has been playing in community orchestras for decades. We talk about the joys and community benefits of participating in community orchestras, Stephanie's role in the Abington Festival Strings, and highlight various community orchestra activities and events, including rehearsals, concerts, and the engagement of various age groups. Enjoy, and check out Stephanie's past podcast appearances here. Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically! Connect with us: all things double bass double bass merch double bass sheet music Th...
2024-06-131h 09
Contrabass ConversationsRobin Kesselman on Bow Speed GeographyRobin Kesselman is the author of Bow Speed Geography, which elegantly explores concepts of bow speed geography in string playing, focusing on the importance of evenness in bow speed, control, and the application of bow speed. We dig into life for Robin in the eight years since our past interview, the inspiration behind the book, and all kinds of topics surrounding bow speed, technique, and expressivity. Enjoy, and you can pick up a copy of this great new resource at the ISB Store and Robertson and Sons. Photo courtesy of the Houston Symphony Su...
2024-06-0649 min
Contrabass ConversationsPaul Thompson on the evolution of pdbassPaul Thompson is a bassist and educator in the Pittsburgh metro area. He also runs a successful YouTube Channel under the name pdbass. This interview discusses content creation challenges, audience management, social media usage, balancing creative goals with audience expectations, and YouTube's influence on careers. It emphasizes music passion, content segmentation, understanding platform success/failure, and navigating YouTube analytics. It also covers the emotional impact of views/comments, feedback from renowned musicians, live streaming plans, and exploring creative content ideas. Check out the video version of this conversation on YouTube, and check out Paul's past a...
2024-05-3053 min
Difference MakersA RECIPE FOR SUCCESS: How NACDC Financial Services Helped Big Sky Cafe Serve Up SuccessDiscover how Gary and Sue Raccine's journey from a rejected loan to thriving entrepreneurship was fueled by NACDC Financial Services, a Native CDFI empowering Native American business owners in Montana.Read the story on Tribal Business News. Learn more about Native CDFIs. Difference Makers highlights how Native community development financial institutions (CDFIs) work alongside their small business clients to accelerate change and create economic opportunities in Native communities. Join the Native CDFI N...
2024-05-0927 min