I'm considering a custom build by Maruszczyk for the bass I've had in my head but could never find. I'd always assumed that such a custom job would be out of my price range, but it looks like Maruszczyk would build it for me for around two grand (this is with lots of bells and whistles). Now my question: how's the build quality, attention to detail, and overall QC? I've read up on TB, and there seems to be some mixed reviews, and overall the info is a bit sparse. Some people say it's comparable to a Fender US factory bass, so in other words, not "custom shop" quality, but certainly nice enough. I've found multiple accounts of people who found the quality to seem "cheap", "plastic feeling", or "it seemed like it wasn't quite finished". Yet others seem quite impressed, and refer to it as custom shop quality.
So TB, what is your first hand opinion on Maruszczyk build quality? How would you compare it to other well known builders in the 1.5 to 2 grand price range?
I realize you already asked in the Maruszczyk club and received little response.... So let me give you a few ideas here.
I have had three basses made. I sold the 5-string Elwood last year because I found the 17 mm string spacing at the bridge to be a little narrow for me. Other than that, the bass was excellent.
Here are a few things I like about my Maruszczyk basses.
- The maple for the necks shows very straight growth and appears to be of good quality.
- The necks are very stable and solid and have a perfect matte finish which makes them feel very smooth.
- The fretboard edges are rolled nicely. Natural and not overdone.
- The basses all weigh less than 4 kg (approx. 8.82 lbs). This was particularly noticeable on the Elwood L of course.
- I cannot detect any flaws in the finish of the bodies either.
- The hardware and (passive) electronics appear to be of good quality. My tech tells me that the wiring is tidy and the electronic compartments are shielded. The pan pot on the Elwood died after the warranty period, but Adrian sent a replacement free of charge.
- The body shape of the Frog, particularly the headless version, is one of the most appealing designs to me regarding aesthetics.
The only "flaw" I could mention, if I was picky, is that the neck of the Mr. Tee could sit a tad tighter in the neck pocket. But it doesn't worry me. In fact, it is probably my favorite bass and I use it on most gigs.
Some extras:
- A nice gig bag and strap came with every bass.
- Adrian appears to me to be a very knowledgeable, trustworthy and straight forward person to deal with. He gave me several good pieces of advice prior to the builds. He may not be a man of many words in his emails, but he gets all things done. I had a conversation with him personally when he was at a local music store with Wojtek Pilichowski two or three years ago. Also there, he seemed to be a nice, humble and honest person. And he is a hell of a musician too.
