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Polish Basses Are Killin' Right Now!!!

#121
pepj said:
Geographically I get it, but the defining line was political and Poland was behind the Iron Curtain so
that was an East/West political thing.
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I get it - and I think exactly this is a big part of why they want to make the distinction.

No one really refers to the former East Germany/DDR as Eastern Europe today.

Still, all of this pales compared to using "Polish" and "concentration camps" together (vs "concentration camps located in Poland").
 
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#122
eastcoasteddie said:
That’s a good analogy, everyone knows that French sound. However, in my opinion, the French “J” sound comes more from the front of the mouth, where the Polish “rz” comes more from the throat…
But like I said, that’s just my opinion stemming from hearing the Polish language since birth, and speaking the language since the time I could….
But either way, close enough, right?
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The rz sound in Polish is made like the French J but with the tongue lightly touching the palate behind the upper teeth. It's a so called alveolar consonant. So are the sz and cz in Maruszczyk, i.e. like English sh and ch but with the tongue in that part of the mouth.
At the end of words and before invoiced consonants rz is pronounced like sz.
Thank you for coming to my Ted talk on Slavic phonology.
 
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#123
Well, they would if referring to a past political position, just as they may now with the EU, but im dealing with Slovakia so I'm hoping that quality is key but the prices are currently favourable.

And forget about the rest.
 
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#124
If you can say "pushchair", you can pronounce Maruszczyk!

Being Polish and having spent the first quarter of a century there, I've owned quite a few Polish basses and guitars - a couple of early Mayos, Mensfelds/MEGs (these were brands previously manufactured by the factory now making Maruszczyks and Mensingers), a GMR and more. They are as good as anything, if leaning towards the modern end of the spectrum.
As I've been on a P bass kick last few years, and out of the few Fender Precision, none really vibed with me (one Player, two Am Stds and a Nate Mendel), I got myself a Buzz ordered from Restauracja Gitar. Turned out brilliant. Very responsive instrument, lively and resonant. Something I haven't experienced with modern mass produced Fenders (although my old MIJ Marcus Miller was like that too, maybe to a lesser extent). Now they're not entirely made in Poland as Mateusz orders necks and bodies in batches from Japan, but the assembly, finish, fretwork, nut etc are all as good (or better) as anything I've seen or played. Plus fully custom. And that's for around the price of a new Vintera.
 
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#125
pepj said:
Well, they would if referring to a past political position, just as they may now with the EU, but im dealing with Slovakia so I'm hoping that quality is key but the prices are currently favourable.

And forget about the rest.
Click to expand...

Yes, I was speaking about now. I agree with you if referring to 30+ years ago - but these borders have changed repeatedly. eastcoasteddie referred to the most recent shift in 1945. I'm near Wrocław (former Breslau) and that has gone through about 50 names and administrations over the last 1,000 years. Amazing book on this which contextualizes much more than that city alone: "Microcosm: Portrait of a Central European City" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microcosm:_Portrait_of_a_Central_European_City

As to buying, I'm not sure about Slovakia but for Poland it is likely a great time to buy if outside of Poland. The local currency has not been doing very well recently....
 
#126
Marihino said:
If you can say "pushchair", you can pronounce Maruszczyk!

Being Polish and having spent the first quarter of a century there, I've owned quite a few Polish basses and guitars - a couple of early Mayos, Mensfelds/MEGs (these were brands previously manufactured by the factory now making Maruszczyks and Mensingers), a GMR and more. They are as good as anything, if leaning towards the modern end of the spectrum.
As I've been on a P bass kick last few years, and out of the few Fender Precision, none really vibed with me (one Player, two Am Stds and a Nate Mendel), I got myself a Buzz ordered from Restauracja Gitar. Turned out brilliant. Very responsive instrument, lively and resonant. Something I haven't experienced with modern mass produced Fenders (although my old MIJ Marcus Miller was like that too, maybe to a lesser extent). Now they're not entirely made in Poland as Mateusz orders necks and bodies in batches from Japan, but the assembly, finish, fretwork, nut etc are all as good (or better) as anything I've seen or played. Plus fully custom. And that's for around the price of a new Vintera.
Click to expand...
I just got a bass from Mateusz. Watch out for my NBD post in the Bass section very soon!
 
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#127
Yep, you have to see these things up close and that depends on how many you come across.
The alternative is to take a punt and that means the price must be attractive enough.
If buying new, that punt is more critical and resale is a variable.

For me it simply comes down to cost of living.
No one can seriously argue that typical western makers are the benchmark always, but I dont feel good about paying western rates for non western builds because the cost difference goes to shareholders. I'd rather pay the builder direct.
I don't mind the builder taking the retail cut either and there is another can of worms because retailers might be reluctant to price with out local tax.

We will see but hopefully I've done due diligence.
And yes, I had considered Maruszczyk too.
 
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#129
Dynacord said:
mainstream Polish beers... - something which has improved
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As some thing that I like to get often is the Żywieć 1884 Porter. It pretty much flies off the shelves here. I’m not sure if that’s what it’s called in Poland though, I’ve only had it state-side. One Porter that has a heavy coffee-note is called Black Boss…which I also have only had here.
But a really awesome craft Porter I’ve had in Zakopane is called Wilczy Strach, only available from one brewery/restaurant.
I mean…look at that label!

A5293962-1480-4AD4-ABB8-0935025B65CF.jpeg
 
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#133
If I ever get the chance to go back to Poland (been there one time for a couple days around 2003), I'm going to refer back to this thread for some cultural tips.

On the topic of Polish basses, I happened to have my Maruszczyk Frog with me today when I stopped at Mike Lull's shop for some unrelated business. Mike's sons Spencer and Preston were both there (Mike died a couple years ago, for anyone that didn't know), and when I showed the Frog to them, they were both quite impressed. Spencer took it for a spin, and really liked it.
 
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#137
Got myself a Mensinger Joker B. Plays pretty sweet, took some time to dial it in but once getting to know it and finding the sounds I was looking for the only limitation becomes the player :)
Woodwork quality, I can't say it's up there thou. I mean can clearly see it's made in rush or something. On top wood edges doesn't mach the body perfectly, softer parts in wood are sanded in deeper next to the harder parts, f-hole cutouts are chipped and not smooth and whole finish was in state where the top wood was all still 'hairy'. It's def hand made but by someone who needs lot more practice still.
Anyhow I'm keeping it :) I guess being a cheap instrument in hand made bass world that's where it shows.
 

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