• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

The Official MARUSZCZYK CLUB!

So, definitely there is something going on. The tech heard what I was hearing at first. He acknowledged that 2-3 times while playing octaves. It was especially prominent on and around the 5th fret, on the G string. Then he gave me a lecture on how guitars are practically never in tune on the entire fretboard, etc, etc. That and some other BS. He then followed with other stories. Ehh. Anyway, he raised the pickups a little bit (which now they require a padding job from underneath), and claims all is resolved. I took the bass back and went to volleyball game (I was already running late).

I'll check it out tomorrow morning and make an assessment at that time. I'm really frustrated as this is a $2400+ instrument that I'm simply not happy with. I can't sell it (and take a loss as I'm afraid, my buyer will hear the same and not be happy either). So, here I am with a bass, I can't enjoy playing as it's NOT in tune!
Do you suppose that with them getting busy, that QC may have suffered for a bit?.....

Just a thought....Good luck with getting it sorted...:thumbsup:
 
  • Like
Reactions: BassBlue
So, definitely there is something going on. The tech heard what I was hearing at first. He acknowledged that 2-3 times while playing octaves. It was especially prominent on and around the 5th fret, on the G string. Then he gave me a lecture on how guitars are practically never in tune on the entire fretboard, etc, etc. That and some other BS. He then followed with other stories. Ehh. Anyway, he raised the pickups a little bit (which now they require a padding job from underneath), and claims all is resolved. I took the bass back and went to volleyball game (I was already running late).

I'll check it out tomorrow morning and make an assessment at that time. I'm really frustrated as this is a $2400+ instrument that I'm simply not happy with. I can't sell it (and take a loss as I'm afraid, my buyer will hear the same and not be happy either). So, here I am with a bass, I can't enjoy playing as it's NOT in tune!

Now that several people have acknowledged the problem, can the bass not be returned or fixed at M.'s cost?
 
Making story short. Bass is on its way back to Maruszczyk dealer. Took a $ hit and paid for shipping to do this. I'm happy I don't have it anymore, honestly. Went to CME this afternoon and picked out another brand of bass. Will check it out tomorrow as they didn't have it at the showroom. I'll do my do diligence and make sure I love it before I leave the store with it. They will set it up for me too. Never buying another bass unseen.

Thank you guys for your support.
 
Last edited:
Now that several people have acknowledged the problem, can the bass not be returned or fixed at M.'s cost?

After my email exchanges with Adrian and his refusal to take any responsibility, I don't foresee getting any help from them. I've decided to leave the bass with my tech and have him move the bridge to where it should've been all along, and just eat the cost.
It really is a shame as I like everything else about the instrument (as well as my other M). But if this and BassBlue's situations are an indicator of inconsistent quality control, I can't say I'll be ordering another.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MCF and BassBlue
This is a shame. It seems like a great company is going downhill quickly. I had some problems with my bass too. The "couch pic" showed that the neck had a gloss finish when I ordered a matte/satin finish...fortunately I caught it and they sent it back to the factory and had it redone before I received it. However, there is a bit of a gap in the neck pocket so I wondered if it was like this before they refinished the neck. Additionally, I ordered graphite rods and there is no mention that they are in my bass neck anywhere on the paperwork. The G string rides really close to the edge of the frets, which annoys me as it sometimes slips off. Also, I was never happy with the electronics, despite the dealer's recommendation for a Delano preamp and Haussel pickups. I have already replaced the preamp with a John East Uni-Pre, and I'm waiting on new pickups from Nordstrand. I'm not giving up on this bass yet, as it's got some other good qualities, but note to self for the future. You shouldn't have to spend more money after getting a custom instrument, but sometimes you just have no choice! I will report back after I get my new pickups.
 
Hi all, I just created a thread in another sub forum, but what better place to ask than here...

I'm wondering if anyone has had experience with the ETS monorail bridge? I'm looking at a Frog Omega fretless that has one and am curious about the quality of the bridge overall. I'm not familiar with ETS and unfortunately am unable to play the bass being that it is in another country...

Cheers!
 
Hi all, I just created a thread in another sub forum, but what better place to ask than here...

I'm wondering if anyone has had experience with the ETS monorail bridge? I'm looking at a Frog Omega fretless that has one and am curious about the quality of the bridge overall. I'm not familiar with ETS and unfortunately am unable to play the bass being that it is in another country...

Cheers!

Do you mean the one I have on Reverb??? :-) , i guess as i'm one of the only one with F-Less frog Available.
 
Hi Pierre! I had no clue you were on TB, cool!

Yep, that's the one. I'm the one who asked about the side position markers too.

I am enamored with the bass. I'm just not overly familiar with some of the hardware.

yes I try to share informations when and if I can. I suppose i've been sort of helpful as i sometimes get questions lol.

i will answer you privately.
 
Hi all, I just created a thread in another sub forum, but what better place to ask than here...

I'm wondering if anyone has had experience with the ETS monorail bridge? I'm looking at a Frog Omega fretless that has one and am curious about the quality of the bridge overall. I'm not familiar with ETS and unfortunately am unable to play the bass being that it is in another country...

Cheers!
I've got 2 Frogs with this bridge, 1 fretted, 1 fretless and I am quite happy with the quality. Anything in particular you'd like you know?
 
  • Like
Reactions: BassmanM
I've got 2 Frogs with this bridge, 1 fretted, 1 fretless and I am quite happy with the quality. Anything in particular you'd like you know?

Thanks, Sam! I think it's not having familiarity with the hardware. Sure, I know Hipshot, Gotoh, Schaller, etc. I heard that these are Adrian's "house brand" but I don't know anything about how they intonate, how well the tuners keep things helpful, their durability, etc.

Any info on your experiences with things of that nature would be really helpful.
 
Thanks, Sam! I think it's not having familiarity with the hardware. Sure, I know Hipshot, Gotoh, Schaller, etc. I heard that these are Adrian's "house brand" but I don't know anything about how they intonate, how well the tuners keep things helpful, their durability, etc.

Any info on your experiences with things of that nature would be really helpful.

ETS is far more than Adrian's house brand. They are a reputable manufacturer of hardware and supply their parts to many instrument manufacturers, including many in the premium segment.

ETS® - Bass & Guitar Hardware
 
Sure, my comment wasn't to imply that they were unique to Adrian. Just that these are the brand he normally uses.

I know. I just wanted to point out that in general, ETS appears to be a company that makes quality products, as this is what you were asking.

I do not have experience with the monorail bridge, but my Frog has a headless bridge from ETS and so far no complaints.
 
Thanks, Sam! I think it's not having familiarity with the hardware. Sure, I know Hipshot, Gotoh, Schaller, etc. I heard that these are Adrian's "house brand" but I don't know anything about how they intonate, how well the tuners keep things helpful, their durability, etc.

Any info on your experiences with things of that nature would be really helpful.


Been playing my oldest frog for 8 years now, never had any issue with the bridge or tuners. You can change the action or intonate your bass quite easily with this bridge.

If I'd order a new M-bass (you van never have enough ;)) I'd go for ETS hardware once more.
 
Hey. Don't have an M, wanted to ask guys who do: I'm looking for a bass which can be unique to myself that's affordable. Looking at going through Warmoth or through M. What do you guys say (obvious bias expected?)

Out of the most recent basses I've tried, the ones that stuck out were the fenders with the all Indian rosewood neck. Think M can do it?
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: BassmanM
Hey. Don't have an M, wanted to ask guys who do: I'm looking for a bass which can be unique to myself that's affordable. Looking at going through Warmoth or through M. What do you guys say (obvious bias expected?)

Out of the most recent basses I've tried, the ones that stuck out were the fenders with the all Indian rosewood neck. Think M can do it?

Welcome, good to hear that you are interested in Maruszczyk basses! Unique and affordable definitely applies to these instruments.

As our own @Pierre Ganseman has mentioned here before, the only things M. refused up to now were a compound radius and a custom shape. We also have a club member whose bass has an all wenge neck. I therefore strongly assume that an all rosewood neck should be possible.

However, don't forget CITES, which may cause problems with import depending on which country you live in.
 
Welcome, good to hear that you are interested in Maruszczyk basses! Unique and affordable definitely applies to these instruments.

As our own @Pierre Ganseman has mentioned here before, the only things M. refused up to now were a compound radius and a custom shape. We also have a club member whose bass has an all wenge neck. I therefore strongly assume that an all rosewood neck should be possible.

However, don't forget CITES, which may cause problems with import depending on which country you live in.

hey ,

to my knowledge Adrian will not do Rosewood neck. Simply not worth it for the hassle and not enough request for it.

however one can check with him.