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The Official MARUSZCZYK CLUB!

#3,441
Not sure if you guys have the answer... basically Germany is reducing their VAT rates from 19% to 16% till the end of 2020. Maruszczyk has said on their website that they'll reflect that by reducing their prices as well.
Question: I ordered a bass with them in April, but I've only paid the initial deposit (50%). I assume that I won't get a reduction on the other 50%, because I made the purchase before the change in VAT law? Not trying to sound like a cheapo... just wondering.
 
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#3,446
Anyone got any pickup recommendations that can do a really good jazz bass sound + a good humbucker sound. I mostly want the jazz sound , but also want to be able to switch it double humbucker sound. Also any of them that are not too big. I dont want it to get in the way of slapping thats why i like the sbc delanos.
 
#3,447
Hey folks,

I have only seen Maruszczyk basses in passing, I really don't know much about them, but I stumbled on them recently. I'm looking for a short scale 5 string, and they came up as a suggestion. Right now I have a Carvin PB5 PJ bass that has been my main bass (that this would be replacing), that I love except for the scale. I'm using a Mustang right now. The short scale thing is due to a wrist issue. Maruszczyk seems like a great option, as I had been looking at an Atelier Z short scale but it didn't have the PJ pickup layout I prefer. The cost looks to be about where I could swing.

So how would you describe Maruszczyk basses to someone who's never played them or really knows nothing about them? I've owned a couple Carvin/Kiesels, as well as Fenders (MIM and MIA), G&L, Yamaha, Ibanez, EBMM, etc.

I would plan to opt for the same Nordstrand pickups I have in my Carvin (that's a huge plus!), FYI.

Thanks!
 
#3,448
I think scanning and reading through the threads - you will get a great sense about the Maruszczyk instruments from a ton of satisfied owners.

From my perspective, and I only own 1 so far, the quality and craftsmanship are on par with most mid-high end boutique builders (I have several of those :)).

Although their online configuration tool is probably the best I've seen and really fantastic, it provides you more flexibility in creating your 'own' custom instrument and modifying for pricing in real time... good luck, they build great stuff.
 
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#3,449
DuluthDank said:
I've been debating the specs on a new Maruszczyk for months now, and can't seem to come to a decision. There are just too many choices! I'm the sort of guy who shops at Trader Joes so I only have one brand of ketchup to choose from, so fully customizing a bass that is going to cost a decent chunk of change and take weeks to build is difficult. I wish that a used one would pop up with roughly my specs for a good price, then that would force my hand and I could forget about agonizing over the details. Unfortunately my specs are a bit unusual and there seems to be almost no reasonably priced used market for these basses.
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I hear ya, he's got some super nice basses in stock right now, at reasonable prices... If those line up for you, one was close for me but I would have to make changes that would result in more costs. :)

I just did a test config on a new headless build and it would be pricey for my specs, then there's the customs fees that I'll get hit with (+7-10%?). I'm on the fence if I'll pull the trigger on that config or have a US builder build my next one.
 
#3,450
Barticus said:
I hear ya, he's got some super nice basses in stock right now, at reasonable prices... If those line up for you, one was close for me but I would have to make changes that would result in more costs. :)

I just did a test config on a new headless build and it would be pricey for my specs, then there's the customs fees that I'll get hit with (+7-10%?). I'm on the fence if I'll pull the trigger on that config or have a US builder build my next one.
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What's the deal with the customs fees and taxes then? Do you pay a fee as well as your state sales tax?
 
#3,451
I'm waiting for this baby:

Sputnik (2).png
 
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#3,452
PotsdamBass8 said:
What's the deal with the customs fees and taxes then? Do you pay a fee as well as your state sales tax?
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Others will have to respond about their experiences on their purchases, I've only purchased Maruszczyk used in the US.

I bought a new $2500 Status bass from the UK in Feb (once it arrived via FedEx overnight, it was held up in customs for a week in Indiana) and then after it finally arrived, I got a $250 tax/import fees bill from them 2 weeks later.

So just need to plan for the additional costs when importing vs buying in country.
 
#3,453
I've purchased a couple of basses that were imported, one from Marusczyk and another from a reseller from Canada. I can tell you the import fees from FedEx from Germany were extremely reasonable. I estimated about the same as Bart mentioned above, but if memory serves me correctly it was less than half that. YMMV
 
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#3,457
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#3,459
Barticus said:
@xbud Is the 16% tax added to US exports? With headless option, this one is getting pricey on me. :)
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Nope, the 16% VAT tax is only applicable to EU shipments. We pay the tax and duty on the shipment from the importer, usually FedEx.

My god that is a beauty by the way, I have been extremely tempted on ordering an Elwood L decked out with all the options I have been wanting for a while.....like yourself, it got pricey quick! But worth it, if you ask me!
 
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