The Official MARUSZCZYK CLUB!

[StudioGC]

I've been on a P Bass quest for months now. I used a Player P bass since summer for many gigs and it worked great. BUT, I LOVE light nitro finishes and a few other must haves are:
-Carbon rods as my basses see lots of changes in temperature
-32" scale has been something I really wanted to try, but they are very hard to find.
With the Maruszczyk I can have all the things I want in , what I think, is a decent price.

So....here's my order I placed yesterday. Very excited! (Scale says 34", but that's been corrected...)

Love the "configurator" on their site to build your bass.

Base Price€ 1,000.00

Model: Jake C

Type: Righthand

Number of Strings: 4-String

Scale Length: Long Scale 34''

Number of Frets: 21 Frets

Body Construction: Solidbody

Body Wood: Alder

Top Wood: Same as body

Color Type: Transparent€ 42.02

Transparent: 3 Tone Sunburst

Body Finish: Nitro€ 42.02

Pickguard: 3ply Tortoise€ 25.21

Neck Wood: Hard Rock Maple (Tinted Vintage)€ 16.81

Neck Finish: Nitro€ 25.21

Neck Profile: Modern C

Nut Width: 40mm

Carbon Rods: Yes€ 42.02

Fingerboard Wood: East Indian Rosewood€ 42.02

Fretted / Fretless: Fretted

Side Dots: Super Green 4mm€ 33.61

Fingerboard Inlays: Abalone Dots€ 33.61

Fingerboard Binding: Black€ 33.61

Fingerboard Radius: 14''

Headstock Type: Standard

Standard: Hard Rock Maple (Tinted Vintage)

Headstock Finish: Nitro€ 16.81

Headstock Logo: Black

Nut: Black

Pickup Combination: Split Coil

Manufacturer: Maruszczyk

Pickup Finish: Black

Neck Pickup: Maruszczyk PC4

Electronics Type: Passive

Passive: volume, tone

Hardware Color: Chrome

Bridge Spacing: 19mm

Bridge Type: Standard

String Through Body: No

Knobs Type: Dome-Style

Tuner Type: Hipshot Ultralite Lollypop-Style 3/8€ 100.84

Bass Xtender: Without Xtender

Security Locks: Without Security Locks

String Type: Flatwound

Flatwound Strings: F4€ 8.40

Gigbag/Suitcase: Nylon Gigbags

Nylon Gigbags: Standard

Your T-shirt Size: L

Total€ 1,462.18

ItemPriceDeposit

1 x Jake C (incl. 0% tax)€ 1,462.18€ 731.09

Payment method: Bank Transfer € 0.00

Totals€ 1,462.18€ 732.09

 

[Groove Driven]

I did share the specs from the configurator, with a few additions (second pickguard, a few minor things), which they provided a full quote for.

It was definitely the courier BD used. They received multiple basses from Maruszczyk, and unfortunately a mix up meant they sent me the wrong one (which was very frustrating). I posted the wrong bass back to them, which they received, and they contacted the courier and requested my bass back (which hadn't been delivered), which never arrived back with them.

99/100 orders are going to have zero problems, and they deal with such high end, expensive instruments that I know this is really a fluke. But not a fun one for me!

They sent via a courier called APC, who I've had zero experience with before. I believe they use local companies, which is an obvious failure point. They did deliver & collect the wrong bass from me fine, though.

That's very unfortunate, I've never heard of APC either & I'm in London. There used to be a courier company called ANC (not the African National Congress), but I'm not sure if they're still around.

It's good to know the info you mentioned about Bass Direct, it sounds like it's much easier to add customisation that is not in the configurator such as different preamps, pickups & such (rather than bothering Adrian too much). However, that's no reflection on Adrian or his business, as there are an incredible amount of options to choose from on the website & I know that he does his best to cater for individual requests.

 

[Hank Scorpio]

That's very unfortunate, I've never heard of APC either & I'm in London. There used to be a courier company called ANC (not the African National Congress), but I'm not sure if they're still around.

It's good to know the info you mentioned about Bass Direct, it sounds like it's much easier to add customisation that is not in the configurator such as different preamps, pickups & such (rather than bothering Adrian too much). However, that's no reflection on Adrian or his business, as there are an incredible amount of options to choose from on the website & I know that he does his best to cater for individual requests.

Yeah, they are certainly helpful. If you're close enough to Warwick to pick it up, then no worries - sadly I'm too far away and have to rely on couriers!

On the plus side, the bass they incorrectly sent me seemed to be incredibly well made (I didn't sit and play it, would have felt disrespectful), and looked amazing. Also probably twice the price of mine.

 

[BlackWolf]

Adrian sent me the “sopha shot” a few hours ago, definitely a good surprise!

 

[TK4261]

Adrian sent me the “sopha shot” a few hours ago, definitely a good surprise!
View attachment 4506571

Wow! That grain looks amazing!!!!!!!

 

[gln1955]

Adrian sent me the “sopha shot” a few hours ago, definitely a good surprise!
View attachment 4506571

What finish is that? I can't get something to look like that on the configurator.

 

[BlackWolf]

Wow! That grain looks amazing!!!!!!!

Thank you and I agree, it looks way better than I expected and love it!

What finish is that? I can't get something to look like that on the configurator.

Hi, these are the specs (?) I chose:

• color type - transparent;
• transparent - Charcoal Burst;
• body finish - Matte;
• neck finish - Matte;
• headstock type - matching headstock;
• headstock finish - Matte.

I hope this helps you.

 

[Groove Driven]

Thank you and I agree, it looks way better than I expected and love it!


Hi, these are the specs (?) I chose:

• color type - transparent;
• transparent - Charcoal Burst;
• body finish - Matte;
• neck finish - Matte;
• headstock type - matching headstock;
• headstock finish - Matte.

I hope this helps you.

Lovely colour, what top did you select, is it quilted ash?

 

[BlackWolf]

Lovely colour, what top did you select, is it quilted ash?

Thanks!
Alder body and the top wood is Ash, the other options on the configurator are Alder and Flamed Maple if I’m not mistaken.

 

[gln1955]

Thank you and I agree, it looks way better than I expected and love it!


Hi, these are the specs (?) I chose:

• color type - transparent;
• transparent - Charcoal Burst;
• body finish - Matte;
• neck finish - Matte;
• headstock type - matching headstock;
• headstock finish - Matte.

I hope this helps you.

Nice. The configurator gives a more neutral version. I love the undertone on yours.

 

[BlackWolf]

Nice. The configurator gives a more neutral version. I love the undertone on yours.

Thank you very much! I’m glad you like it and I agree, now I can’t wait to see it in person and hear how it sounds, the bass should be here early next year I think.

*of the configurator, sorry for the typo.

 

[Bartrinsic]

Thank you very much! I’m glad you like it and I agree, now I can’t wait to see it in person and hear how it sounds, the bass should be here early next year I think.

*of the configurator, sorry for the typo.

Should be a great jazz sound! What are the pups?

 

[BlackWolf]

Should be a great jazz sound! What are the pups?

Thanks!

The pickups are Aguilar AG 4J-HC.

 

[mkr1]

Hi all - need some advice as I spec a Cazpar fretless 5. Can anyone describe the tonal difference, if any, between Bassculture 38 and 48 humbuckers? Also, for anyone that has ordered a ramp from the factory, was it radiused like the board, or just matched to the pickup cover height? Thanks.

 

[Inara]

I just got my couch photo, 13 weeks to the day after placing my order. I'm so excited!

5 string Mensinger Cazpar, 30" scale, 17mm spacing, katalox fretless fingerboard, matching katalox ramp, alder body with koa top, Delano Xtender pickups with series/parallel/single switch for each, passive V/B/T controls.
View attachment 4502367

Ok, my bass arrived yesterday after only being in transit for four days! I'm getting to know her, and noticing changes as I learn how she wants to sing, and as the woods in the instrument learn how to be a bass. I love her, and am already playing some of my solo fretless pieces on her as well or better than I ever have. Details of the build are in the quoted post, though I forgot to mention the blue Luminlay side dots. Adrian also added a matching dot for the two octave mark on the ramp. I'm using it as a fingerboard extension for the strings that aren't over the truss rod access area, mostly just the D and G strings. I have the equivalent of 26 "frets" by the end of the ramp.

The weight is 7.8 pounds, and the balance on the beautiful leather Mensinger strap is wonderful. The only thing I'm not 100% happy about is that I went to do a setup, and the bridge saddles are already all bottomed out. I would like to lower the action slightly, just slightly. I'll have to shim the neck to do so. I've ordered a couple of blank, .25 degree maple shims. It will be quick work to fit one, and .25 degrees should give me what I want, as the action is close to what I want already.

Adrian's couch photo is far better than I can manage as far as photography goes, but here are a front and back pic. My red velour blanket is not as luxurious as that gorgeous leather couch, but will have to do lol.

 

[Groove Driven]

Ok, my bass arrived yesterday after only being in transit for four days! I'm getting to know her, and noticing changes as I learn how she wants to sing, and as the woods in the instrument learn how to be a bass. I love her, and am already playing some of my solo fretless pieces on her as well or better than I ever have. Details of the build are in the quoted post, though I forgot to mention the blue Luminlay side dots. Adrian also added a matching dot for the two octave mark on the ramp. I'm using it as a fingerboard extension for the strings that aren't over the truss rod access area, mostly just the D and G strings. I have the equivalent of 26 "frets" by the end of the ramp.

The weight is 7.8 pounds, and the balance on the beautiful leather Mensinger strap is wonderful. The only thing I'm not 100% happy about is that I went to do a setup, and the bridge saddles are already all bottomed out. I would like to lower the action slightly, just slightly. I'll have to shim the neck to do so. I've ordered a couple of blank, .25 degree maple shims. It will be quick work to fit one, and .25 degrees should give me what I want, as the action is close to what I want already.

Adrian's couch photo is far better than I can manage as far as photography goes, but here are a front and back pic. My red velour blanket is not as luxurious as that gorgeous leather couch, but will have to do lol.
View attachment 4508380 View attachment 4508379

That's a stunning instrument!

Congratulations on your new bass.

I'm interested in the Delano Xtender pickups on my next one. How do you find them compared to other single coil & humbucker pickups & what music/style(s) do you usually play?

 

[Inara]

That's a stunning instrument!

Congratulations on your new bass.

I'm interested in the Delano Xtender pickups on my next one. How do you find them compared to other single coil & humbucker pickups & what music/style(s) do you usually play?

Hey there - thanks! I am loving them so far, but I have trouble coming up with a comparison. This is a passive EQ, whereas all my other humbucker basses have been active. Also, this bass is my first short scale, which changes things a bit as well. I will say that in series mode, the neck pickup is warm and full, while switching into parallel keeps a lot of warmth, but adds articulation and more extended highs, and is my favorite right now. The bridge pickup is, so far, my favorite bridge pickup ever. The caveat there is that I don't usually like bridge pickups that much lol. My favorite before this is the DiMarzio Model J. The Xtender is warmer to me, and I find it easier to get a tone that I like. One thing to note is that Adrian told me that the Xtender HE is the same pickup as the SBC HE except for the cover itself. I went with the Xtenders personally for aesthetic reasons. But, I listened to the SBCs a lot, as I could find a lot more demos of them than I could the Xtenders. Anyway, I hope this limited "review" maybe helps a tiny bit.

 

[Inara]

Hi all - need some advice as I spec a Cazpar fretless 5. Can anyone describe the tonal difference, if any, between Bassculture 38 and 48 humbuckers? Also, for anyone that has ordered a ramp from the factory, was it radiused like the board, or just matched to the pickup cover height? Thanks.

Mine is radiused, but I specifically asked him for that. I'm sure he'd build one either way on request.

 

[Groove Driven]

Hey there - thanks! I am loving them so far, but I have trouble coming up with a comparison. This is a passive EQ, whereas all my other humbucker basses have been active. Also, this bass is my first short scale, which changes things a bit as well. I will say that in series mode, the neck pickup is warm and full, while switching into parallel keeps a lot of warmth, but adds articulation and more extended highs, and is my favorite right now. The bridge pickup is, so far, my favorite bridge pickup ever. The caveat there is that I don't usually like bridge pickups that much lol. My favorite before this is the DiMarzio Model J. The Xtender is warmer to me, and I find it easier to get a tone that I like. One thing to note is that Adrian told me that the Xtender HE is the same pickup as the SBC HE except for the cover itself. I went with the Xtenders personally for aesthetic reasons. But, I listened to the SBCs a lot, as I could find a lot more demos of them than I could the Xtenders. Anyway, I hope this limited "review" maybe helps a tiny bit.

Thanks for the descriptive review, it's extremely helpful & sounds like it's exactly what I'm after.

I'm with you on bridge pickups & I tend to blend more towards the neck pickup for the warmth you mentioned. Having a warm bridge pickup really has me intrigued.

I usually go for single coils rather than humbuckers, so I was going to go for the switch for both pickups to provide versatility. The added punch & attack whilst retaining the warmth on the neck pickup when switching to parallel sounds amazing.

Thanks again

 

[Bartrinsic]

Thanks for the descriptive review, it's extremely helpful & sounds like it's exactly what I'm after.

I'm with you on bridge pickups & I tend to blend more towards the neck pickup for the warmth you mentioned. Having a warm bridge pickup really has me intrigued.

I usually go for single coils rather than humbuckers, so I was going to go for the switch for both pickups to provide versatility. The added punch & attack whilst retaining the warmth on the neck pickup when switching to parallel sounds amazing.

Thanks again

Adrian also told me that the Extenders are the same wind as the soap bar SBC HE/S. There's a lot more room under the covers though, so there could still be differences in the results. I currently have dual HE/S soapbars on a Frog, a Jazzus with Delano JSBCs, and a Warwick Corvette with MM-shaped MC HE/S (neck) and MC FE in the bridge. I'm currently running the SBCs in the Frog in single-coil mode (balanced for noise cancellation). This gives even more clarity and dynamics than the parallel setting but is similar. I only switch the bridge to serial when I want to add some grind to the tone. Otherwise, I use offboard preamps for processing and volume (volume is lower for parallel and single-coil modes). Both the JSBCs and MC FE (9mm exposed pole ceramic) are more transparent than the SBC. The SBC has some mild growl and warmth through the mids and is 'understated' compared to bolder and more colored humbuckers. 'Honest, clear yet mild, with a little mid-growl', might be a good description. JSBC is extra clear with a jazz-type narrow-aperture sound (bubbly, honky, big, very clear, well-defined, punchy, and high-output). I'm surprised by how much I like the jazz bars, but I'm having to 'learn' them. The MC FE by itself is clear, modern/bold, and full-range. It might be interesting for a single pickup in the sweet spot. However, SBCs are great. A few listeners have mistaken my fretted frog for a fretless, I think due equally to the ziricote top, Macassar ebony fretboard, and the SBC pickups--they combine for a very folksy sound.