2ndBassGuitar
Commercial User
- Jan 17, 2008
- 1,250
- 1,692
- Disclosures
- Dealer for Phil Jones Bass, Lakland, Brubaker Basses, Maruszczyk Instruments
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The Official MARUSZCZYK CLUB!
- Thread starter ulasengin
- Start date
That is one gorgeous bass. What top is that?
Did you have to put in a special request for it, as I haven't seen it available in the configurator & what was the cost?
1kinal
Supporting Member
- Jan 18, 2006
- 1,068
- 445
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: SIT strings
I received my Mr Tee two days ago so I figured I could post a review if it can help other players to configure their build.
Here's the specs:
Background:
I ordered this bass for a few reasons:
I was a little skeptical at first if a Maruszczyk could hold its place among the great bass lineup that I have but figured there's only one way to know it so after having fun with the configurator, I placed my order thru @2ndBassGuitar (Canada dealer). I didn't really needed help choosing my components but I was happy the dealer took care of making sure I wasn't charged customs fees. I can confirm the price I was quoted is exactly what I paid after receiving the bass.
Build time from placing the order to couch pic: 5 months and one week exactly.
Review:
The bass was nicely packaged and FedEx got it safe to me. The gigbag (which is better quality than expected) was safely secured inside the box with no room for movement. Many case candy came with it: build sheet, stickers, catalog, t-shirt, etc...but no allen key to adjust the trussrod. Could be a nice addition.
Finish:
The first thing that amazed me was how nice the silver sparkle finish looks in person. There's not a lot of pictures available of Maruszczyk basses in silver sparkle finish and they always seemed dull to me. The other sparkle colors (red, blue, etc) seemed fine but the few examples of silver I saw practically had me changing my mind but I'm so glad I didn't! It really looks stunning in person and even my pictures don't do it justice. It is a small flake sparkle but looks really stunning and totally smooth under the hand. Some sparkle finishes have bumpy feeling when they had the clear coat...not the case here!
Construction:
The setup on arrival was way too low for my taste. I had to add relief in the neck and it's when I noticed the trussrod seemed to work on the opposite side as usual. I had to tighten the truss rod to add relief. About that: I think all bass manufacturers should use the spokewheel as Music Man and Sadowsky does. I'd pay premium for it if it's ever offered as an option!
The general construction felt really solid in all areas. Wood grain is very subjective but I was really happy with the flame figure on the neck. I didn't wanted over the top figuring on the flame and got lucky:
As for the birdseye fingerboard, I also loved the figuring combined with the mate satin finishing which feels superb under the hand. I don't have a preference of mate over gloss finish but I feel both can be well-made or not. This mate finish is really nice. I also congratulated myself for choosing black sparkle dots for the fingerboard. They fit so well with the sparkle finish and helps to join the body color with the maple!
Hardware:
The Hipshot B bridge is simple yet very elegant and easy to adjust. I chose the heavy brass over the lighter alluminium. Tuners are lollypop Hipshot and I think they look great with the Mr Tee body and headstock shape. I asked for no text on the headstock ("from player to player") with just the M logo and I'm glad I did.
Regarding the body shape, I think it's super comfortable sitting down. Combined with the 32 inch scale is perfect IMO as the first position is easier to reach. I'm not sure a 34 scale would be a good idea on the Mr Tee because of the short body shape. I also tried the bass standing up and I have to admit the body shape makes the bass and neck to stay horizontal (rock style). One more reason why I think a 34 scale would be uncomfortable to reach the first position.
Sound:
I'm a P-bass lover and it was sure from the start the neck position pickup would be a P-type. I listened to a lot of videos from Maruszczyk with different configurations and settled on the PC4-AL which for me sounded better than the large pole pieces model (too agressive for my taste). As for choosing Delano, I think they are a real bargain when ordering a Maruszczyk compared to USA-made products. Still, I was not expecting to like it THAT MUCH. This pickup might be the best P pickup I've ever tried. Traditionnal sounding but with better high-end and a more lively definition to the notes. This is the best surprise of this instrument and I might even put this pickup in some of my other basses if the impression I have in my studio also translates to live sound.
For the bridge pickup, I didn't wanted a J-pickup because they always sounds weak volume-wise compared to P-pickups. The MM+P was something I've always wanted to try. Ideally, I wanted the MM pickup placed directly next to the P pickup (further from the bridge) because I'm really not a fan of solo-bridge pickup sounds. They always sounds thin live. Basically, I wanted what Nordstrand did on the Dan Lutz signature model. Unfortunately Adrian refused this special request saying something like it doesn't really change the sound. I'm sorry but for my style of plaiyng, it does. If I ever order again, I'll hold my position and try to convince him.
Back to my bass, the Delano MC4-AL pickup sounds great too...very close to my Music Man Classic pickup: incredible notes definition and bark with present midrange. Totally MM. Complement the P pickup very well and I think this combination should be used more often among other builders. Between full P to full MM, there's a large range of sounds that can be obtained from blending the two.
I originally wanted a Sadowsky preamp in the bass but I had to ship it to Adrian and it was backordered everywhere. Also, I didn't think a 4 knobs preamp would look great on the Mr Tee body and control plate. I then decided to get a Sadowsky pedal preamp and keep the bass passive but with two tones; one for each pickup using stacked knobs. I really like this feature on a passive bass (I have this on my Lakland hollobody). You can for example go from a bright MM sound to a dark P sound at the flick of the pickup selector switch (which actually works, when the configurator said it would be a dummy switch).
Improvements:
I'm still having more fret buzz that I usually have with the bridge and neck action that I have setup. It might be a nut cut too deeply or a high-fret...I'm still investigating. I'm used to Sadowsky's which are known for their impeccable fretwork. I also think a string retainer past the nut could help put more pression on the strings so I might add one eventually.
General comments:
While I did the order mostly for fun knowing I have really good other basses, what I received is a pro bass IMO that I will use on gigs. It's well built, solid with quality components and weights 9.4 lbs which is in the range that I like (8.5 to 9.5). The instrument is comfortable, resonates well and the neck profile is very much to my liking. I was a bit afraid to receive something with a very thin neck profile and it's not the case. While not a baseball bat at all, I'd compare it to be closer to my MM Classic than anything else I have. I've always loved EBMM necks so that was a good surprise.
Let me know if you have questions and I hope my story offered a good read. Thanks again to @2ndBassGuitar for the help on this order.
Here's the specs:
- 32 scale
- alder body and silver sparkle finish and matching headstock
- Tinted vintage flame maple neck and birdseye fingerboard
- 40 mm nut and 9.5 radius
- Black sparkle dots
- Delano PC4-AL and MC4-AL pickups
- Passive electronics with stacked volume and tone for each pickup
- Hipshot B-style brass bridge
- Hipshop lollypop 1/2 tuners
Background:
I ordered this bass for a few reasons:
- To try a 32 scale which I've never had
- To try the P+MM configuration which seemed like a good idea in my head, as I've always felt the J in a PJ bass to be overpowered by the P pickup.
- To have a silver sparkle bass which I've always wanted
I was a little skeptical at first if a Maruszczyk could hold its place among the great bass lineup that I have but figured there's only one way to know it so after having fun with the configurator, I placed my order thru @2ndBassGuitar (Canada dealer). I didn't really needed help choosing my components but I was happy the dealer took care of making sure I wasn't charged customs fees. I can confirm the price I was quoted is exactly what I paid after receiving the bass.
Build time from placing the order to couch pic: 5 months and one week exactly.
Review:
The bass was nicely packaged and FedEx got it safe to me. The gigbag (which is better quality than expected) was safely secured inside the box with no room for movement. Many case candy came with it: build sheet, stickers, catalog, t-shirt, etc...but no allen key to adjust the trussrod. Could be a nice addition.
Finish:
The first thing that amazed me was how nice the silver sparkle finish looks in person. There's not a lot of pictures available of Maruszczyk basses in silver sparkle finish and they always seemed dull to me. The other sparkle colors (red, blue, etc) seemed fine but the few examples of silver I saw practically had me changing my mind but I'm so glad I didn't! It really looks stunning in person and even my pictures don't do it justice. It is a small flake sparkle but looks really stunning and totally smooth under the hand. Some sparkle finishes have bumpy feeling when they had the clear coat...not the case here!
Construction:
The setup on arrival was way too low for my taste. I had to add relief in the neck and it's when I noticed the trussrod seemed to work on the opposite side as usual. I had to tighten the truss rod to add relief. About that: I think all bass manufacturers should use the spokewheel as Music Man and Sadowsky does. I'd pay premium for it if it's ever offered as an option!
The general construction felt really solid in all areas. Wood grain is very subjective but I was really happy with the flame figure on the neck. I didn't wanted over the top figuring on the flame and got lucky:
As for the birdseye fingerboard, I also loved the figuring combined with the mate satin finishing which feels superb under the hand. I don't have a preference of mate over gloss finish but I feel both can be well-made or not. This mate finish is really nice. I also congratulated myself for choosing black sparkle dots for the fingerboard. They fit so well with the sparkle finish and helps to join the body color with the maple!
Hardware:
The Hipshot B bridge is simple yet very elegant and easy to adjust. I chose the heavy brass over the lighter alluminium. Tuners are lollypop Hipshot and I think they look great with the Mr Tee body and headstock shape. I asked for no text on the headstock ("from player to player") with just the M logo and I'm glad I did.
Regarding the body shape, I think it's super comfortable sitting down. Combined with the 32 inch scale is perfect IMO as the first position is easier to reach. I'm not sure a 34 scale would be a good idea on the Mr Tee because of the short body shape. I also tried the bass standing up and I have to admit the body shape makes the bass and neck to stay horizontal (rock style). One more reason why I think a 34 scale would be uncomfortable to reach the first position.
Sound:
I'm a P-bass lover and it was sure from the start the neck position pickup would be a P-type. I listened to a lot of videos from Maruszczyk with different configurations and settled on the PC4-AL which for me sounded better than the large pole pieces model (too agressive for my taste). As for choosing Delano, I think they are a real bargain when ordering a Maruszczyk compared to USA-made products. Still, I was not expecting to like it THAT MUCH. This pickup might be the best P pickup I've ever tried. Traditionnal sounding but with better high-end and a more lively definition to the notes. This is the best surprise of this instrument and I might even put this pickup in some of my other basses if the impression I have in my studio also translates to live sound.
For the bridge pickup, I didn't wanted a J-pickup because they always sounds weak volume-wise compared to P-pickups. The MM+P was something I've always wanted to try. Ideally, I wanted the MM pickup placed directly next to the P pickup (further from the bridge) because I'm really not a fan of solo-bridge pickup sounds. They always sounds thin live. Basically, I wanted what Nordstrand did on the Dan Lutz signature model. Unfortunately Adrian refused this special request saying something like it doesn't really change the sound. I'm sorry but for my style of plaiyng, it does. If I ever order again, I'll hold my position and try to convince him.
Back to my bass, the Delano MC4-AL pickup sounds great too...very close to my Music Man Classic pickup: incredible notes definition and bark with present midrange. Totally MM. Complement the P pickup very well and I think this combination should be used more often among other builders. Between full P to full MM, there's a large range of sounds that can be obtained from blending the two.
I originally wanted a Sadowsky preamp in the bass but I had to ship it to Adrian and it was backordered everywhere. Also, I didn't think a 4 knobs preamp would look great on the Mr Tee body and control plate. I then decided to get a Sadowsky pedal preamp and keep the bass passive but with two tones; one for each pickup using stacked knobs. I really like this feature on a passive bass (I have this on my Lakland hollobody). You can for example go from a bright MM sound to a dark P sound at the flick of the pickup selector switch (which actually works, when the configurator said it would be a dummy switch).
Improvements:
I'm still having more fret buzz that I usually have with the bridge and neck action that I have setup. It might be a nut cut too deeply or a high-fret...I'm still investigating. I'm used to Sadowsky's which are known for their impeccable fretwork. I also think a string retainer past the nut could help put more pression on the strings so I might add one eventually.
General comments:
While I did the order mostly for fun knowing I have really good other basses, what I received is a pro bass IMO that I will use on gigs. It's well built, solid with quality components and weights 9.4 lbs which is in the range that I like (8.5 to 9.5). The instrument is comfortable, resonates well and the neck profile is very much to my liking. I was a bit afraid to receive something with a very thin neck profile and it's not the case. While not a baseball bat at all, I'd compare it to be closer to my MM Classic than anything else I have. I've always loved EBMM necks so that was a good surprise.
Let me know if you have questions and I hope my story offered a good read. Thanks again to @2ndBassGuitar for the help on this order.
Attachments
Congrats on getting your bass! It is quite spectacular looking.
I too used 2nd Bass Guitar when I ordered, and had a good experience. Did you get the basic gig bag? I did, and was surprised by the quality. I found my truss rod wrench in a little bag in the small headstock pocket of the gig bag. I had to reach in there and feel for it, because I couldn't feel it just by feeling the outside of the pocket. I'd recommend checking there, yours might be hiding the same way mine was. (I can't imagine they forgot to include it.)
1kinal
Supporting Member
- Jan 18, 2006
- 1,068
- 445
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: SIT strings
I had the little bag but it only included the bridge allen key and straplocks. No big deal and I’m glad to know they normally include one!
That's a really nice looking bass! I'm generally not that keen on sparkle finishes but along with the pickguard you chose is looks really sharp. Well done!
Playing around with the configurator again. 30" scale and just a pipe dream because I have a 30" Cazpar on order that should be just about 4-5 weeks away. Fun though, for sure.
1kinal
Supporting Member
- Jan 18, 2006
- 1,068
- 445
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: SIT strings
I think it makes a good PJ replacement. If I had to compare both, I'd say the PJ sounds mostly like a P with a little J flavor, while the PMM sounds more like a MM with a little P flavor. This is when you blend both equally (at least with the way my pickups height are presently set). The fun begins when you blend both the P and MM and back off the MM pickup just a touch. This gives IMO the best combo.
For now, I'm pretty happy with the way the two pickups complement each other. The MM has the notes definition and bark we are all used to while the P has the huge bottom and growl to fit in any track. Fun combination for sure!
Just got word that my bass is expected to ship this coming week.
Elwood-L 32", 5 string fretless with Walnut burl top, Aguilar pickups and pre.
I ordered in June...
I'll, of course, do a NBD post when it arrives.
Elwood-L 32", 5 string fretless with Walnut burl top, Aguilar pickups and pre.
I ordered in June...
I'll, of course, do a NBD post when it arrives.
Same - just got the confirm that Adrian has my bass, ordered in June.
Jazzus 5 with a P/MM, telecaster switching.
Jazzus 5 with a P/MM, telecaster switching.
I also received an email this morning that my 30" Silver Sparkle Elwood is finished and could be shipped this next week. Ordered July 28th. Guessing we will be getting couch pics within a few days. 
My lovely bass. Fun fact, the date of the build on the certificate (day when the bass is completed) is my birthday date. So, this bass and I share the same birthday! So cool.
Super light, it's a Jake chambered, 3 way switch, stack tone+volume, pickups are Kloppmann P and MEC single.
Quick audio sample, recording by phone mic, sorry. Amp is a BB800 completely flat through a PJB C4. Very transparent. Strings are TI Flats. Tone and Volume 100%.
Both pickups, MEC, Kloppmann:
Super light, it's a Jake chambered, 3 way switch, stack tone+volume, pickups are Kloppmann P and MEC single.
Quick audio sample, recording by phone mic, sorry. Amp is a BB800 completely flat through a PJB C4. Very transparent. Strings are TI Flats. Tone and Volume 100%.
Both pickups, MEC, Kloppmann:
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