We have been dealers for Marleaux basses for years. This has allowed us to check the amazing quality of these 100% handmade basses time after time. Dozens of wonderful instruments prove that the German master is right.
The value for money is simply unbelievable, comparing to basses costing 2-3 times more. There's simply nothing in the market with this quality within this price range but we are perfectly conscious that not everyone can afford to spend 3-4,000 Euros on a new bass so we sat with Gerald Marleaux to see if it would be possible to build a more affordable Marleaux bass that didn't miss any of the essential features. It was not easy, but here's the result: the Marleaux Special Edition Doctorbass line of basses, made exclusively for us.
It was really important that none of these aspects would suffer any cut:
√ Wood selection
√ Hardware
√ Pickups
√ Electronics
√ Ergonomics and comfort
√ And of course, be 100% handmade by Gerald Marleaux himself at his shop in Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Germany
Well, we are happy to report that this Marleaux Special Edition Doctorbass series matches all of the above. By removing the top and matching headstock and keeping the options down to a minimum (4, 5, 6, fretted, fretless, just one colour) we have been able to release this amazing new line of basses.
There's absolutely no difference in weight, feel, playability, sound or dynamics compared to the Custom basses by Marleaux so if you don't need a fancy bass, custom specs (scale, dimensions, electronics), then the Marleaux Special Edition Doctorbass is for you.
This is the 5 string fretless (with lines) model. It is feather light, allows for an ultra low action and sounds amazing. Responsive, dynamic, clear and full bodied. Any technique you may think of this bass will deliver with ease. The low B is susprisingly loud and clear and this is a 34" scale bass so you don't have to stretch your hand at all. Gerald Marleaux chose hard rosewood for the fingerboard (same as on his Diva model) because it is almos as hard as ebony but sounds warmer. There's plenty of fretless growl and mwha factor here. It is addictive; once you start playing it there's no way you can stop.