This model is called Sputnik and it is one of Maruszczyk's original designs. Obviously this bass takes a bit from here and there but the end result is an original design with some great appointments.
As you can see in the pictures this is a Singlecut 5 string bass and one of the most striking features is the incredibly low weight of just 3.9kg.
The use of a set-in neck plus Singlecut design make for an instrument with a great sustain. The beautiful ebony fingerboard adds definition so you get the perfect blend of sustain and attack.
The neck sports 24 frets and there's unrestricted access up to the last one. Scale is 34" which coupled with a 45mm nut and 18mm spacing at the bridge create an incredibly comfortable feeling.
The use of individual bridges is a great idea to transmit more of the string's vibrations to the body and the angle at the break point also helps for quick string changes.
Following the German Tradition (Höfner, Framus, Marleaux, Sandberg, etc.) there's a zero fret. There are two main advantages for using this: first of all, open strings will sound the same as fingered ones. But most importantly, a zero fret means perfect string height at the nut. A poorly cut nut can either damp the string's vibration and even cause buzz if the grooves are too deep or it can make the nots up to the 5th fret (aprox)sound sharp if the strings sit too high on it as you have to press harder than needed to make the note ring.
Maruszczyk basses always use top notch electronics. In this case we get a set of Bassculture splittable humbuckers (model 48MB) with gorgeous ebony covers that match the fingerboard. These pickups sound great. Deep and clear and completely noise free. There's a Single-Series-Parallel switch for each pickup, making this a really versatile bass. We also love the new Maruszczyk Toneformer preamp which performs flawlessly and offers 3 bands of EQ with the added extra of letting you choose the Mid Frequency (473Hz/800HZ/1,8KHz). To top it all, the Treble Pot acts as a Passive Tone in that mode so you can also get that traditional treble cut that you'd find on a passive bass.
String to string balance is exceptional. The Low B is strong and clear, just the way it should be.
To sum up: a High End 5 string bass that is gorgeous, lightweight, versatile, powerful and has an amazing low price tag.
This bass comes with a quality padded gigbag, tools and documents.
Maruszczyk Sputnik L5a Kampfor top
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