NAMM 2010 – Marleaux Consat Sopran and Consat Custom Basses
I had the pleasure of meeting with Gerald Marleaux and sampling his fine bass guitars that are steeped in a tradition of fine German craftsmanship. For the past decade or so Germany has been at the epicenter of bass sound and instrument and amp technology. Marleaux has been crafting hand made basses since 1990 and has individually finished over 1500 instruments.
The Consat Sopran is a stunning piece that at first glance can be mistaken as an artwork miniature. Gerald said that they made it for the ’09 NAMM show for a joke, but the joke was on him because it sounds so cool that everyone, including Victor Wooten and Steve Bailey, loves to play it. The super-short scale bass with a 57 cm (22.44″) scale features; 3 piece maple/wenge 6 point bolt-on neck, matching headstock, ebony fretboard with 24 frets, 57 cm scale, ergonomically shaped 2 piece body topped with exotic wood, wooden electronic cavity cover, passive single humbucker from Delan or Bartolini, ETS/Schaller hardware, strap-locks and matte finish.
This ain’t no toy. When you get past it’s visual beauty and luscious curves and start plucking the strings, it doesn’t take long to get hooked on the piano-like sound and easy playing. This is one fun bass. It has a surprisingly deep and resonant tone for its size. This definitely isn’t your first bass, but for the player who has everything, this would be a useful addition to the stable.
The other bass Gerald had me try is the Consat Custom short scale (30.5”). This bass played like butter with extreme tonal flexibility and lots of mojo. Marleaux is definitely on my “short” list of “gotta have” basses.
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taking guitar lessons, my guitar is not that great, it’s my first one. This is cool, but how much would something like this would set me back.
It would be nice to give me that info – so that I don’t have to go all over the place. My friend told me about your site.
thanks for the report. I did not have a chance to see this. pretty little – big sound
Hey Mike,
I was waiting to see if you can give me more pointers on this baut baby bass? How did it played?
I think they are around $2500. A little pricey. Not your first bass. The bass for the player who has it all.
It played surprisingly well. Was very easy fingering – duh – but big, big sound and very unique tone.
Cool looking small bass – how much?
Just starting out . . .
thanks mikesgig for the article. I would not have found it.