Franz Bassguitars Merak 5 Poplar Burl Premium

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Franz Bassguitars Merak 5 Poplar Burl Premium

Franz Bassguitars

Merak 5 Poplar Burl Premium

4.6 Expert Rating

Product Info

Article Number: 617508
Model: Merak 5 Poplar Burl Premium
Price: $4,068.90

* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.

The Merak 5 is a seriously refined instrument. The combination of the alder body, gorgeous poplar burl top, and Häussel pickup delivers a focused, powerful tone with surprising versatility thanks to the Glockenklang electronics. This bass is ideal for experienced players seeking a high-end, German-crafted instrument with a distinctive voice.

Product Description

  • Franz Bassguitars Merak 5 Poplar Burl Premium
  • 5-String Electric Bass
  • Body: European alder
  • Top: Premium poplar burl
  • Bolt-on neck: Maple
  • Fingerboard: European smoked eucalyptus
  • 5 mm Mother of Pearl Dot fingerboard inlays
  • Scale: 876 mm (34.5")
  • 22 frets
  • Pickup: Häussel Jazzbucker pickup in ebony case
  • 1 volume control
  • 1 blend control
  • Active / passive Glockenklang 2-band electronics with permanent tone diaphragm
  • 2 switches for humbucker / single coil changeover
  • ETS 3D bridge with strings through body
  • Schaller Light machine heads
  • Black hardware
  • Colour: Natural
  • Includes certificate and case
  • Made in Germany
PROS
  • • Poplar burl top adds stunning visual flair and resonance
  • • Häussel Jazzbucker delivers articulate, powerful, and warm tone
  • • Glockenklang electronics offer tonal flexibility with active/passive switching
  • • Through-body string design enhances sustain and resonance significantly
CONS
  • • Premium-priced, placing it out of reach for many players
  • • Limited tonal versatility compared to basses with more complex EQ
  • • Poplar burl can be susceptible to scratches and finish imperfections

Product Video

Key Features

Body Material European alder
Neck Material Maple
Fingerboard European smoked eucalyptus
Pickups Häussel Jazzbucker
Scale Length 876 mm (34.5 in)
Frets 22
Strings 5-string
Weight Approximately 4.5 - 5 kg (9.9 - 11 lbs)

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Frequently Asked Questions

It offers a clean, refined boost with a unique 'permanent tone diaphragm' – less aggressive than many active systems, adding warmth and clarity.
Poplar burl's natural grain patterns mean slight imperfections are common; it's best protected with a quality polish and careful handling to avoid scratches.
It’s lower output than many modern pickups, prioritizing articulation and a vintage-inspired warmth; expect a focused, punchy tone rather than a high-gain growl.

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