Marlin State Of The Art Series Bass 1980-1990 Metallic Red

This is a rare Marlin bass, and according to my research seems to be from their ‘State Of The Art’ series (probably 80s to early 90s). However I’ve only seen pictures of this bass (and matching guitar from the same production line) in black with red binding colour, but this one definitely follows the same body shape, just in a metallic red colour - even cooler in my eyes. I’m not sure there’s any of these for sale online at the moment, not in this colour at least.

It sat in a friend of mines loft for a decade or 2 and was then fixed and set up at a guitar shop who fitted a new 3 way pickup selector, output jack socket and 1 new volume pot. The tone is original and in tact, whilst the other volume pot is working but missing it’s knob - still functions just fine as the volume for neck pickup.

There is obviously some notable wear and tear to the body including a dent at the top of the fretboard on the E string side (see picture).

It feels solid and fun to play but doesn’t have rolled edges so the right arm can feel a little uncomfortable against the body in finger style. This bass really rocks with a pick though! I think the PJ pickup style works great for that - also the P bass pickup (neck pickup) is very hot and boomy despite only being a passive system, whilst the bridge pickup is honky and mid-driven. The rosewood used on the fretboard is of a seemingly high quality for this level of instrument (most likely due to a general higher standard of build quality in the 80s-90s for instruments of this price).

Local pickup from East London, Stratford is much preferred if possible. Send me a message to discuss possibly shipping it.

No case or bag included.

Any questions please ask!

Cheers!