Unleash Boutique Versatility with the Markbass MB Gloxy Kimandu 5 Black BK MP
Finding a 5-string electric bass that offers boutique-level ergonomics, premium electronics, and an extended low-end without a staggering price tag can feel like an impossible quest. The Markbass MB Gloxy Kimandu 5 Black BK MP shatters this barrier. Developed step-by-step in close collaboration with bass legend Richard Bona, this striking instrument applies Markbass’s "Glocalization" philosophy. It successfully merges high-end Italian design and strict quality controls with highly efficient global manufacturing, delivering a professional, value-packed 5-string powerhouse that never forces emerging talent or touring pros to settle for second best.
Signature Ninja Design Formed for Pure Player Comfort
Designing a visually striking instrument that remains completely functional requires true acoustic mastercraft. The Kimandu 5 features an ergonomic, sleek "Ninja" body design finished in a smooth, high-gloss black. Designed with the modern player in mind, the body features an optimized smooth back contour engineered specifically for bassists who practice or perform seated in the classical position. Combined with a deeply sculpted lower cutaway, players enjoy uninhibited, effortless access all the way up to the 24th fret, keeping complex solos and high-register chordal patterns fluid and comfortable.
Boutique Tonal Control with the MB Instrument Pre
While many budget-conscious active basses suffer from volume discrepancies, the Gloxy Kimandu 5 houses an elite electronic brain. It is equipped with the exact same 9V MB Instrument Pre found inside Markbass's highest-end, premium Italian instruments. This custom-engineered circuit is meticulously balanced to ensure that switching between Active and Passive modes results in an almost imperceptible change in volume. The intuitive layout includes individual Volume controls for each Markbass Soapbar pickup and a master Tone knob (functioning in both modes) that Richard Bona nicknames the "G Point" for its ability to smoothly sweep from pillow-soft vintage warmth to crisp, hifi brightness.
Lightning-Fast Playability and Low-B Authority
A 5-string bass is only as good as its neck stability and low-B performance. Built with a rock-solid hard maple neck and a selected maple fingerboard, this instrument yields a snappy, highly responsive transient attack and brilliant natural sustain. The classic 34-inch scale length provides optimal tension across all five lines, ensuring your low-B string stays tight, punchy, and fully integrated rather than flabby or muddy. With a comfortable 18mm string spacing at the bridge, it stands as the definitive layout for effortless slap techniques, swift fingerstyle grooves, and rapid pick attack styles.
Key Features at a Glance
- Richard Bona Collaboration: Step-by-step design architecture developed with one of the world's most iconic bass virtuosos for elite stage performance.
- Premium Onboard Preamp: Loaded with the flagship MB Instrument Pre for ultra-musical 3-band active EQ tweaking without clipping or signal distortion.
- Seamless Active/Passive Routing: Smart internal circuitry keeps your overall volume levels perfectly balanced when toggling active and passive modes.
- Boutique Ergonomics: Specialized Ninja body contouring and a deep cutaway provide total physical balance and unparalleled high-fret access.
- Premium Gig Bag Included: Ships standard with the ultra-protective, heavily padded MB Bass Bag Universal to safeguard your investment on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Gloxy series different from Markbass's high-end Italian handmade basses?
The Gloxy series maintains the exact same design blueprints, tonal philosophy, premium preamps, and rigorous quality assurance checks at the Italian headquarters as the premium tier, but utilizes a specialized global manufacturing process to offer these high-end features at a highly accessible price point.
How does the Master Tone control behave differently in Active versus Passive modes?
Unlike many active instruments where the tone knob is bypassed in passive mode, the Kimandu 5's passive tone control remains fully functional in both states. This allows you to roll off high-frequency bite for an old-school passive Motown vibe, or leave it wide open to let the active 3-band EQ sculpt a pristine, modern hifi slap tone.
Is the 18mm string spacing comfortable for players transitioning from a 4-string bass?
Yes. An 18mm spacing at the bridge is considered the ideal sweet spot for 5-string basses. It is slightly tighter than standard 4-string spacing (typically 19mm) to keep the neck width comfortable and fast, yet wide enough to allow clean, unhindered double-thumping and traditional slap-and-pop techniques.
