MAYONES Federico Malaman Jabba Mala 5

Our pal Federico Malaman has a new signature bass out, courtesy of Mayones. Mike ‘The Hutt’ Brooks delivers a fully-featured assessment

Signor Malaman’s phenomenal bass skills have always been celebrated in these pages, and it comes as no surprise to see a signature instrument from Mayones sporting his name. This bass takes the brand’s Jabba template and embellishes upon it, but does it justify its substantial pricetag? Let’s take a look...

Build Quality

One look at the Mala 5 reveals that this is based on a Jazz bass format, but of course, it has much to offer besides that basic design. With a great lower cutaway, contouring to the front and rear and a recessed, sculpted six-bolt neck joint, player comfort is paramount. There is a significant headstock bias but this is fixed once the Mala 5 is placed on a strap, and with a swamp ash body core and eye poplar top, it’s hardly a back-breaking bass.