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About us

From his humble beginnings carving bass bodies using broken coke bottles (the only tool he had available), to his successful instrument factory in Brazil, to his time heading repairs for a large Japanese guitar factory, to his current custom USA made basses, Marco Cortes has developed a unique take on building guitars and basses that sound as incredible as they feel.

Listen to your fellow bass players

I have been playing Marco bass guitars since 2008. They will remain my primary bass guitar for many years to come. They have amazing tone, exotic/gorgeous woods used, high grade hardware and those wonderful pickups that only Marco can make. One of the things I like most about my Marco is when another bass player tries my guitar and hearing them say, “OHHH, AHHH, Wow, amazing guitar.” I had the opportunity to meet Marco Cortes a while back. He is one of the kindest, sweet and delightful guys I have ever met.

Chuck Zendner

I can’t put this thing down Marco! You are a genius. Seriously I stopped and played it twice on the way home and I haven’t done anything but play this bass in like three hours! This bass is consistently amazing! Thanks Marco!

Daniel Nathaniel

Everyone that has heard me play the bass has been really impressed with the sound. I must say it’s one of the best basses I’ve ever played. This bass has replaced all my others for studio and live work. I just wanted to say keep up the good work.

Robert Gifford

When I wanted a 6 string passive J bass with a great organic essence, of course I knew where to turn.I actually got more than what I asked for. I got a killer 6 string passive J bass(with Marco’s pickups) with the advantage of having a nice B and C string that sounded like it was actually part of the instrument. I can say with great confidence and high satisfaction that Marco did indeed deliver.

Jauqo III-X

I love the sound and the smoothness of my 5 string Fretgroove. Given the option to select either the neck or bridge pickup let’s me get the tones I want, and adds a new dimensions to playing death metal. Killer tone, signature body; Marco’s attention to detail is what makes his bass guitars so unique. This bass is sure to turn heads in the metal community.

Justin Sakogawa

Marco built the bass of my dreams for me. It looks killer, and sounds as awesome as it gets. I have it for more than two years now and the bass keeps surprising me and putting a smile on my face every time I play it. Marco is an amazing luthier and a great person, but more than that he listens to what his customers want and need, and is then able to deliver beyond all expectations.

Antonio Maña