Presented at NAMM 2026, the Marē 5 Masterbuilt is Belforti’s uncompromising vision of the modern five-string bass. In this live performance, Noe Berne explores the instrument in a real musical context, joined by Javier Santiago and Gene Coye at the Viscount booth.
Far from a controlled studio demo, this session highlights how the instrument responds under pressure — revealing its dynamic range, articulation and ability to sit naturally within a band mix.
Designed and built in France, the Marē 5 Masterbuilt pushes the boundaries of precision, tonal control and visual refinement, combining carefully selected tonewoods with a highly responsive electronic platform.
In a Real Musical Context
Unlike isolated demos, this performance places the instrument directly in a live ensemble setting. The Marē 5 maintains clarity and definition even in a dense mix, with each note retaining presence without overwhelming the arrangement.
The extended range of the five-string format is fully exploited here, delivering both depth and articulation across the spectrum.
Tone & Electronics
Equipped with Aguilar AJ5 HOT pickups and an OBP-3 preamp, the instrument offers a wide and controllable tonal palette.
The response is immediate and precise, allowing subtle variations in touch to translate directly into sound — from tight, controlled passages to more expressive phrasing.
Craftsmanship & Identity
The Marē 5 Masterbuilt represents the upper limit of Belforti’s approach: a fully built instrument where every specification is chosen for both musical and visual impact.
The tamo ash top, with its complex and organic figuring, reinforces this identity — not as decoration, but as part of a broader design coherence.
Artists & Context
Noe Berne’s playing, combined with Javier Santiago and Gene Coye, places the instrument in a contemporary musical landscape. The setting — NAMM — reinforces the positioning: not a workshop piece, but a stage-ready instrument built to perform.
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