I am thrilled to share the story of building a special bass for Mark King of Level 42. Mark King is one of the top ten bass players in my book, and working on this project was a true honor. The process involved many emails to ensure the bass met Mark's specifications, and it was a joy to create something for my hero.

In 2007, after only two years as a professional bass builder, this project represented the peak of my abilities at the time. The bass I crafted for Mark has incredible sustain and a bright, punchy sound that complements his percussive style. The two-band EQ, bass, treble, volume, and pan controls of the pickups were carefully designed to suit Mark's sound.

The bass features a unique S|S pickup construction, a 7-piece Maple/purpleheart neck thru design, and a 3-ply body with Quilt maple/Mahogany/Quilt maple Bookmatched finish. The craftsmanship and attention to detail resulted in exceptional sustain and tone.

Building this bass not only honored Mark King but also pushed me to new heights in my craft. It was a pivotal moment in my bass-making journey, and I realized my potential to create exceptional instruments. The memories of this project remain vivid in my mind, and I am grateful for the experience.

Meeting Mark and the rest of the band was a highlight, as they were all incredibly kind and down-to-earth. Their passion for music and genuine personalities made the experience unforgettable. I even got my bass backplate signed by Mark, a cherished memento from this incredible journey.

If you have the chance, I highly recommend seeing Level 42 live. Their energy on stage is unmatched, and they truly are something special. And if you don't recognize me in the photos, that's because I've shed 30 kg since then!

Check out Level 42's website at Level42.com for more information and upcoming tour dates. Don't miss the opportunity to experience their music live - it's an unforgettable experience!