FS/FT - MTD Kingston Artist 5 – Trans Blue - Ash Body

rexnarticus · #1 12-07-2008, 09:46 PM

Up for sale is a MTD Kingston Artist in translucent blue. This bass is unique in that it has an ash body instead of a basswood body found on current basses. When I ordered this bass, I was told that ash was no longer available – only basswood. However, once it showed up, it was sporting an ash body. With the ash body, maple fret board, and the MM pickup, this bass nails that typical Stingray grind but also incorporates the playability and modern tone that MTD’s are known for.

I originally purchased this bass with the intent of using it as a travel bass - that is, work travel and not gig travel. I wanted to take this bass with me to practice in the hotel rooms instead of bringing my much more expensive domestic MTD. After a couple of times traveling with it, I found that the effort of carrying an instrument through airport security was not worth it. Since then, this incredible instrument has been played minimally. Hey! It’s a great bass but I’ve got a MTD 535 hanging on the wall! With that said, it is in mint condition.

I would prefer an outright sale but will consider trades for a 4 string jazz type fretless + or - $$ depending on what you got to offer. Bass will be sold with a MTD labeled gig bag.

Now Asking $550 including shipping in the lower 48 - can accept PayPal!

Specifications for your reading pleasure:

- Right-handed fretted model
- 35" scale 5-string
- 24 medium jumbo frets
- Zero fret 1-3/4" wide, 5-string
- One-piece neck with satin polyester finish
- Maple fret board
- Carved Ash body
- MTD quick release bridge, 3/4" (19mm) spacing
- Double-action truss rod
- Four controls: volume with 3 band EQ
- MTD exposed pole alnico MM pickup
- Shielded electronics compartment
- Buzz Feiten Tuning System

rexnarticus · #2 12-07-2008, 09:50 PM

Couple more pics.

Dave Muscato · #3 12-08-2008, 03:15 AM

I frickin' *knew* mine was ash. I didn't know MTD ever made them in ash—I just saw the specs on all the websites that said basswood—but when I first got it and saw the grain, I thought, "There's no way this is basswood." That explains a lot...

If this is anything like mine, this is a killer instrument. I had planned to swap out the pickup & pre as soon as I got it, but decided it wasn't necessary when I tried it out at a few gigs first. The asymmetrical neck contour is very ergonomic, and the instrument is overall very responsive—I don't know if that's because of the hot pickup, or the ash body, or just the design of the instrument—but you can coax a very wide range of tones from this bass, on top of the fact that it has a 3-band active EQ. I routinely use mine for funk/slap and rock gigs as well as church gigs. The zero fret & stock Buzz Feiten tuning system make for great intonation & consistent tone up & down the neck.

My only complaint with this instrument is that it's prone to neck-dive. The heel is designed to be very accessible to the upper frets, meaning that the neck doesn't meet the body until the 20th fret on the bass side and the 24th fret on the treble side. This makes for great access, but I do have problems playing it standing up from time to time.

I should mention that I came to bass from classical guitar, so my technique is unusual. I tilt the bass way up toward the ceiling, at about a 60 degree angle, keep my strap fairly low, and I prefer Levy's M7GP nylon-backed straps, which unfortunately don't offer much in the way of keeping the instrument still against your body. The upper strap horn extends to the 14th fret or so, and for most people, you probably will not have a problem with neck dive... I just have weird technique, and *every* bass dives for me except my 14+ pound Variax

I could probably solve this by swapping the tuners for Hipshot Ultralites and perhaps a higher mass bridge... I'll get around to it one of these days.

Bottom line, this is my #1 bass for playing live. Mine is exactly the same as pictured, except with a red finish, and a rosewood board. I've owned Modulus, US Spector, US Fender, etc... These basses are highly recommended.

Rex, did you ever figure out a solution for a travel bass? You might try a Hohner headless bass. They make a 5er that's about the same price as this one, 24 frets but 34" scale instead of 35, and the whole instrument is only a few inches longer than the scale length.

rexnarticus · #4 12-08-2008, 08:07 AM

My strap of choice is a Levy's PM32. I've found that this particular strap has the perfect combination of grip & slide. The amount of grip prevents any neck diving; however, it does slide enough so that your shirt doesn't bunch up on your shoulder.

Pretty much gave up on traveling with a bass... however, if I'm able to trade for a fretless jazz or buy one after this sells, I'll probably use it for traveling. My other basses are too expensive to risk.

BuffaloBass · #5 12-08-2008, 12:13 PM

I love my Kingston! Bought it, as here, for a backup and I cant keep my hands off it! Unlike mine this one has a good pickup/pre.

BUMP for an excellent playing bass!!!

rexnarticus · #6 12-08-2008, 08:22 PM

I agree... they are very cool basses!

rexnarticus · #7 12-09-2008, 07:03 PM

Lot of views... any offers?

rockstarbassist · #8 12-11-2008, 10:18 AM

I have an American Deluxe P-bass I'd swap ya plus some cash on your end?
I'll be in Temple and Austin this weekend too, actually.

I need a good gigging 5'er. I had one of these not too long ago in the J/MM setup, but had just quit my bands, and wasn't planning on gigging, but now I am (of course!) and need something a little more edgy than my 535 for metal.

I've got a thread up if you wanna check it out.

rexnarticus · #9 12-12-2008, 10:08 AM

rockstarbassist · #10 12-12-2008, 10:13 AM

Pm'd back.

I'll give you a holler if I plan on swinging by! I'll be back in or around town next weekend also (20th) so if not tomorrow, more than likely next weekend.

rexnarticus · #11 12-15-2008, 10:37 PM

Late Monday night bump.

rexnarticus · #12 12-23-2008, 09:04 AM

Any more offers?

rockstarbassist · #13 12-23-2008, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rexnarticus

Any more offers?

If I get this gig after next Monday's audition I should be down for this one.

rexnarticus · #14 12-23-2008, 09:56 AM

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you - hope you have a good audition!

rockstarbassist · #15 12-23-2008, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rexnarticus

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you - hope you have a good audition!

I'm practicing, trust me!

rexnarticus · #16 12-28-2008, 08:02 PM

Hey RockStar... give me a shout after you land that gig tomorrow!

rexnarticus · #17 12-31-2008, 09:12 AM

How did it go Rockstar?

rockstarbassist · #18 12-31-2008, 09:33 AM

Great and I nailed the gig!
I'm trying to decide though if a 4 banger will be the best fit, as most of the stuff they're doing doesn't require a 5-er, but I'm still way interested!

rexnarticus · #19 12-31-2008, 10:57 PM

Can't blame you there... I don't carry a 5 or 6 string unless I need the extra range. If you're making a trip to Austin in the next few days, stop by and check it out. Just changed out the strings and tweaked the action.... nice and low now. You can also check out my Accugroove Bill Dickens cab.

rockstarbassist · #20 01-02-2009, 08:26 AM

I'm coming to help my brother move (tentatively) this next weekend (not tomorrow) so I'll let you know if for sure I'm coming and if it's still available.