First time MTD 535 owner

[McHack]

I guess by merely hanging out on this forum, you can generally find someone, or some retailer that just happens to have a couple on hand...

 

[DEVILMAN]

@nonsqtr,

How does it compare to your F-Bass?


~S~

 

[nonsqtr]

Ah, well, been using the 535 for this studio gig. I got it set up just in time. I had some problems dialing in the F bass, and didn't have time to futz with it this week, so I gave it to Gary at the Amp Shop and had them do it. It's coming back on Monday. The F bass is a great instrument too, and it also has an amazing sound in the studio. But I'm not using it this time. I'd originally intended to use the Roscoe for this gig, but Keith's doing some fretwork on it, and I'm not going to get that one back in time either. So that's kinda why I said I lucked out, I had to get "something" decent to use, and wanted a modern sound (and a versatile bass), but not something like an Alembic with that signature sound. So I just settled on this MTD, tried a few of 'em in the store and this one felt just about perfect from a playability standpoint, so it was a bit of a chance but it seems to have worked out just fine. It's doing everything I need it to do at the moment. Makes me really look forward to using it at a live gig. By the way, did I mention this bass slaps like a dream? It's the ash I think, that does it, that and the maple board. It's amazingly snappy. I can yank the hell out of the B string if I want to, or give it a subtle thump, and the clarity is there either way. I'd have to say this is definitely in the top ten basses I've ever played, in terms of playability and my ability to get exactly the sound I want and when I want it. It's very versatile, I can move from an aggressive slap thing to a walking jazz line to a growly fat bottom pretty seamlessly (and the "pretty" thing is more me than the bass, I have to get used to playing it some more, but at this point all the signs are that it's going to break in beautifully). I'm a happy camper!

 

[DEVILMAN]

nonsqtr,

Very cool! I wonder how the ash compares to a maple neck MTD? I'm guessing the ash is a lot more stiffer. I played a Fodera(AJ's Contra ash n/t) & that neck was like steel! Sounded good(Anthony didn't like it ???).

I've got a 635 with a maple neck/ebony board, & it always needs tweaking at least once a month ???. I was considering asking Mike if I could take a trip up to him & maybe try an ash neck on it soon(if he even has one)to see/hear if it may be better suited for me & help with all the truss rod issues. Other than that, the bass sounds amazing & is a dream to play.

"Tone quest" NEVER end! Especially around here...


~S~

 

[Ari]

nonsqtr,

I've got a 635 with a maple neck/ebony board, & it always needs tweaking at least once a month ???

I have talked with JP about this particular neck configuration, he told me it is the worst wood combo as far as stability goes.

I too have to regularly tweak the truss rod of my Sadowsky w/ maple neck & ebony board - that is because the ebony fingerboard is unfinished so it expands or shrinks depending on the weather - whereas the maple neck is finished so the neck moves a little bit.

I don't have to adjust it once a month hopefully but definitely more often than my other basses.

 

[DEVILMAN]

Ari,

It sounds logical but I have an older Ibanez with a wenge/bubinga neck/ebony board that never needed adjustments? Could it be a bad neck that's taxed by the ebony?


~S~

 

[Ari]

is the back of the neck of your ibanez finished also ? If it's not maybe it expands or shrinks along with the ebony. Otherwise I am not sure, I am no luthier

 

[DEVILMAN]

...unfinished.

Looks like I'm takin' a trip up north...


~S~

 

[rickreyn]

Bass Central is well stocked. Almost bought a "used" one once.