This is a cool inside look at one of the world’s greatest bass luthier shops. It gives me a better idea of why basses cost what they cost.
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Lobster visits MTD
- Thread starter Dr. Cheese
- Start date
This is a cool inside look at one of the world’s greatest bass luthier shops. It gives me a better idea of why basses cost what they cost.
songwriter21
I have an obsession for wood. The musical kind.
Aside from a Warrior, one of Mike's Saratogas was the EASIEST playing bass ever...almost played itself...wickedly low and BUZZ-FREE action.
Can't wait for Lobster's review of the basses. I'd love an MTD USA but never could decide which model, and of course never had the funds at the time.. 
L
L
Great Luthier, I have 2 of his creations.
Thanks Cheese
Thanks Cheese
I owned a us super5 and currently own a 535. I prefer the 535 and it was well worth the money. Mike was super great to work with. It took about 1 year and 3 months to get my bass. Knowing now how great the custom order outcome is I would gladly wait 3 years.
While I was waiting I watched a ton of YouTube videos.
While I was waiting I watched a ton of YouTube videos.
There was a time when I was considering having one built. Maybe someday. That recent purple one for sale in the classifieds really blew me away with its beautiful looks.
SOLD - Like new MTD 535-24, 25th anniversary NAMM, VIOLET
I’ve owned 4 imports. All were excellent quality . I just can’t do 35 scale .
SOLD - Like new MTD 535-24, 25th anniversary NAMM, VIOLET
I’ve owned 4 imports. All were excellent quality . I just can’t do 35 scale .
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If they did a 532-24 I would seriously consider it. There is the Lyn Keller model but that's super tight spacing.
Go Lobster!! Good stuff, Doc. Thanks for sharing.
Lots of great nuggets in there. Michael and Daniel are good guys. And I can always watch Michael apply pigment to make a sunburst finish... just fascinating.
+1 on the thanks for posting, Doc! Nice video, Lobsta!
+1 on the thanks for posting, Doc! Nice video, Lobsta!
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Mike Tobias is such a cool guy . I had a Z-5 years ago that had a bad pickup . I bought the bass used and let him know . I think I emailed him on a Saturday and expected a reply Monday or Tuesday at the soonest . He replied on Sunday and said to send the bass to them and they would put a new pickup in it and do a full setup for me ! That is an awesome reply to someone who had bought one of his import basses used . I told him how grateful I was but I just needed the pickup . He said send the bad pickup to them and they would send me a new pickup and they did . Can't get much better than that !
My most enjoyable bass purchasing experiences have been with MTD, hands down. Mike, Dan and Charlie are the best.
Cool video. Makes me want a Super 5 just a bit more, but no idea what i would need it for...
I really appreciate that Lobster is touring some builders shops. He puts out good bass related content.
I really appreciate that Lobster is touring some builders shops. He puts out good bass related content.
Amazing what can come out of tiny shop like that. Thanks the tour, Im a shop geek, always fascinated seeing how Pros work.
Smooth_bass88
vaxx!
- Oct 31, 2006
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Dang, if I ever get the chance one day I would like to ask him 2 questions ...why do you no longer build neck through basses , or use multi laminate necks anymore?
I bet it had to do with his non- compete clause in his contract after he sold Tobias to Gibson. A single piece, bolt-on neck would not be confused with a Tobias bass. That said, I actually think I once saw a neck through 535, but I can say for certain I did.
