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Mensinger PIKE 5a or MTD AG-5 ?

rapha

rapha

Sep 18, 2012
40
14
#1
I have the opportunity to buy both of these. Hard to decide!
Both are around the same price (over my budget but hey...), while the PIKE is new and the AG is used, and for the Pike it will be a bit more for shipping.

The AG seems like it's in good shape and still has the original specs, no upgrades.
They both are convincing to me in the looks department.
I've test driven some MTDs (not the AG though) and liked them – I may be able to test drive the AG, not sure yet.
I've never played a Mensinger (or a Marsuszczyk for that matter) and can't test drive it.

Are those two basses comparable in build quality, playability, balance and tone?
I would appreciate comments of some fellow talkbassers who played one or both.

Thank you!
 
#2
rapha said:
I have the opportunity to buy both of these. Hard to decide!
Both are around the same price (over my budget but hey...), while the PIKE is new and the AG is used, and for the Pike it will be a bit more for shipping.

The AG seems like it's in good shape and still has the original specs, no upgrades.
They both are convincing to me in the looks department.
I've test driven some MTDs (not the AG though) and liked them – I may be able to test drive the AG, not sure yet.
I've never played a Mensinger (or a Marsuszczyk for that matter) and can't test drive it.

Are those two basses comparable in build quality, playability, balance and tone?
I would appreciate comments of some fellow talkbassers who played one or both.

Thank you!
Click to expand...

This one?
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The AG is nice, but the quality of the Mensinger, for that little money? That's a no-brainer, if ya ask me. I was eyeing that one myself...go for it!
 
#3
songwriter21 said:
This one?
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The AG is nice, but the quality of the Mensinger, for that little money? That's a no-brainer, if ya ask me. I was eyeing that one myself...go for it!
Click to expand...

Thank you Songwriter21!
It's actually the red one I was considering, even sexier to me.
MENSINGER Pike 5a '2 Tone Red'

But you're right, compared, the price on the (new) Pike is very attractive indeed.
But are you saying the Pike is better in quality as well, or similar? Overall? What stands out to you besides the price?

How do the two compare?
What I found so far in terms of specs:
- Both their electronics seem proprietary – are the Domanskl pups and and Delano preamp comparable to the AG's Bartolini pups and amp?
- The AG has 19 mm vs the Pike with 17 mm string spacing – I'm new to 5-string (I guess 17 mm is tight?)
- The AG is 35" scale, the Pike 34"
- Is the "modern C" neck on the Pike comparable to the AG's neck (I hear MTD's have some of the best necks)
– They both differ a bit in their choices (and construction) of the woods
- The Pike is about half a kilo heavier

Hmmm... tricky!
 
#7
Thank you, Dr. Cheese. Very helpful.

I can research and somewhat compare the specs but I don't necessarily know what that means in terms of playability, woods and sound, build quality and such. Lack of experience I guess.

String spacing, well, I don't know yet but I'm confident that I can deal with whatever it is over time (if not too extreme one or the other way) but I'm assuming it also depends on the neck design/shape.

What some research tells me:
Long scale is better for the added low string (more tension) – is that correct?
Alder and Ash bodies are not hugely different, similar with Purpleheart vs Maple it seems (rosewood may be a bit warmer sounding?). But we all know, Google just tells us what we want to hear (pun intended).

If I'm not mistaken you're showing a Super 5 on your profile – another contender I looked into. Are you happy with it? How does that compare with the AG-5 (sounds, playability, build quality...)?

Does anyone know how the Domanskl pups and the Delano preamp compare to what's in an AG5 (or also in a Super 5 – yes, I know, different placement and probably bigger, exposed poles... but what does that besides of adding bite and volume)?

Thank you!
 
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#8
One thing to note about the Pike is that if you want one like the red one you posted, you would have to get it custom built. If that's the case, you could have it built with a 35" scale length and 19mm spacing. Regarding the difference in feel between 34"/17mm vs. 35"/19mm, do you have a music store near you that stocks Ibanez basses? Most Ibanez SRs are 34" scale and 16.5mm spacing, while most BTBs are 35" scale and 19mm spacing, so if you could try one of each, you'd get a good idea of the differences.
 
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#10
For now I ruled out the Pike. As much as I love the look (red version), it would most likely be over my budget to have it customized to 35” scale. Plus, I don’t have the opportunity to test drive the Domanski pups and Delano pre - and so far I haven’t gotten suggestions here on how they compare with other pups and pres.

Between the AG and the Super:
I wonder how far the rather metallic, high-treble rock sound of the Super can be tamed into a more subtle but still beefy tone without loosing girth and punch. The demos make it sound like some of the strings start rattling over the fretboard.
On the other end, can the AG be dialed into a punchy, MM HH piano-like prog tone.

I got in touch with Michael Tobias and he threw in the KZX as the best contender for what I’m looking for. Makes perfect sense with the Barts. But even when it comes up used it’s usually over my budget - and I have not yet been convinced of the (to my eyes more generic-looking) brownish-black color version that seems to be more common - but then again, the color shouldn’t be the main decision factor.

Dilemma!
 
#12
Dr. Cheese said:
The Mensinger is not common at all, especially in America. The basses are pretty much opposites in their dimensions. MTD’s tend to be extra long scale full size basses with wide fingerboards and asymmetrical neck profiles. All of the Mensingers I have seen are short or medium scale.
Click to expand...

The scale of the Mensingers depends on the model and / or the customer. The Pike is usually long scale, whereas e.g. the Cazpar is usually chosen as a short scale bass. Nevertheless, being a custom shop, Mensinger will build you almost anything. Afaik, 35 inch scale length will not have a significant effect on the price, if any.
 
#14
BassmanM said:
The scale of the Mensingers depends on the model and / or the customer. The Pike is usually long scale, whereas e.g. the Cazpar is usually chosen as a short scale bass. Nevertheless, being a custom shop, Mensinger will build you almost anything. Afaik, 35 inch scale length will not have a significant effect on the price, if any.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info on the Mensingers, BassmanM!
Custom probably means it'll be above my budget.
Just from looking at their website, I wasn't aware that Mensingers are entirely custom – and the Pike 5-ers are all listed as 34" scale there. Same with the ones that (rarely) come up used.
 
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#15
rapha said:
Thanks for the info on the Mensingers, BassmanM!
Custom probably means it'll be above my budget.
Just from looking at their website, I wasn't aware that Mensingers are entirely custom – and the Pike 5-ers are all listed as 34" scale there. Same with the ones that (rarely) come up used.
Click to expand...

Understood that you're on a budget. However, what you would be getting from Mensinger would certainly have an excellent price-performance-ratio and be more cost effective than basses from many other brands. Pricing of course also depends on how fancy you go on the specs. And you could go through one of the US dealers to save some cash.

Anyway, I encourage you to get exactly what you want. ;):thumbsup: I assume you have already studied the Mensinger / Maruszczyk thread here on tb?

The Official MARUSZCZYK CLUB!
 
#16
rapha said:
Thanks for the info on the Mensingers, BassmanM!
Custom probably means it'll be above my budget.
Just from looking at their website, I wasn't aware that Mensingers are entirely custom – and the Pike 5-ers are all listed as 34" scale there. Same with the ones that (rarely) come up used.
Click to expand...

Maruszczyk currently has two Pikes in stock at excellent prices, if you ask me.... And they will ship to the US.... :)

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#17
Had email exchange directly with Adrian as well as with Michael – which speaks to both their customer service. Where else can you get that?
Virtually/online they don't offer 35" but it sounds like they'd do it.

I virtually put together my dream Frankenstein Mensinger/Maruszczyk bass via Public Peace: I'm sure it would be an awesome instrument but of course way over my budget.
I'm afraid that, if I now start stripping it down to my budget, I most likely wouldn't get nearly what I'd get with a standard Pike or Kingston.
 
#18
Wasn't an easy decision.
Thanks everyone!

It came down to yet a different MTD, the Kingston Super 5. I got a good deal (used).
It seems to have the power and versatility I was looking for, plus the MTD features I like, and despite it not being an US MTD it looks pretty well built.
Some minor dings here and there, frets worn down a bit, broken/loose jack plug (replaced it), but other then that I didn't find any major issues so far.
I haven't had the chance to spend much time with it, but if no issues, I may bring it in for a proper setup soon.
I'll report back here with a more def verdict.

Meanwhile:
Any recommendations as for what kind of strings would bring out the best on the Super 5?
Ideally: good, clear intonation, plenty of punch, and well balanced gauge overall; fat, clean B-string, not too abrasive on fingers and frets, clear, crisp treble, well defined mids and a piano-like growl on the low end...
Long-scale of course, probably somewhere in the range of 45–128 gauge.
I'm reading good things about GHS Pressure-wounds, Dunlop Superbrights and Millers, TI Powerbass, DR Sunbeams, Elixir Nano, Roto 55, but I can't possibly try them all.
I'd appreciate suggestions, and sharing of opinions and experience.
Thank you!
Super5_1.jpg
 
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