MTD 535 vs F-Bass BN5

[pocketmonster]

Thanks for the kind words, Tom. I will not argue with your statements in anyway. You can - and I have - rocked out with both the BN5 and the 535. I did find I had to EQ the BN5 and treat her a little rough to get the sound I wanted, but it worked. The 535 is more aggressive and it was less work to get the right sound and punch through the mix, relative to the BN5.

I'll just clarify my above statement that if I were a guy playing hard rock or metal gigs all the time, there are other basses I would choose first. For example, I had a Bongo HH for a long time that was just Godzilla and could dominate any mix at will. It had a focus and power to the sound that I can't get out of either of these basses. I saw Dave LaRue play a Bongo (4 and 5) at a Satriani show, and it was fabulous in that type of mix. Now, I do not typically play that type of music, so I ended up selling the Bongo. The 535 and BN5 sound much prettier to my ear and work really well in my playing these days (wide variety of sounds and styles but not much really heavy stuff).

Finally, I do have an unusual 535 as I mentioned. I have played other 535s and believe that my bass is less suited for an aggressive mix than are most 535s. Mr. Tobias described my bass as very clear and open and somewhat more gentle on the low end compared to other basses he has built.

 

[Munjibunga]

There are a few threads on TB that are mainly photos of MTD basses. I swore off ever looking at those threads again because they are bad for my budget, marriage, and general well being. The variety of amazing tops, colors, and woods on MTD basses is a feast for the eyes. That they play well is in some ways a bonus.

Muah ha ha.

 

[pocketmonster]

Muah ha ha.

While I don't know you personally, I can tell that you are sick, evil, and twisted. I will have to leave this thread soon...

 

[Munjibunga]

While I don't know you personally, I can tell that you are sick, evil, and twisted. I will have to leave this thread soon...

Soooahhhh ... what's your point?

 

[Tom7]

Thanks for the kind words, Tom. I will not argue with your statements in anyway. You can - and I have - rocked out with both the BN5 and the 535. I did find I had to EQ the BN5 and treat her a little rough to get the sound I wanted, but it worked. The 535 is more aggressive and it was less work to get the right sound and punch through the mix, relative to the BN5.

I'll just clarify my above statement that if I were a guy playing hard rock or metal gigs all the time, there are other basses I would choose first. For example, I had a Bongo HH for a long time that was just Godzilla and could dominate any mix at will. It had a focus and power to the sound that I can't get out of either of these basses. I saw Dave LaRue play a Bongo (4 and 5) at a Satriani show, and it was fabulous in that type of mix. Now, I do not typically play that type of music, so I ended up selling the Bongo. The 535 and BN5 sound much prettier to my ear and work really well in my playing these days (wide variety of sounds and styles but not much really heavy stuff).

Finally, I do have an unusual 535 as I mentioned. I have played other 535s and believe that my bass is less suited for an aggressive mix than are most 535s. Mr. Tobias described my bass as very clear and open and somewhat more gentle on the low end compared to other basses he has built.

I said it already, but once again for the record, I thought that was a great summary as well.

But just as I took a MINOR exception with the characterization of BN5s as slightly less visually appealing, I guess I'd also say that they seem to do pretty well in rock as well.

Here is an interesting rock clip with a BN5.

Like you, however, I don't know that a BN5 or an MTD would be my FIRST choice for rock. Then again, Tom Hamilton, the bass player of Aerosmith makes an awfully good case for Fbasses as rock basses...

Invalid Link Removed


BTW, anyone know where the original poster went?

 

[rick1906]

Very good posts here. Thanks for all of the insight. I've spent the weekend listening to clips and searching talkbass to make an informed decision. It looks like I can't go wrong either way. Since I already have a 535, I already know about its feel and playability. MTD's are definitely fine instruments.

I bought my 535 based on some pics, email exchanges, and one phone call, but it turned out to be a good choice. Someone pointed it out already, but I think I'm going to try to find a dealer and play an F to see if its right for me. My only problem is that there are no dealers anywhere close to me that sells anything high-end, so I'm definitely taking a road trip soon.

 

[Tom7]

Very good posts here. Thanks for all of the insight. I've spent the weekend listening to clips and searching talkbass to make an informed decision. It looks like I can't go wrong either way. Since I already have a 535, I already know about its feel and playability. MTD's are definitely fine instruments.

I bought my 535 based on some pics, email exchanges, and one phone call, but it turned out to be a good choice. Someone pointed it out already, but I think I'm going to try to find a dealer and play an F to see if its right for me. My only problem is that there are no dealers anywhere close to me that sells anything high-end, so I'm definitely taking a road trip soon.

You should give Donovan at Fretspot.com a call before you start your road trip. He is fantastic to deal with and pretty creative; you two might figure something out.

 

[J. Crawford]

You should give Donovan at Fretspot.com a call before you start your road trip. He is fantastic to deal with and pretty creative; you two might figure something out.

I concur.

 

[puff father]

Muah ha ha.

 

[RoboChrist]

Very good posts here. Thanks for all of the insight. I've spent the weekend listening to clips and searching talkbass to make an informed decision. It looks like I can't go wrong either way. Since I already have a 535, I already know about its feel and playability. MTD's are definitely fine instruments.

I bought my 535 based on some pics, email exchanges, and one phone call, but it turned out to be a good choice. Someone pointed it out already, but I think I'm going to try to find a dealer and play an F to see if its right for me. My only problem is that there are no dealers anywhere close to me that sells anything high-end, so I'm definitely taking a road trip soon.

One thing you might want to consider when trying out the F is the string spacing at the nut. It's very compact, tighter than a j-bass even. The good thing is George will carve you a custom neck for a nominal fee if it's a problem. This is what I plan on doing.

 

[Tom7]

I concur.

I bought 3 Fbasses from other dealers (a BN5, a BN6, and an AC6) before I first dealt with Donovan. The other dealers were definitely good, but Donovan is the best. He did his best on price, which was pretty darn good, but he sure went above and beyond to make sure I was happy with my purchase.

I was looking for an alder and rosewood J style bass, and was considering the usual suspects: Alleva Copplo, Sadowsky, etc.

Even though I like Fbasses, I was very iffy at first about getting a VF5. At the time, they just weren't as well known, so Donovan made a youtube video for me. I've had guys play me basses over the phone so I could check out their tone, but I've never known a guy to do so much to assure me about a potential purchase as Donovan.

I ended up getting both an Alleva Coppolo AND a VF5 and am very happy with both.

So happy, that I now look to Donovan first whenever I am thinking of getting a new Fbass.

Forgive my photo posting here, but it is a free bump, and I'm just so excited! It arrives Wednesday:

 

[pocketmonster]

But just as I took a MINOR exception with the characterization of BN5s as slightly less visually appealing

I would be disappointed if you didn't take minor exception, being the champion of the F Bass club and all.

My eye never has and never will appreciate the "grain" look that is on so many F Basses and other vintage looking instruments. On the other hand, nearly every MTD I've seen makes my eye sparkle. It's obviously a personal thing, so please don't kick me out of the F Bass club.

Concerning the rock thing, I believe I am with a few others on the F Bass threads who think that a VF5 is possibly a first choice or at least higher than the BN5 on the hypothetical list.

Sounds like we have all helped meet the OP's needs, and that is obviously what counts. I couldn't resist posting here, having both basses side by side and understanding their relative strengths and characteristics.

BTW, I really like the nut width of the BN5. I find 1-1/2 too narrow, 1-7/8 too wide and 1-5/8 to 1-3/4 just right. Everyone should try basses of known width just to find the sweet spot.

 

[Tom7]

I would be disappointed if you didn't take minor exception, being the champion of the F Bass club and all.

[Laughing!] Thanks for understanding.

My eye never has and never will appreciate the "grain" look that is on so many F Basses and other vintage looking instruments. On the other hand, nearly every MTD I've seen makes my eye sparkle. It's obviously a personal thing, so please don't kick me out of the F Bass club.

I wouldn't think of it! The appeal of MTD is not lost on me at all. In fact, some time ago, a 535 that was actually 34 inches in scale came up for sale in the classifieds, and I gave that real serious thought. I love their clarity. Maybe someday.

Concerning the rock thing, I believe I am with a few others on the F Bass threads who think that a VF5 is possibly a first choice or at least higher than the BN5 on the hypothetical list.

Yeah, I would definitely agree with that too.

Sounds like we have all helped meet the OP's needs, and that is obviously what counts. I couldn't resist posting here, having both basses side by side and understanding their relative strengths and characteristics.

And consequently you provided us all with the best insights on the topic. Thanks!

BTW, I really like the nut width of the BN5. I find 1-1/2 too narrow, 1-7/8 too wide and 1-5/8 to 1-3/4 just right. Everyone should try basses of known width just to find the sweet spot.

+1

 

[rick1906]

Thanks. I prefer wide spacing at the bridge, and the spacing at the nut on my MTD feels right to me. Thanks for the heads up.

One thing you might want to consider when trying out the F is the string spacing at the nut. It's very compact, tighter than a j-bass even. The good thing is George will carve you a custom neck for a nominal fee if it's a problem. This is what I plan on doing.

 

[lindseyp]

Mike called me on the phone today. I was originally told by the pusher it would be ready around January. It's already polished and ready to ship. My first 535 is on its way. I had a weird grin on my face all afternoon.

 

[lindseyp]

... characterization of BN5s as slightly less visually appealing, I guess I'd also say that they seem to do pretty well in rock as well.

Here is an interesting rock clip with a BN5.
...

I got turned on to the Shakalabbits this weekend, due to another BN5 thread. That BN5 bass rocks through all of their concert videos, there's about a dozen of them on Youtube.

 

[Georges Abitbol]

I own 4 MTD 535 and 1 BN5. I love them both, all have already been said. I wish I had another BN5 with a slightly different wood combo.

Forgive my photo posting here, but it is a free bump, and I'm just so excited! It arrives Wednesday:

I'm sorry I'm too lazy to read all the Fbass club thread so... what's this?

A BNF6 fretted w/ piezzo?

 

[thndrstk6]

Yep!

Unless it has the body chambers then it's a heavily modded AC6 or an AC6/BNF6 hybrid.

 

[t0t0m]

Muah ha ha.

Those basses are really beautiful.
You have the nicest bass here man...
did you custom order the F bass?

But,what do you prefer more? the MTD or the F bass?

 

[Tom7]

I own 4 MTD 535 and 1 BN5. I love them both, all have already been said. I wish I had another BN5 with a slightly different wood combo.


I'm sorry I'm too lazy to read all the Fbass club thread so... what's this?

A BNF6 fretted w/ piezzo?

Yep!

Unless it has the body chambers then it's a heavily modded AC6 or an AC6/BNF6 hybrid.

Think a neck through AC6 with frets and two magnetic pickups... more specifically, it is a fretted AC6 with two magnetic pickups (AC6s come standard with one), piezos, acoustic chambers, neck through, 28 frets, redwood top, ebony finger board, 4 cup holders and side air bags.