This is a USA made MTD seven string bass. It was originally built for Rhonda Smith (bassist for Prince),but I purchased it in 2001. The sound is really phenomenal, honestly the best sounding bass I’ve ever heard, but it’s a little too large for my small hands. I have kept it for years without much play time because it really does sound so phenomenal. It has this gorgeous punch with a velvety rasp that is just stunning by itself or in a mix. The body is made of poplar, the top wood is curly maple, and the neck and fingerboard are wenge. This is my favorite wood combo of all the MTD’s I’ve ever tried. Incredible punch and articulation, as well as a gorgeous tone. I had a thinner nut made, and I also installed a slightly narrower bridge. I am including the original nut and original bridge. This bass has been lovingly kept in a smoke free home studio, and has only been out on a few dozen gigs at most. The creative play possible on this bass is just unbelievable. I honestly can’t imagine a better sounding instrument, and have never heard one, but I need to face the fact that I’m just not playing it. The action is low and the bass is incredibly easy to play. The neck was carved ultra slim front to back for Rhonda and with the compound radius, it really just melts into your left hand. Amazingly playable for a seven string bass. 35” scale Custom electronics and pick ups from Bill Bartolini Controls are Volume/Blend/Bass/Mid/Treble The mids are selectable at 1000/500/250 Hz with a three way switch. Buzz Feiten tuning system for precise intonation Mother of pearl front position markers added by Mike Tobias 9.4 lbs (!) Very lightweight!!! It is also listed on Reverb.com Here is a video of it in action: old strings but still sounds great!
I played this bass when Michael brought it to NAMM (Jan. 2001). It made a big impression on me and it has stayed in my mind ever since. In fact, Victor Bailey was in the booth admiring it at the same time that I was. I would have walked away with it, but I had just received a 635 that I waited almost a year for. Another factoid about the bass: the purple tint in the finish was inspired by Rhonda's association with Prince in that period. It is by far the easiest playing 7-string I've ever come across, and it indeed sounded amazing. Some of the MTD's with wenge necks can be a bit unforgiving, but this one played like butter. Good luck with the sale, and whoever ends up with this beautiful bass will be very happy!
wow, that’s really amazing! Thank you for that story; that is so cool. You’re not making it easy for me to let it go. It really sounds just phenomenal. Truly the best sounding instrument I’ve ever heard. Those strings are years old and it still just sings… And really does play like butter. Wow, I am blown away that you met this bass 19 years ago!!!
19 years?? Ok, now I feel old(er). Yeah, in fact I think I actually had dreams about that bass at some point. If my m.o. hadn't veered away from 7-strings in the ensuing years I would jump on the sale, but.. we evolve and change, sometimes in the direction of using less strings ; ) Take care, and I hope you sell it to someone who will really appreciate it.
There's no way I could afford this bass right now, but I will tell you I watched the whole demo. You're right, it IS a monster bass, but the player is too!
17mm, vs 16mm and Thank you! it just sold on Reverb... please subscribe to my YouTube channel, DanRobbinsBass
Thanks man! That's a really fun song...And thanks for subscribing...I plan to put out a lot more instructional and performance videos. Peace...