Dr. Cheese said:
I was just think that most MTDs are bolt on neck basses with one piece necks but no one calls them "parts basses" like some refer to Sadowskys even though MTDs cost considerably more than most NYC Sadowskys. I think its because although MTDs are constructed basically like Fenders, they have that boutique look, so people overlook the less exotic aspects of their construction.
This is not meant to slam MTD, the ones I have played I loved, and they look gorgeous! Once again, if I had the money, I would love to buy one.
First of all, I thought the NYC Sadowskys were fairly close in price to an MTD (for the vast majority, using roughly comparable models), but setting that aside, I'm pretty sure the fact that they're both bolt-ons is hardly enough to realistically say they're comparable to the point of wondering why someone doesn't call them both "parts basses" just because they do one.
The thing is, you can build something relatively close to a Sadowsky using standard off the shelf parts from Warmoth... Nino Valenti proves this every day. The exceptions are the custom preamp and all the extensive finish work to jack the quality level up to heaven.
MTD, on the other hand, is a totally custom and unique body design, a reasonably unique neck design, and not only a custom preamp, but custom pickups as well. The only way to get ANY of those elex, is to get an MTD, and Mike spent a LOT of time working directly with Bartolini on those. Further, I believe Mike's bodies are still totally hand made, not cut from CNC machines. Finally, I REALLY think it's a pretty far stretch to say MTDs are "constructed basically like Fenders", again, just because of the bolt-on neck.
Does this mean MTD is "better" than Sadowsky? Well, as has been proven so many times here at TB with heated threads, that'd be a stupid thing to say, or even infer, because at this level, it's purely subjective. Purely... and Sadowsky has WELL proven their mettle many times over as a top quality bass.
However, and this is my main point, at least IMHO, it's extremely clear why nobody's ever accused Mike of making "parts basses".
P.S. "parts basses" really sounds bad, lotsa' negative baggage on that one, but I certainly don't intend to bash Sadowsky (or Lakland, or...) by using the term. Also, I do NOT infer that bodies cut from CNC machines are inferior in anyway. Just FYI.
Also, I know your post wasn't a slam. It's cool. This place is, and should be, all about sharing opinions.
Dude, how can you say that?! 
But you've seen mine already!
