• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

MTD Hard to play..!?

FM Jump

FM Jump

Sep 8, 2013
39
9
Lexington
www.molinaart.com
#1
Is it me, but the MTD 5 is highly articulate and VERY unforgiving. I have mine set with low action, (from <1/16 to 3/32 for the B) and it is a BEAR to mute.

the slightest touch and the WHOLE thing starts sympathetic ringing!!! I have to mute 4 strings every time I strike a note and FORGET about slapping!

Is this normal???? Please offer suggestions.

FM Jump
 
#3
What Margus said. You can't man handle a bass with microscopic action. If you are going to beat it (kind of like I do) you gotta jack that bad boy up a little bit.

By the way, it looks like you just joined. Welcome to TalkBass!
 
#5
A full range, articulate instrument (meaning it ranges from the lowest lows to the highest highs) will, by definition, be a bit unforgiving.

Muting open strings, especially if slapping, on a five string can take a lot of work. Time to 'get ye to the woodshed':p View your MTD as 'uncovering a problem', not as 'being the problem':)

IMO, the best way to work on 5 string muting is to play slowly when practicing, listen, and adjust. Work on doing simple scales using thumb slaps, and listen for ringing of open strings. Fix, repeat, fix, repeat, fix, repeat!
 
#6
KJung said:
A full range, articulate instrument (meaning it ranges from the lowest lows to the highest highs) will, by definition, be a bit unforgiving.

Muting open strings, especially if slapping, on a five string can take a lot of work. Time to 'get ye to the woodshed':p View your MTD as 'uncovering a problem', not as 'being the problem':)

IMO, the best way to work on 5 string muting is to play slowly when practicing, listen, and adjust. Work on doing simple scales using thumb slaps, and listen for ringing of open strings. Fix, repeat, fix, repeat, fix, repeat!
Click to expand...

+1000
 
#8
Hey Thanks! Id like to join the MTD club but I dont know where it is. Glad to find you guys.
I suppose it is a normal MTD phenomenon then. I owned a 63 Fender Jazz fretless and I never had an issue like this. MTD is a good bass but requires a whole new type of playing with the active setup. Also the A string notes are slightly dull from 9 to 12. Any experience?
 
#9
FM Jump said:
Hey Thanks! Id like to join the MTD club but I dont know where it is. Glad to find you guys.
I suppose it is a normal MTD phenomenon then. I owned a 63 Fender Jazz fretless and I never had an issue like this. MTD is a good bass but requires a whole new type of playing with the active setup. Also the A string notes are slightly dull from 9 to 12. Any experience?
Click to expand...

What kind of MTD do you own? Specs? The dullness comes probably from the strings.
 
#10
FM Jump said:
Hey Thanks! Id like to join the MTD club but I dont know where it is. Glad to find you guys.
I suppose it is a normal MTD phenomenon then. I owned a 63 Fender Jazz fretless and I never had an issue like this. MTD is a good bass but requires a whole new type of playing with the active setup. Also the A string notes are slightly dull from 9 to 12. Any experience?
Click to expand...

To follow-up on the post above by DWbass, muting on a 5 string of any type is a WHOLE different level of complexity than a 4 string. So, what you are hearing is probably more due to you needing to relearn your muting technique in general, and the MTD's articulate voice totally laying that issue bare! You will get there.

Regarding your 'slightly dull' issue, every wooden neck instrument has its quirks (dead spots, slight uneven tone in some spots). Again, with the MTD being so full range, that instrument will also lay that a bit bare compared to some others. Usually, no probably to play around these little quirks. Also, might be at least partially due to room acoustics and amp voicing interaction. Listen for that in different rooms and at different volumes (and also acoustically). Might be much less of an issue than you think.
 
#12
Where is your plucking hand thumb most of the time? Anchored on the pickup? Or the string above the one you are playing (anchored on the B when plucking the E, anchored on the E when plucking the A, etc...)?
 
#13
I cannot upload a picture. Its a spalted maple top on Ash body, maple neck, Rosewood board, Hipshot Cloverleaf tuners, Bartolini soapbar and Jazz style PUPS, John East U-retro Preamp, Rosewood truss and electronics cover.
Thanks for the encouragement on everything. I now see that its not just MY bass that is different. Its my first active and my first 5. I LOVE the sound but its a whole new world of playing. I requires lots of work right now to play cleanly.
The MTD is really resonant and vibrant. Even acoustically it responds well with a light touch and plays so "guitar-like" in the upper register. The A string doesnt sing/vibrate as much as the d, and G strings do above the 12th, but that is not to say that it is off. Maybe its just a function of the thickness of the string or the relief.

I have VERY little relief- less than specs, (< Fender thin pick) and it plays evenly on most of the neck. DOes anyone else with an MTD find a slight sustain/tonal loss anywhere on the neck?
 
#15
Also try getting one of those gruv gear neck/fret wrap thingys. I don't use them but I hear a lot a cats use them for reasons as you explain.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back