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MTD Hard to play..!?

#64
MattZilla said:
This I can agree with. Hopefully your words keep this poor nice bass from being sold again for being too much hassle to use. Sorry for being snarky, I've been to a number of open jam nights over the years and recently where some guy get talked up by his buddy as "f-ing awesome" and either refuses to play or cramps up after one tune on a bass that nobody else has any trouble with, and have had bands cancel last minute or onstage because their bassist can only afford one good bass and breaks a string and can't/won't use somebody else's unless it is setup low (and "a new string will be brighter than the others"). Always a big wet towel. I've also had a lot of guys who would have sold/traded their nice basses (at a huge loss) for something that just happened to be set up to spec had I not just loosened up their neck. My boss hates it, but he's still selling strings and cables. I see these guys out onstage loving their basses at least once a month afterwards. "It's the bass I've always wanted!" I'm told every time.
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Just curious... why did you insert "[a smidge higher than where M. Tobias would have it]" into my post? That's not what I wrote.

And sometimes people simply don't want to play. They might not come right out and say it... kind of like how I tell some people I'm already booked when I don't want to work with them again.
:D

Lots of folks have no idea how much of a difference a setup can make. It's about having the bass the way YOU want it... period. I've had people pick up one of my basses and tell me the action's too low and it's unplayable. I don't come right out at laugh at them because that would be rude IRL. The fact is my basses are very playable for someone who can play them. So the issue isn't with the setup.

So as far as not being able to play another bass, that's typically the player, not the bass. I can't see attributing their issues with how the basses are set up. If they can't play a bass with "normal" action they're experiencing a physical issue on their end.

I agree that playing low action is quite enjoyable once you've learned how, I enjoy it greatly on non-basses where legato playing is more welcome in the mix, and used to use it on bass. It's fun. I agree that learning it will make you a better fretted string instrument player, though you will do well for yourself to maintain your chops on a regular bass at the same time. But it is like a lotus elise compared to the buick lesabre that is likely what you're used to. If I take the liberty to paraphrase what the majority here are telling you FM, it's "congrats on your awesome new bass, you won't be able to enjoy its awesomeness for a few weeks or months while you fight and battle with it and it breaks you down and makes you play it the way you set it up for, or put training wheels on it. So, put a leash on that bear and know that you really won't be able to bring it out in public for a while." That's absurd. You already know how to play bass, as made evident by this big buy. But, following the advice of the majority, for the near future, this not cheap thing will be little else than a learning tool. A waste of a wonderful instrument is what that is.
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I'm guessing you believe all of this. I don't. He already knows how to play bass, made evident by this purchase? Seriously?

People buy things they don't know how to use all of the time. I didn't really know how to play sixes when I bought my 635 even though I'd been playing bass for years. I do now. If I had actually given up, which it seems you're saying and not try to refine out the issues...
:hmm:
 
#66
I had to make the adjustment to anchor my thumb on the B-string when making the transition to 5-string as well. Now I employ an almost floating thumb technique where I will anchor on either the B or E-string (while also muting the B with the side of my thumb).

The nuances and sympathetic ring and unsympathetic-to-sloppy- technique was really "amplified" when I bought my first Dingwall. Everything is so alive! I really had to make sure I cleaned my playing up.

FM Jump said:
Thats right! Thank you for not making more of it!
Theres some presumption that I am in desperate need of help and might even sell my bass because of it. Im 49 years old and have been playing since 7. Ive played a 63 Fender Jazz fretless for 27 years. I just wanted to hear what you guys say about 5 string MTDs since its all new to me. Its challenging to mute the B string since Im used to anchoring on the pickup. That is all. I have always played with super low action and I love it that way no matter what anyone says. I setup my own basses and do complete fret jobs on them as well.


Thanks to most of you for your constructive help. I got some encouragement to know that everyone goes through an acclimation process with 5 string actives.
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#67
I already apologized for my conduct, unwanted opinions, observations and help- there is no need to continue to derail FM's support thread. If you truly wish to continue dialog on the ideas which I clearly stand behind enough to put them out here in the open, pm me, no sarcasm or venom, I really would like to have this dialog. Again, sorry FM, enjoy your new bass.
 
#68
MattZilla said:
I already apologized for my conduct, unwanted opinions, observations and help- there is no need to continue to derail FM's support thread. If you truly wish to continue dialog on the ideas which I clearly stand behind enough to put them out here in the open, pm me, no sarcasm or venom, I really would like to have this dialog. Again, sorry FM, enjoy your new bass.
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You took the time to respond to me so I did the same. Not sure why you consider it a derail. I think I've been pretty clear in my response to your ideas in the context of this thread... no need to pm about it.
 
#69
Ha! :) lots of passion here.

Anyhow. GOt some good encouragement. MTDs are beautiful but its still hard to play cleanly and fast. With my passive Fender, I could just pick it up and play teen town and never even think about muting. I cant even get close to playing it well on the MTD yet. It just picks up every bit of sloppy nuance cuz its soo articulate. Thats a GREAT thing, but Im back to playing REEEAL Slowly right now :)) THanx all. Ive been using it in a praise and worship band through the board in a HUGE room and it sounds SPECTACULAR!! Fortunately I dont have to play fast. Just roots :}
 
#70
FM Jump said:
Ha! :) lots of passion here.

Anyhow. GOt some good encouragement. MTDs are beautiful but its still hard to play cleanly and fast. With my passive Fender, I could just pick it up and play teen town and never even think about muting. I cant even get close to playing it well on the MTD yet. It just picks up every bit of sloppy nuance cuz its soo articulate. Thats a GREAT thing, but Im back to playing REEEAL Slowly right now :)) THanx all. Ive been using it in a praise and worship band through the board in a HUGE room and it sounds SPECTACULAR!! Fortunately I dont have to play fast. Just roots :}
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Give it some time. It's the nature of the beast!
 
#73
But just like, one of the other TBers. Stated which is what I did, I got hooked on the fret wrap band wagon. And been wrapped every since. And since I've fallen in love with my MTD, I had to get the ones with the MTD logo on them. MTD all the way.:hyper:
 
#74
Oh, I JUST ABSOLUTELY LOVE a bass that's a son-of-a-bitch to play, as far as being "unforgiving" with less than stellar technique. You know, the kind that absolutely MAGNIFIES your mistakes, when it comes to not being the cleanest player. How can I say it? It, uhh, keeps you on your toes, to say the least.:D
Basses like that have done nothing but MAKE ME a better player over the years.
 
#75
Well heres an update. The bass has grown on me and its simply amazing. I had to tweak the relief to MTD specs cuz I had it too flat causing fret clack. My action is at 1/16th at 12th fret for the g, 3/32 for the low b. Its good enough. Using BLue steels MLs gives me the most amazing tone! Fills the bottom with strength and clarity like Ive never heard before. Playing through a Mesa Boogie is just incredible! Has anyone tried the lights on an MTD? (40-100)??
Also, I tried a kingston (or something like that) at GC, and it felt and played sooo similar except for the lesser quality pups, bridge, tuners, pre amp. Does anyone else notice that??
 
#78
MTD's are definitely unforgiving on technique. I'd been a 5'er player for quite some time when I got my ex-535, but even then I had to really focus on keeping everything muted and getting the notes "more" perfect on pitch. It will make you work for sure. I really wish I still had mine, but for the gigs I was doing I didn't need it and didn't want to take it to bars and mess it up, so anyway. Their asymmetrical neck design is about as good as it gets to me. I'd love to get another some day.
Of all the ones I really regret selling, it's my Wal Mk1 4 and my 535 no doubt.
 
#80
ok. this might work.

I m thinkin about getting a high mass bridge. Not sure cuz it sounds amazing as it is. Blows away most basses I try. Its old. Looks like spalted maple over Ash. Barts and a finger ramp.
 

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