• 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 Heir vs Artist vs Z 5 string fretless

A

Amirault

Oct 12, 2007
13
0
43
#1
Hey everyone I'm looking to get into fretless bass.I want to get something decent but not overly expensive.The top choices are either a Squier VM Fretless,MTD Heir/Artist/Z, Warwick Corvette or Lakland 5501.

Now I hear alot of good things about the Squier but compared to these basses I'm guessing it isn't really in the same league as the rest in overall quality,plus it isn't available as a 5 string.I know the Warwick would be a very nice bass but it would need to be used to fit my budget and I'd rather buy new.I know the Lakland 5501 is very popular here but how is the fretless version and is it available in Canada?I've yet to find it anywheres online.Finally how does the Heir,Artist and Z fretless basses compare to each other and what are the pros/cons of each bass?

The reason I'm leaning towards MTD is because I can get them through work at cost plus it is far less common.I'm thinking either the Heir or Artist since I don't have any MM type basses.I like the idea of the Heir being Ash with a maple top and having 2 pickups but I'd like to hear some comparisons.I can't try any of these basses so any info that would help would be great.
 
#2
I've tried the Artist/Heir/Z fretted but only the Artist series fretless, the Artist fretless is one of the best choices in the line IMO. Affordable and the humbucker provides a nice aggressive fretless tone that you can tame down.

The Laklands are nice too but the aggressiveness and response of the MTD Artist is what I've preferred.
 
#3
I have both a K5 (passive version of the Artist) and a Z, and I agree that the Artist would make for a great fretless, because the bridge pickup has nice, thick, dark and present mids that I'm sure will make the fretless sound sing.

The Z has a scooped sound that for my taste, might not be the ideal fretless sound. IMHO.
 
#4
It seems alot of people prefer the Artist over the Heir but I don't understand why this is so.Is the pickup placement of the MM style pickup slightly closer to the neck that important?I could see it being a bit warmer and balanced versus the Heir's MM pickup soloed but having 2 pickups seems to me will give you more tonal options and a warmer sound in the end with the neck pickup blended in,plus having an ash body and maple top over basswood would make a better sounding instrument.Also the price difference for me is less then 100 dollars.I forgot to mention this will mostly be played for a rock and metal but I do some Top40 in one band I play in.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back