MTD Kingston Artist 5

[lkngro]

What's the deal with these? Of course I'd like to know what they're like from people who have played them, but where are they made? Everyone knows about Michael Tobias's custom MTD basses, but what of these "Kingston" basses?

Thanks,
Luke

 

[Aspidites]

They are made in Korea and Indonesia IIRC, killer necks with mediocre electronics.

 

[humpy thumb]

+1.

 

[lkngro]

They are made in Korea and Indonesia IIRC, killer necks with mediocre electronics.

Electronics as in...pickups also? Speaking of which, what kind of pickups are in the Artist basses? I know the handmade MTDs use Barts, but does the same hold true for their Korean brethren?

Also, what about the wood choice for these? Mike's whole philosophy about bass guitars is for it to be an acoustic instrument first and foremost, so why did he choose basswood for these? Not a really expressive wood, IMO.

And I'm assuming "mediocre" for an $800 bass is better than my MIM P-bass.

Sorry for all the questions, I guess I'm a bit of an information junkie.

 

[alexofc69]

there are plenty of threads and info regarding MTD import models. I also noted recently that some of the MTD imports are being made in China. For the most part Korea.

http://www.mtdkingston.com/

read through this thread
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=368297&highlight=official+mtd

 

[alexofc69]

Electronics as in...pickups also? Speaking of which, what kind of pickups are in the Artist basses? I know the handmade MTDs use Barts, but does the same hold true for their Korean brethren?

Also, what about the wood choice for these? Mike's whole philosophy about bass guitars is for it to be an acoustic instrument first and foremost, so why did he choose basswood for these? Not a really expressive wood, IMO.

And I'm assuming "mediocre" for an $800 bass is better than my MIM P-bass.

Sorry for all the questions, I guess I'm a bit of an information junkie.

The artist basses use in house made pickups/electronics. They may be made by G & B. The only Korean brethren to have Bartolini electronics are the MTD KZX model. The old Saratoga did as well.
If you want to know why he chose basswood you can email Mike himself. Probably because its fairly cheap and has the tonal qualities he is looking for.

These basses are an incredible value. The electronics are mediocre as he had to choose cheap electronics to keep costs down. The KZ line is notorious for weak electronics. Most people upgrade them. Compared to an MIM P, these basses border on boutique. His philosophy with the import line is to make a version of his hand made basses affordable and accessible to more people.

 

[lkngro]

Alright, thanks a ton! I've always loved Mike's handmade basses, but I know that I'm certainly not going to be able to get my hands on one anytime soon, so these seem to be a viable alternative.

 

[alexofc69]

Its as close as your gonna get to a USA on a budget!