MTD strings & tension

I have a love/hate relationship with MTD strings. They are a bit ruff on my fingers, but the tension is ideal for me (for rounds). I love the tone out of the box, they are awesome. However, I find that with my personal chemistry, they lose that sizzle really quick. I get really annoyed with them after a couple of gigs. I've been stringing my MTD 535 with DR Fat Beams recently.

 

I settled on DR Highbeams a few years ago until I tried the MTD strings on my MTD 535. They are fantastic. I have not yet tried them on my other basses but I should. The B string rings out like a grand piano.

 

I love MTD strings. They are my favorite stainless set and are the definition of modern sound for me. Perfect tension also.

They should be more known...and the Low-B is incredible.

Can't wait to try the new MTD nickel sets coming out soon.

 

Serious 1+++ on MTD Steels! Looking forward to checking out those Nickels too!

 

Are the MTD stainless equal in coarseness to Rotos or Foderas?

 

I will attempt to answer the above question and pose a new one of my own. They don't feel rough, to me anyway. I'd say in between the Fodera Stainless and Roto's - the Roto's feel like sandpaper to me when I slide.

Where do you guys buy your MTD's? About the cheapest I've found them online is $35.99 - Juststrings doesn't carry them.

 

I actually like the Nickels quite a bit, but the steels are better for my likes.

Justin at the bassexchange in LA is great to work with and usually has MTD strings in stock. Typical prices for a 5 string set.

Yes the Low B is incredible!

 

dont like them at all. first thing to go on my MTD. I like DR Hi-Beams.

 

Yeah, everyone has personal preferences. I like DR High beams on my Fenders, and Sunbeams on Fretless

 

I have MTD nickels on my 535. I don't like the feel of the stainless, never have. I use R. Cocco stainless or Dean Markley SR 2000's.

 

I still prefer the sound/feel of MTD nickels on MTDs and really dig R. Cocco stainlesses on my pre-Gib Tobiases, but I haven't tried R.Cs on an MTD or the R.C nickels at all yet. In general, I'd say the R.Cs are a bit more smooth/rubbery and slightly lower tension than the MTDs, so really nice for a warmer/vintage sound.

Cheers,

EG

 

I just put a set of MTD SS rounds on my medium scale 32" (45,65,85,105)

The tension is perfect. The feel is spot on. And the tone is right where I want it.

I can get grunt and growl for days, and with a pick the E string does sound like a grand piano.

Long time fan of Rotos may have found a new string!