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MTD USA Fretless basses?

#21
Kwesi said:
I disagree completely. Buying a fretless is no different than buy a fretted bass with the exception of lines, partial-lines, no lines, dots and other combinations of fingerboard markers or lack thereof.

Case in point, if you like a bass buy it :p.
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I'm wondering why you're adverse to the OP trying two of the best fretless basses built before he buys one.
 
#22
I suggest you go to the used section at Bass Northwest. You will Find just what you are looking for and then some, Owls Eye Koa shheeesh!!!!:hyper: Have nothing to do with Bass Nw by the way.
 
#25
I currently own three MTDs, two fretted and one fretless. I love them all and the fretless is awesome. The only thing I'd do different on the fretless now is get an unlined fingerboard. Also, I currently give most of my fretless time to my Rob Allen Mouse. Love it. Another interesting choice is the NS Design Omnibass. I have one of Ned's electric uprights and it has amazing tone. The omni plays in electric or upright position.
 
#26
kesslari said:
As I recall, either Vic or Tom Bowlus have or had a 6 string fretless MTD Marilyn. That was a real WOW of a bass.
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While both Vic and I have Marilyns (Vic's is currently for sale or sold, though), neither of us had fretless 6-string Marilyns. I think Joel Cataldo did, though.

The only fretless 6-string MTD I have played was Pete Skjold's personal bass, and that thing is a beauty!

Tom.
 
#27
As an owner of both MTD 535-24 and F Bass BNF5 I can say that they both awesome instruments. I also tried MTD 535 fretless which friend of mine used to have it and it really sounded great to me but you know it's personal taste.It's better to try before you buy an instrument but it's really rear to find an MTD Fretless but once again it really made me to think get one MTD fretless too :)
 
#28
osmarokuma said:
Well personally speaking. I know a handful of people that have a fretless F bass. I do know know anyone that has an mtd fretless...
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kesslari said:
The fretless F basses are sweet.
I am dongle over heels in love with Zon fretlesses, myself.

Mike Tobias builds basses that are second to none. If you have clear tonal goals, you can talk to Mike about what woods you want in your bass, and you'll be likely to get pretty darn close to your goals, and have an amazingly beautiful instrument to boot.

If you look on the MTD USA thread, you'll see a good number of fretless MTD's. As I recall, either Vic or Tom Bowlus have or had a 6 string fretless MTD Marilyn. That was a real WOW of a bass.
Here's one.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/...-marilyn-redwood-mahogany-maple-ebony-733870/
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Kwesi said:
Why would a fretless MTD feel any different than a fretted one unless there were some deliberate changes made to the bass? If you like the sound of your fretted MTD and would like a similar tone but in a fretless package why not try and find a fretless MTD with the same or similar specs?
Click to expand...

Here's one live:

https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=116211561469

Fast forward to 2:20...

Cheers,
Cameron
 
#30
MTD USA fretless utilizes a tradtional nut instead of a zero fret on a fretted. I'm sure it tames the sizzle that MTD's are known for.


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#31
Not trying to sound like a one-upsmanship post, just explaining my take:
I am lucky enough to own a modified SRF700 with an upgraded bridge, nut, Barto Mk4’s, etc.; a Warwick NT4 Jack Bruce model; an EBMM BFR 5 unlined and two Fender Tony Franklin models (one with custom Stonewall pickups). All unlined and all with a variety of fit, string /bridge widths, etc. Also have a few Dingwalls, Sadowsky, Steinberger L25, NS Design, Spector.
I am telling you this because every bass sounds and plays differently (even the “twin” TFs). I’ve known Mike through the years, have an MTD 435 fretless in the queue and know it will also be unique and of the highest quality.
The moral here:
At this level of craftsmanship (and investment) the bass knows how to play, its choice is you instead of you it. Whether 34 or 35 fretless is not really the issue, it is in your own precision and discipline.
 

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