mtd Z series, opinions needed asap

[pierreganseman]

Hello dudes

I'm looking into MTD z series bass, they seem to be a cheaper version of mtd basses with bartolinis pick ups and pre amp. I need opinions on quality, sound, etc... any experiences, etc...

Just looking for an all around bass, "straight forward" active 5 string...

cheers

 

[Aspidites]

Nice necks with very mediocre electronics, not worth the money IMO.

 

[pierreganseman]

mediocre bartolini's?? You must be thinking about the kingston series, wich are all korean made... from what i understood Z's are assembled in the usa... cheers

 

[Aspidites]

mediocre bartolini's?? You must be thinking about the kingston series, wich are all korean made... from what i understood Z's are assembled in the usa... cheers

The Z series (which are part of the Kingston line) are also made in Korea, they get setups in the US but none of the parts are assembled or made in the USA.

 

[PSPookie]

Nice necks with very mediocre electronics, not worth the money IMO.

I wouldn't pay new prices for one but they're not bad on the used market. Swap out the pups and pre (Nordstrands are a great fit) and you've got yourself a pretty serious axe.

Edit: If you're looking at the Amazon deals right now, less than $700 for a new Z isn't a bad deal at all.

 

[alexofc69]

Dude, do a search. There are tons of threads on the MTD Kingston series here.
I will sum it up.
Awesome basses! My favorite necks of all. As close as your going to get to a USA MTD on a budget. They are fairly priced, but used can be had for great prices.

The Kingston Z series downfall are the electronics. They seem to be weak. Everyone upgrades them as the bass is awesome.
The standard Z series does not have Bartolini electronics. The KZX does have custom made (for MTD) Bart pickups and preamp. Some people have converted the preamp from 9v to 18v and had great results.

I have a 2004 Korean Saratoga that I love, its a Jazz on steroids and a KZX Ltd. (#4) that is my absolute fav and close to a USA.

here is the Official MTD (non-USA made) thread. go through it and read.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=368297&highlight=official+mtd