MTDs – differences between 5-string models

[rapha]

Has anyone had the opportunity to play different MTD fiver models?
I'm in the market for a 5-er and was always intrigued by Michale's basses, but they seem to have a broad palette: from Z5; KZ5; KZX; Z5MP; AG5 to Super 5; Saratoga 5; Saratoga Deluxe; and the 535; – and I only played one of them.

What (besides the obvious configurations) are the biggest differences in sound and playability? Do they hold up to similar priced basses? Are they worth the boutique price vs. similar offers of big box brands like (for example) Ibanez Premiums, Musicman HH, G&L L2500, Spectos, Warwicks; Schecter Elite... but also, how do they hold up against against other brands like Maruszczy, NS-Design; Kiesel...?

Thank you for sharing your experience!

 

[foal30]

I have only played the one I have owned for 12 years

Grendel V

These were made in the Czech Republic late 1990’s. It’s difficult to describe just how good this instrument is

I can’t imagine how fantastic a proper USA must be.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

The Kingston AG-5, Super5, (China) and discontinued Beast and Grendel ( Czech ) and Artist 5 ( Korea) , I would highly recommend .
Top quality in build , electronics, hardware, sound, and playability .If you want that MTD feel and sound, these deliver.
MTD USA is top quality but you better do your homework on woods and electronics and know you like the feel of the necks. Those basses are not plug in and go like Fender style basses.
Regarding Warwick, Spector , MusicMan StingRay, and G&L L2500…..these basses all have their own signature sound which only they can deliver. If that’s what you want, MTD will be no substitute. You have to buy their products , either import or home grown to get their sound and feel. Sometime import won’t feel like home grown.

Ibanez has no signature sound, it’s more about small fast playing necks and SR body shape most of the time with them. You either love it or hate it. There are of course exceptions.

 

[rapha]

Thank you for sharing your experience and insights. Very helpful.

I think what I struggle with is the fact that I can’t go and try out all MTD options and all other contenders, which would be the best way to decide what’s right for me. It doesn’t help that currently supplies are delayed for almost everything and therefore most stores aren’t stocked so well with fivers these days. Even if I could try them all, since I’m not a pro and having 5-strings will be a new experience for me, I may not yet fully understand my preferences when it comes to playability.

As far as sound characteristics goes I’d expect that added string to fill out and dominate the low end without sacrificing cleanliness. It would make me happy if overall I could get a clean, farty, piano-like sound out of the instrument (something that some of the MMs seem to do pretty well) and I’d been even happier if that same axe would allow for dialing in a nice Jaco-like tone.

Yes, yes, I know, it’s not just the instrument. Most of all it’s the player, plus style, amplification, environment… have to be considered.
Still, I’ll have to decide, and at a certain price point buyers remorse would be painful for me. Just trying to prevent some of that.
Maybe longevity and resell values may need to be considered as well.

There! My head is spinning again now.

 

[Ricky Caboverde]

26549831[/URL], member: 229057"]Thank you for sharing your experience and insights. Very helpful.

I think what I struggle with is the fact that I can’t go and try out all MTD options and all other contenders, which would be the best way to decide what’s right for me. It doesn’t help that currently supplies are delayed for almost everything and therefore most stores aren’t stocked so well with fivers these days. Even if I could try them all, since I’m not a pro and having 5-strings will be a new experience for me, I may not yet fully understand my preferences when it comes to playability.

As far as sound characteristics goes I’d expect that added string to fill out and dominate the low end without sacrificing cleanliness. It would make me happy if overall I could get a clean, farty, piano-like sound out of the instrument (something that some of the MMs seem to do pretty well) and I’d been even happier if that same axe would allow for dialing in a nice Jaco-like tone.

Yes, yes, I know, it’s not just the instrument. Most of all it’s the player, plus style, amplification, environment… have to be considered.
Still, I’ll have to decide, and at a certain price point buyers remorse would be painful for me. Just trying to prevent some of that.
Maybe longevity and resell values may need to be considered as well.

There! My head is spinning again now.

If you have your heart set on an MTD but are unsure of what specs you want, my suggestion would be to wait for a good deal on a used one (regardless of specs). Try it out and get a feel for it and see what you like and what you’d change. Then trade it for another or sell and buy another. As you get familiar with MTDs you’ll gain a better understanding of your own personal preferences enough to have an informed decision when ordering a custom build from Mike. All his instruments are of consistently high fit and finish; the minor preferential tweaks are just icing on top.

Like @foal30, I have a Grendel (later model from early 2000s, one of the last batch actually assembled by Mike), and I chose to keep it over a +$4k bass I once owned (and really liked!). His US models must be something real special. I hope to try one some day.