I've been looking to get a MTD 535, but all the favorite wood combination I have found are all 635's. I really don't want to purchase 635 only to find out 6's are too much for me. Can anybody share some experience with 635's? I've read that 635's are easy to play, but I'm sure I will hate myself for buying a MTD just to resell....
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
MTD's... 535 or 635?
- Thread starter gvr4wd
- Start date
If string spacing is a consideration: 19mm for 535, and 18mm for 635
Personally I like the 535, even though the 635 is also is a great player.
Personally I like the 535, even though the 635 is also is a great player.
not the string spacing, but the width of the neck. I have small hand, but play 5's pretty comfortably. I'm just worried that 6's are too wide for me....
ptidwell
Commercial User
gvr4wd said:
I share your concern, however I recently played Jorg Schroeder's MTD 635 while checking out his cabs, and although I have small hands it flt very comfortable.
I have gone back and forth with the same concern, but since I feel comfortable on a 5 and like the 19mm spacing my first MTD will be a 535 the advantage for me is not that great at this point. My second MYD may be a different story.
For most of us, an MTD USA is a major investment. Some will say that if it doesn't work out then you can sell it and recoup most or all of your investment. That's probably true, but I personally would not take the chance... I'd remain patient and wait for the surer thing.
What are your favorite wood combinations? I play only fives, so I can't help you with number of strings. But I like this wood combo: buckeye burl on ash.gvr4wd said:
i love my 635 undeniably. i went head first into getting a 6 string, and i have yet to look back. 5 strings (with the exception of my sadowskies) seem almost stunted to me now. i dont have the biggest paws, but the 635 is very comfortable to play. just a matter of re-orienting your thinking around the board.
but it seems like you're set on a 535, so i'd wait. no sense in like you said, buying something only to sell it again.
but it seems like you're set on a 535, so i'd wait. no sense in like you said, buying something only to sell it again.
gvr4wd said:
The other thing is that you can order one. You might have to wait, but it will ensure that you get the wood combo that you really want
Mike
While you are certainly doing the right thing by asking for opinions, this is a question only you can answer. Deciding between getting a five or a six to most players is a major decision. There is a world of difference between a five string and a six. My advice would be to first decide which better suits your needs.gvr4wd said:
Regarding Mike's basses, his six string is probably the most natural and comfortable out there. The 18mm spacing and asym neck are very easy to get used to. If you ultimately decide on a six string I wouldn't hesitate for a second in recommending and MTD. Mike is a fantastic luthier and a wonderful guy. PM me if I can help.
I also have smaller hands, and I find Mike's 6's to feel "much like" his 5's due to the slightly narrower spacing. So as far as 6's go, it's one of the best out there for ergonomics. That shouldn't surprise you, noting the source of course.gvr4wd said:
However, I'd say the biggest thing is, can you acclimate to a 6 in general? I found it trivially easy to go from 4 to 5, but even after having two GREAT 6's, I sold them both. For some reason, I just couldn't get comfy on them without really dedicating myself to them, which I didn't want to do. Plus, I found myself avoiding the C string because of its absolute lack of booty compared to the same note higher up on the G string. Great for soloing, but if you're not a soloist/virtuoso, and if you don't do a bunch of chording, IMHO, a 6 is NOT the way to go.
My gut feeling is to suggest you stick with what you're most comfortable with... especially at the high end. Mike's basses are INCREDIBLE... I can't believe I'm even considering a THIRD, and I'm NOT rich!!!!
Joelc73 said:
If you're considering ordering a new one, give Joel a call. I have an MTD on order with him, and he's a great guy to work with.
I traded for a six string for the express purpose of seeing whether a 635 was right for me. I'll be keeping the sixer in the stable, but I went with a 535 as I don't foresee needing the C in most settings. I guess it comes down to whether you would use the C, and whether the increased neck size would slow you down. For me, I had to try one out before I could answer those questions.
+1, and as usual, just like here in this thread, he has great advice. Couple that with his direct and regular access to Mike's shop, and he's my "first call" MTD dealer.cptnhook said:
Main thing is, IMHO, you need to decide if a 6 is your thing BEFORE you invest in something like an MTD. This is kinda' what I was getting at, but didn't state as clearly as Joel did.
great points here.id say if you already play a 6 or have a strong desire to play a 6,the mtd is a great chioce.but a 6 isnt for everyone.for those that can express themselves the best with a 6-great.but i dont think id invest the money on one just because.my experience was the same as vic's.when i switched from a 4 to a 5 a had no problem and felt it enhanced my playing.but i had a friends 6 for a couple months and realized it wasnt my thing.
unfortunatly unless you can try them both before hand you may have to go on your gut only to sell it for the other.myself and many others i see in these fourms have had to do it until the right one comes along.even if you decide on one-there are no guarantees it will be the right one for you still.
unfortunatly unless you can try them both before hand you may have to go on your gut only to sell it for the other.myself and many others i see in these fourms have had to do it until the right one comes along.even if you decide on one-there are no guarantees it will be the right one for you still.
Ahhh. I'd love to try 635 out, but can't justify the cost.
My preference for a MTD would be natural finished body, matching headstock, wenge neck and board. It is hard to find even on 6's. I'd go with custom order process, but would die waiting for it.
I appreciate all the comments...
My preference for a MTD would be natural finished body, matching headstock, wenge neck and board. It is hard to find even on 6's. I'd go with custom order process, but would die waiting for it.
I appreciate all the comments...
