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OLD MTD'S VS. NEW MTD'S

willrwilli

willrwilli

Jul 15, 2002
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#1
I have been seeing statements lately that lower numbered MTD's are more desirable than higher numbered ones. Does anyone know why people say this. I just picked up the 3rd one I have bought and of the 3 the highest serial number I had was MTD 535 #411 (I should have NEVER sold that bass). Is this just some kind of urban legend?
 
#4
willrwilli said:
I have been seeing statements lately that lower numbered MTD's are more desirable than higher numbered ones. Does anyone know why people say this. I just picked up the 3rd one I have bought and of the 3 the highest serial number I had was MTD 535 #411 (I should have NEVER sold that bass). Is this just some kind of urban legend?
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I've never heard that theory applied to MTD's. The only things that have changed over the years are slight differences. The very early models had different bridges, and the neck profiles were a bit more thin. He has also slightly tweaked the custom Bartolini electronics over the years. These changes are very slight, and there DEFINITELY hasn't been any decrease in quality over the years.
 
#5
vision said:
I've never heard that theory applied to MTD's. The only things that have changed over the years are slight differences. The very early models had different bridges, and the neck profiles were a bit more thin. He has also slightly tweaked the custom Bartolini electronics over the years. These changes are very slight, and there DEFINITELY hasn't been any decrease in quality over the years.
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Right, and if anything, I would think that a "latter" MTD has all the tweaks that Mr. Tobias has developed in his quest to make the perfect bass. I'd have no problem owning and playing a bass made yesterday by Mike, or one made 10 years ago.
 
#6
xgabriele said:
Right, and if anything, I would think that a "latter" MTD has all the tweaks that Mr. Tobias has developed in his quest to make the perfect bass. I'd have no problem owning and playing a bass made yesterday by Mike, or one made 10 years ago.
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I would agree. Of the 3 I have had they have all been flawless, and they always have that MTD tone. It is also a pleasure being seen with this bass to help advertise for Mike who is one of the finest gentlemen in the business.
 
#7
I own seven MTDs of varying vintages. The differences from bass to bass are just as significant (or, insignificant) as the changes from older to newer MTDs. Being a custom instrument, the necks and body carvings are actually slightly different on all of them. The changes in the pickups and preamp are audible, but no moreso than the differences that varying woods make. IME/IMHO, older and newer MTDs are equally fine instruments.

Now, as mentioned, with Tobiases, there is a major difference. The basses made by Mike and his crew (including the Burbank era basses made shortly after the buyout) are - again, IME/IMHO - far superior to the latter instruments. Michael Tobias is an essential element, here, in my opinion.

Tom.
 
#8
Never heard of that myth before. I have owned 5 MTDs from very early (#106) to very recent and if anything, fit and finish is better on the last ones.

Differences are minimal, on the earliest one, the neck was a bit thicker, headstock was smaller, and IIRC the preamp had a slightly different voicing.
 
#10
vision said:
I was wondering about that! I recently played a very early 535 (I think the serial # was below 100) and I thought the headstock looked really small...I just wrote it off as my eyes playing tricks on me.
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Here is #106

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and here is #764

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Also, tuners were Gotoh on the early ones and Mike later switched to Hipshot.
 
#13
This thread has turned out to be very informative. I did not know there was any difference in the headstocks. When I saw that I ran to look at mine to see which one I have, and it is the larger one. Would not have known that this time yesterday. I also thought I would show you what prompted this post. The one on the left is the one I just got. The one on the right is for sale on EBAY right now. I had it posted here, but learned I can't have it here and on EBAY at the same time. If it doesn't sell there I will re-post it here. Can't wait to get new knobs for my 5 string.
 

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#14
It's hard to tell in this photo, but the headstock on my 1995 NAMM bass (third from the right) is a tad smaller (don't be fooled by the 435's! :smug:):
MTDCollection.jpg


That bass also has a 1/16th of an inch narrower neck, which I believe is no longer an option.

Tom.

P.S. Wenge/wenge really is the shiz on an MTD, but maple/ebony is awfully darned nice as well! :D
 
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#15
tombowlus said:
It's hard to tell in this photo, but the headstock on my 1995 NAMM bass (third from the right) is a tad smaller (don't be fooled by the 435's! :smug:):
MTDCollection.jpg


That bass also has a 1/16th of an inch narrower neck, which I believe is no longer an option.

Tom.

P.S. Wenge/wenge really is the shiz on an MTD, but maple/ebony is awfully darned nice as well! :D
Click to expand...

Who do you get your wood knobs from? I usually go through Roger at THG knobs.
 
#17
I currently have this guy hold. I am doing everything I can to expedite picking it up. To me, Mike's work keeps getting getting better , if anything. The man is a true legend in the bass world and after having been a huge fan and user for many years,, it feels like coming home.
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#20
i had been wanting a 6. I had been wanting a Mike Tobias piece again especially after seeing him again at NAMM- this one turned up and it was over...my time is super precious for reasons you guys already know, so I am pulling out all stops to get this one, I am getting close to pulling it off. On a mission...
 
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