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That is interesting. I'll have to look into this on my older one. It doesn't have as many "miles" on it as the wenge/wenge bass I had for a while, but it has been played a lot, at least. Does raise an interesting question... I may have to ask Mike about neck finishes and if he does different stuff on different woods. I could see that being the case.
That would be my guess.
1 part camel spit, 2 parts swamp water, a dash of jalapeno juice, a pinch of black dirt topsoil, and one teardrop from the dude that just played your MTD and GAS'd so hard he cried.
The one thing I can recall from reading about it a long time ago is that yes, it's a VERY VERY hard wood... I think it's used in flooring!
1 part camel spit, 2 parts swamp water, a dash of jalapeno juice, a pinch of black dirt topsoil, and one teardrop from the dude that just played your MTD and GAS'd so hard he cried.
Seriously, I just wipe it down with damp cloth. If there's something on it that requires a little cleaning, I use regular old guitar spray polish or something. It's a pretty durable finish, so you could probably even use windex or some other multi-surface cleaner, but I'd double check with Mike on that. I've never needed anything that strong tho.
I've said it before, but this thing is ALIVE. You hit the strings and the whole bass responds. You feel it against you in the body and in your hand in the neck. Every note just sings. It's like the whole bass becomes the note you're playing. I'm in love... again. Also, it's amazing what a difference to me a pound makes. My other two ash body'd MTD's are 9.3-9.5 pounds, and this one is 8.4, and as I flopped the strap over my head and dropped it on my shoulders it just felt like the perfect weight for me. Absolutely NO neck dive... perfect balance. This is probably also part of why it's so easy to play... the bass hangs on me such that I don't need to guide or support the neck. I move my hand naturally, and it follows the neck in its normal free hanging position. Feels like an extension of me. This is what I look for in a bass.
Maiden voyage report...
Finally got an official gig with this bass in the dance band last night. I was using the MB F1/LMII rig with my S2 UL410. I also brought a couple other basses, as well, so I'd have some basis for differentiation.
I still need to do one more gig to really get a snapshot, next time with other MTDs, but here's the report from last night...
This is an amazing bass. I barely touched the EQ. It's got a cut and bite that is undeniable, but at the same time it's got a depth that fills space with a rich crystalline low end that's not muddy AT ALL. I can't believe how "balanced" the sound is from the lowest to highest strings. On some basses I find I have to dig in a bit more on the higher strings, or maybe a bit less on the lower strings. With this one, you just play the damn bass.
The playability is at least as good as any other bass I've ever played... including other MTDs. The fret level is dead perfect and the neck profile fits my hand incredibly comfortably. It's so effortless to play. I found myself gliding up and down the neck on runs with stoopid good ease.
I've been fortunate enough to have gone through some darn fine gear in recent years, and I've become HORRIBLY spoiled as a result. Hopefully that lends some weight and impact to when I say this bass blows me away despite my persnickety tastes.
I most sincerely hope everyone finds a bass that works as well for them as this one already is for me. When the instrument works this well, it integrates with you to the point that all you have to think about is the music. It's a genuine freedom.
Actually, I'm down to one Zon now, and as much as I'm generally moving away from the 17mm spacing that one still speaks to me a lot... plus, it holds extra meaning to me because it was part of a special deal I had with Adrian Garcia. Every time I play that bass I think of him.sweet...now, sell me your warrior or one of those crazy zons
That said, you know, it's not inconceivable I'd go through a gear thinning at some point that might raise some eyebrows, but at this time, at least those two are safe.
Nah, as a friend to you, I wouldn't burden you with a non-wenge neck'd model.Vic:
I'm sorry to hear that this bass is not going to work out for you. Fortunately, I am more than willing to take it off your hands for you.
No, no. No thanks necessary.
Actually, I'm down to one Zon now, and as much as I'm generally moving away from the 17mm spacing that one still speaks to me a lot... plus, it holds extra meaning to me because it was part of a special deal I had with Adrian Garcia. Every time I play that bass I think of him.
