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The Official MTD USA Thread

#4,121
I played my MTD 535 through Kuma9's Tec Amp 1000, which was connected to my UL410 S2, and my views of the tonal characteristics are consistent with Bowlus review in Bass Gear Magazine. In typical German fashion, it was hi-fi, of the highest quality, and controlled; not boomy in the bottom, nor brittle in the highs. I question whether a Rocker would like this head. It fits perfectly in the pop, R&B, Smooth Jazz genre. Interestingly, when I A/Bed it with my Mark BAss LMII, and had my back turned to both rigs, I picked the LMII. To my ears the LMII was more open. I also went to hear KUMA'9's band perform at a Showcase. He was playing his NordyJ5 through Berg 210, and he cut like a hot knife through butter. He had to cut through 2 horns, 3 vocalist, drummer, keys and guitar. I liked the bass and treble boost as well as the compressor. The Tec Amp 500 does not have these features. So the Tec Amp is worthy of serious consideration.
 
#4,122
Virgil said:
I played my MTD 535 through Kuma9's Tec Amp 1000, which was connected to my UL410 S2, and my views of the tonal characteristics are consistent with Bowlus review in Bass Gear Magazine. In typical German fashion, it was hi-fi, of the highest quality, and controlled; not boomy in the bottom, nor brittle in the highs. I question whether a Rocker would like this head. It fits perfectly in the pop, R&B, Smooth Jazz genre. Interestingly, when I A/Bed it with my Mark BAss LMII, and had my back turned to both rigs, I picked the LMII. To my ears the LMII was more open. I also went to hear KUMA'9's band perform at a Showcase. He was playing his NordyJ5 through Berg 210, and he cut like a hot knife through butter. He had to cut through 2 horns, 3 vocalist, dummer, keys and guitar. I liked the bass and treble boost as well as the compressor. The Tec Amp 500 does not have these features. So the Tec Amp is worthy of serious consideration.
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Yeah Virgil, tomorrow at the showcase I'll be using the same setup but with the MTD 535. I have a feeling that good things are about to happen!!
 
#4,123
#4,126
Tony G said:
So, any consensus on how the MTD Nickel strings are working out for people? I've always been an SS guy, but I'm really curious about how Nickel would work with my 635.
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I've had 'em on my 635 after having MTD steels on for a few months, I think they're awesome nickels, right up there with sad blues I think, great even sound across the strings, the C is superb. But I'm actually changing back to the steels today, not because of them not being good nickels, but I'm just a steel guy at heart.
 
#4,127
CliffD said:
I've had 'em on my 635 after having MTD steels on for a few months, I think they're awesome nickels, right up there with sad blues I think, great even sound across the strings, the C is superb. But I'm actually changing back to the steels today, not because of them not being good nickels, but I'm just a steel guy at heart.
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Cool, thanks for posting. I too usually love the zing of SS strings, but I think my tastes have changed over time and I'm finding my 635 to be too zingy these days. I'm looking to make the highs a bit less brittle sounding.
 
#4,128
Tony G said:
Cool, thanks for posting. I too usually love the zing of SS strings, but I think my tastes have changed over time and I'm finding my 635 to be too zingy these days. I'm looking to make the highs a bit less brittle sounding.
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I used DR sunbeams on my 535 and liked them. If I would have kept it I definitely would have tried MTD Nickels.

What rig are you using?
 
#4,133
Tony G said:
Has anyone tried DR Black Beauties on their MTD? I think I might have years ago, but am curious for a more recent review on them.
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My 435 had them on when I got it. I did not care for them and do not care for any of the coated strings that I have tried. Feel and tone were not for me. FWIW, I've been a DR SS High Beams user since they came out, although I have tried most of the DR line.
 
#4,134
Tony G said:
Has anyone tried DR Black Beauties on their MTD? I think I might have years ago, but am curious for a more recent review on them.
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I've tried them. They look kinda' cool, but after a while the coating starts to come off and even bind up in the windings, so for me, the benefit of the coating was strictly cosmetic. Functionally, it didn't do anything to extend the life of the string. I just use the uncoated SS strings now.
 
#4,135
BIGREDSIX said:
My 435 had them on when I got it. I did not care for them and do not care for any of the coated strings that I have tried. Feel and tone were not for me. FWIW, I've been a DR SS High Beams user since they came out, although I have tried most of the DR line.
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Interesting. I used to be DR Hi Beam guy myself, but my tastes have switched to Dunlop Stainless strings. If they made a six string set, I'd be trying them first, but unfortunately they don't as far as I know.
 
#4,136
Vic said:
I've tried them. They look kinda' cool, but after a while the coating starts to come off and even bind up in the windings, so for me, the benefit of the coating was strictly cosmetic. Functionally, it didn't do anything to extend the life of the string. I just use the uncoated SS strings now.
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I actually wasn't looking for them as a means to extend string life, but I more specifically remember them have a bit tamer treble bite to them than the regular Hi Beams (or MTD strings for that matter), which is what I'm looking for.
 
#4,137
Tony G said:
I actually wasn't looking for them as a means to extend string life, but I more specifically remember them have a bit tamer treble bite to them than the regular Hi Beams (or MTD strings for that matter), which is what I'm looking for.
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They will deliver on that front. They did seem just a bit mellower to me... tho not as much as nickels, so maybe they're a good solution for ya if that's what yer after.
 
#4,138
Hi,

I just jumped on board with an MTD 635: blueburst myrtle burl top, tulipwood body, maple neck and rosewood fingerboard. This is one of the most articulate basses I've ever heard! I'll get more pics later.

_MG_2459.jpg


The bass is still listed on Bass Central's website, although as sold. Mike Harrington of Detroit had it for a couple of months before I bought it last week. It was nice to actually be able to PLAY the bass before buying it.
 

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