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The Official MTD USA Thread
- Thread starter johnpaulbass
- Start date
So I've been doing some searching, but can't quite find a clear answer yet. I bought my 535 and it had super high action. I lowered it to where I like it, but it needs a little intonation work now. What's the special trick with intonating this bass? I can't figure out what the special intonation adjustments are... just that the process is somehow different from other basses. Any advice welcome.
You will need to get a tuner equipped with the Buzz Feiten Tuning System (Korg DT7 or Planet Waves) or a tuner that can do +/- 1 cent (Peterson, etc.)... Mike has a set-up sheet that shows you how to set the intonation.
I just got a 635-24 last week and need to do this myself as the strings it came with are still good at the moment but I will want to change them soon. And I know for sure that at least the B string saddle will need to move as the new strings I will use doesn't have a tapered B.
I just got a 635-24 last week and need to do this myself as the strings it came with are still good at the moment but I will want to change them soon. And I know for sure that at least the B string saddle will need to move as the new strings I will use doesn't have a tapered B.
Here are the instructions from Mike:
BFTS instructions
I use a Peterson VS-II or a regular strobe. The Korg DT7 has the offsets burned into the chip for intonation. But if you have a tuner that will adjust 1 cent up or down you can do the following:
When I string a bass or guitar with new strings, I usually stretch them for a bit before doing BFTS intonation ..play for about _ hour or put them on and leave them overnight. Make sure the neck is set like you want and that the action is also. Tune the bass to pitch using the tuner.
Match the
F string open at pitch against the F at the 12th fret 1 cent flat
C string open at pitch against the C at the 12th fret 1 cent flat
G string open at pitch against the G at the 12th fret 1 cent flat
D string open at pitch against the D at the 12th fret 1 cent flat
A string open at pitch against the A at the 12th fret 1 cent sharp
E string open at pitch against the B at the 7th fret 1 cent sharp
B string open at pitch against the F# at the 7th fret 1 cent sharp
If the note is sharp, that means the saddle is too close to the 12th fret, if it is flat then it is too far away.
I guess its time for MTD show off...
Nice basses man... I love both finishes but the quilt one is unbelievable!
Looks-wise I kinda wish my 635-24 has a Spalt or Quilt top instead of Bloodwood.
- Apr 3, 2003
- 35,515
- 19,941
- Disclosures
- Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
- Apr 3, 2003
- 35,515
- 19,941
- Disclosures
- Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
Well, I sold the tulipwood/myrtle/wenge/wenge 535 (3rd from the left) and I traded the primavera/redwood/wenge/wenge 535 (on the far left), but I picked up this ash/walnut/maple/maple 535 and I have a couple more MTD's in the works.
An admirable goal, for sure.
You Sir are a lucky man with thick pocket...
But seriously, those are killer MTDs...
Well, I sold the tulipwood/myrtle/wenge/wenge 535 (3rd from the left) and I traded the primavera/redwood/wenge/wenge 535 (on the far left), but I picked up this ash/walnut/maple/maple 535 and I have a couple more MTD's in the works.
I am so jealous..
- Apr 3, 2003
- 35,515
- 19,941
- Disclosures
- Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
Thank you! I am certainly a luckier man than I deserve to be (on many levels).
Your MTD is certainly a beauty! What a great burl, and an excellent finish to show it off!
Well, I sold the tulipwood/myrtle/wenge/wenge 535 (3rd from the left) and I traded the primavera/redwood/wenge/wenge 535 (on the far left), but I picked up this ash/walnut/maple/maple 535 and I have a couple more MTD's in the works.
Tom - with all due respect, you are an absolute basstard!
I love your collection.
Well guys, gas has struck again. Due to the crappy economy, I'm no longer able to buy new basses or custom built beauties, so I have to resort to the lazy Susan trade technique. Selling a bass buying another one with cash liquidated from selling. Now, I was lucky enough to hook up with Luis Vega. Yes the infamous guy who had a bad dealing with fellow Tb'r Miko Espanol. I had my reservation from proceeding with any dealing with this guy, but you know what, he's an up an up guy. Anyhow, he offered to send me his bass first. He said that once I check out his bass for the trade, I can ship my bass to him at my leisure? Now, would a crook offer such a deal. So I took it. I should have my bass tomorrow, which is an MTD 635-24, 2010 NAMM show bass. I'm totally stoked, and if you guys have a chance in dealing with Luis, don't hesitate. A real great guy. Thanks Luis!
I guess I'm out of the Sadowsky club for a bit, but I'm gassing for another one, maybe a Metro.
I traded this, my Sadowsky NYC Modern 5:
1607425[/ATTACH]"]
For this, MTD 635-24:
1607427[/ATTACH]"]
1607429[/ATTACH]"]
1607431[/ATTACH]"]
1607433[/ATTACH]"]
I guess I'm out of the Sadowsky club for a bit, but I'm gassing for another one, maybe a Metro.
I traded this, my Sadowsky NYC Modern 5:
1607425[/ATTACH]"]
For this, MTD 635-24:
1607427[/ATTACH]"]
1607429[/ATTACH]"]
1607431[/ATTACH]"]
1607433[/ATTACH]"]
Attachments
Sweet, Basscon! Mike really does select nice pieces of ash (not to mention a bunch of other wood types) for his basses. I definitely prefer the look of that 635 to the NYC (though I'm sure both sound amazing).
Congrats Roy, I'm happy for you... We gotta hook up so we can compare 635's!
