I use Dean Markly SR 2000 steels on mine. I do not like how they sound or feel, new. But they break in fairly quickly, and that when I really enjoy them. They lose some of the string noise, but still are bright but have good fundamental.
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The Official MTD USA Thread
- Thread starter johnpaulbass
- Start date
Does anyone know who makes MTD strings? I have a feeling it's Dean Markley but I can't remember for sure.
It's here 
Swooped it this morning from Gelb Music. This one took less than 4 months for Mr. Tobais to build but no signs of it being rushed...PERFECT IMO! Minor change from my original spec. 534 Light Northern Ash with Walnut Burl Top. Maple neck (was going to go w/Ash at first) Maple FB. All i have to say is WOW! Super glad i opted for a custom as the 34" for me really seals the deal in terms of comfort, feel etc. Wonderful MTD tone. Smoother all around than the ash neck I previously owned (a preference for me), deep lows, present mids and that undeniable articulate not to be confused with bright highs. Needless to say, I LOVE IT! Also dig the top. One of the more darker walnut tops i've seen, wicked! Haven't weighed it but definitely lighter than my old 9.5LBS ash necked one. Gonna record with it next Saturday so I better start shedding with this beast... Mike, Gelb's instrument photographer asked to take a few picks before I took her home. Enjoy & Happy Holidays my TBers. Long Live MTD's 
Swooped it this morning from Gelb Music. This one took less than 4 months for Mr. Tobais to build but no signs of it being rushed...PERFECT IMO! Minor change from my original spec. 534 Light Northern Ash with Walnut Burl Top. Maple neck (was going to go w/Ash at first) Maple FB. All i have to say is WOW! Super glad i opted for a custom as the 34" for me really seals the deal in terms of comfort, feel etc. Wonderful MTD tone. Smoother all around than the ash neck I previously owned (a preference for me), deep lows, present mids and that undeniable articulate not to be confused with bright highs. Needless to say, I LOVE IT! Also dig the top. One of the more darker walnut tops i've seen, wicked! Haven't weighed it but definitely lighter than my old 9.5LBS ash necked one. Gonna record with it next Saturday so I better start shedding with this beast... Mike, Gelb's instrument photographer asked to take a few picks before I took her home. Enjoy & Happy Holidays my TBers. Long Live MTD's Attachments
blen dem said:It's here
Wow! Looks very sexy, clean and elegant! I like it! Congratulations blen dem! Any chance we can see the back side?
Nice! I love the look of the walnut/maple combo and that's a lovely piece of walnut! Congratulations!
- Apr 3, 2003
- 35,515
- 19,942
- Disclosures
- Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
Ask and you shall receive! Sorry, not the best back shot... Thanks everyone for the kind words, completely loving it and can't put her down... Cool new little feature Mike added to the new batches that i forgot to mention. The side dot markers are special which can be activated by an included LED mini flash light. Simply flash the LED light to the side markers and it glows in the dark! May come in handy for them low light dark room club gigs I tend to get every now and then. Okie Dokie, back to practice
Attachments
Mike has been using Luminlay markers for at least the past couple of years. The good news is that, on most professionally lit stages, you won't need the charger - the lights themselves (when they're on) will charge the markers. They work surprisingly well!Ask and you shall receive! Sorry, not the best back shot... Thanks everyone for the kind words, completely loving it and can't put her down... Cool new little feature Mike added to the new batches that i forgot to mention. The side dot markers are special which can be activated by an included LED mini flash light. Simply flash the LED light to the side markers and it glows in the dark! May come in handy for them low light dark room club gigs I tend to get every now and then. Okie Dokie, back to practice
oops, my bad...my previous one was an 08' and it didn't have em, good to know! Really enjoying this bass, couldn't put it down last night and day dreaming about it right now here at work
I'm more of a .130 B string kinda guy but the .135 on these sound quite articulate. I also prefer nickels but these steels sound pretty darn good as well. I think 90% of it is Mike's magic touch although I'll likely go to a .130 B after this set. Quick question for you 534's owner's.... What strings are ya using and what guage on the B? Actually, lemme do a search...i have time, work is S L O W
Norm Stockton finally gets his own official model:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...5092832465.159888.327007952465&type=1&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...5092832465.159888.327007952465&type=1&theater
I should have this one in hand by the end of the day Friday. Just in time for services on Sunday.
MTD 535-24
Avadore body
Maple Burl top
Maple neck
Madagascar Rosewood board
MTD 535-24
Avadore body
Maple Burl top
Maple neck
Madagascar Rosewood board
- Apr 3, 2003
- 35,515
- 19,942
- Disclosures
- Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
I should have this one in hand by the end of the day Friday. Just in time for services on Sunday.
MTD 535-24
Avadore body
Maple Burl top
Maple neck
Madagascar Rosewood board
Another beauty! That is a really special maple top, and it goes so well with that rosewood board. Very, very nice!
I love maple burl and that's a great piece you have there! It took me a minute to figure out what was throwing me off with the bass visually - it's the position markers! Not a very common sight on MTDs. 
Nice MTD Tbone! Just in time for the Holidays, awesome...congrats & enjoy!
OT - completely enjoying the 534. Thanks again for all the "congrats"... I was actually petrified the B string would be floppy, muddy, un-articulate (if that's even a word LOL) on a 34" because the 35" was just flat out insane but should have never doubted Mr. T's work... This thang is earthshaking... Happy Holidays my MTDers!
OT - completely enjoying the 534. Thanks again for all the "congrats"... I was actually petrified the B string would be floppy, muddy, un-articulate (if that's even a word LOL) on a 34" because the 35" was just flat out insane but should have never doubted Mr. T's work... This thang is earthshaking... Happy Holidays my MTDers!
