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The Official MTD USA Thread

#7,841
So, got a chance to really take the Saratoga out a couple of times this week and run it through it's paces. I just have to say,"wow!" It plays like no other bass I have ever owned. But, the tone is just awesome. Very snappy and bright but still has a lot of growly low end. And it is just a slap monster!

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#7,846
bass12 said:
My impression is that it's more than that but they certainly aren't very common. I think Mike was a bit reluctant to cross over into more Jazz bass territory but certain people (Norm Stockton amongst them) were requesting it.
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The Saratoga may be the classic sleeper bass. I like the fact Mike did his own thing with the design. It would be nice if he used, to my eyes at least, a better looking vintage style bridge. There's plenty to choose from in the marketplace. Gotoh comes to mind.
 
#7,847
Spent a few hours at the MTD Shop today having my "new to me" 535-24 getting a good once over for a clean bill of health!!!

Mike oiled my wenge fretboard, buffed my frets, new strings and a set up...also many little touches...a new hard shell case and strap and I was good to go!!!

Absolutely plays like a dream!!!!


And I'd like to extend my most sincere gratitude to Mike and Charlie for making me feel like a long time family member!!!!


I will be adding AT LEAST another MTD to my stable :-)
 
#7,848
CTC564 said:
Spent a few hours at the MTD Shop today having my "new to me" 535-24 getting a good once over for a clean bill of health!!!

Mike oiled my wenge fretboard, buffed my frets, new strings and a set up...also many little touches...a new hard shell case and strap and I was good to go!!!

Absolutely plays like a dream!!!!


And I'd like to extend my most sincere gratitude to Mike and Charlie for making me feel like a long time family member!!!!


I will be adding AT LEAST another MTD to my stable :-)
Click to expand...

Mike and Charlie are real down-to-earth guys, aren't they? The last time I visited the shop I took my girlfriend along. Mike, Charlie and Daniel talked to her about various wood types and started pulling out examples to show her (and me). It was really pleasant and, as always, informative. And that area is just beautiful.
 
#7,849
Mike and Charley are two of the nicest people you will ever meet. They make you feel special when you are there. Mike seemingly remembers every bass he has built, and takes pride in treating it as though it is his own when he tweaks it for you. To my surprise, his shop is located in the middle of no where, in a beautiful woodsy area in Woodstock, New York. I thought that he would have some swanky high tech shop. NOT! It is about as low tech as you can get...a perfect location for him to work his magic. I am proud to play his instruments, and they never disappoint.
 
#7,852
bass12 said:
My impression is that it's more than that but they certainly aren't very common. I think Mike was a bit reluctant to cross over into more Jazz bass territory but certain people (Norm Stockton amongst them) were requesting it.
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I happened to be talking to Mike today about my Saratoga and asked him how many he had made. He said it is in the neighborhood of 25. So, not many at all. But, he actually has 3 in the shop he is finishing up now. One of them is going to Justin Raines. One is for "stock" and I think the other one is going to another customer. They are very cool basses for sure. I love my 535 and I love my Saratoga too.

The forthcoming Norm Stockton model seems like it could be very interesting. I guess it is actually going to be officially a Saratoga but somewhat of a hybrid. Because it will have humbucking pickups that can be split for a single coil mode.
 
#7,853
Does anyone know what string company that made the original MTD Strings before they changed?, they were just incredible and the new MTD strings don't come close. Awesome strings but can't find a comparable substitute. I know that D'Addario makes the new ones, and they are good strings, but the old ones were just awesome!!
 
#7,856
I'm currently rehearsing for a reggae show and at first I was using my Lull Jazz (which sounds great but was a bit bright and harmonics heavy for the sound I was going for). Turns out my ash/wenge/wenge 535 with dead rounds is the perfect fit. Dark and fat with a touch of natural compression which makes for clarity despite the boost in the bass frequencies. Just thought I'd mention it as MTDs are not often associated with reggae (it would seem).
 
#7,858
Here is a picture of my rig from last nights gig. The MTD is very versatile. We played big band, funk, jazz, pop, country and classic rock. It's a very responsive bass. I love it.
 

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#7,859
ppal said:
Does anyone know what string company that made the original MTD Strings before they changed?, they were just incredible and the new MTD strings don't come close. Awesome strings but can't find a comparable substitute. I know that D'Addario makes the new ones, and they are good strings, but the old ones were just awesome!!
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the original strings were originally good, but became INCREDIBLY inconsistent, I had a LOT of low B's come unravelled, intonation was iffy on some of the A and E strings, and just a legion of problems. The new strings are MUCH better, last a long time, sound great, and are very consistent. I should disclose I am an MTD bass and string endorser, but I endorse the strings because they are awesome not just because I get a deal on them. I previously endorsed DR strings, but I like Mike's strings much better on ALL my basses, not just my MTD'S. Some of my students with Jazz basses, Ibanez', and others, they all sound better with MTD strings....the NEW MTD strings.

Just my 2¢.

Cheers,
Cameron
 
#7,860
Bassflute said:
the original strings were original good, but became INCREDIBLY inconsistent, I had a LOT of low B's come unravelled, intonation was iffy on some of the A and E strings, and just a legion of problems. The new strings are MUCH better, last a long time, sound great, and are very consistent. I should disclose I am an MTD bass and string endorser, but I endorse the strings because they are awesome not just because I get a deal on them. I previously endorsed DR strings, but I like Mike's strings much better on ALL my basses, not just my MTD'S. Some of my students with Jazz basses, Ibanez', and others, they all sound better with MTD strings....the NEW MTD strings.

Just my 2¢.

Cheers,
Cameron
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When did they change?
 

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