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The Official MTD USA Thread
- Thread starter johnpaulbass
- Start date
So were mine before I got my Status (which was quickly followed by my first 535). Again, I think the design of the bass in other respects will have more to do with your comfort level than an extra inch of scale length. Fenders don't just feel the way they do because they're 34" - they feel "short" in the neck largely because of the body design. But if you're really bothered by the idea of a 35" then talk to Mike. One other thing to consider (and I'm not suggesting this should be at the top of your list of reasons to buy a bass) is this: should you ever want/need to sell your MTD it might be easier for you to sell a 535 than a 534.
Edit: you live in NYC. Go out and try some 35" basses (strapped on, not just sitting) and see how they feel to you. You may even be able to find a 535 to try out. Another option (if you have wheels) is to drive up to Mike's shop and try a couple of things out.
If you're going up specifically to try something, I'd call first. Depending where he is in the building process, he might not have anything playable.
I would love to try out a good 635 or even maybe a 535. It's my 40th birthday next week so got a free pass from wife to go for it! Can't really afford a new one, so any good leads are appreciated! Peace
Yes, definitely a good idea - especially if it means the difference between only getting to try one bass and getting to try several. Besides, it wouldn't do to get there and find out that Mike's on vacation...
That sounds very nice and creamy! Now you made me want a alder/maple/rosewood MTD :scowl:
Thanks, Virgil. I love this bass and my acquisition of it is a funny (kind of) story. I'd seen another TBer raving about how it was his favourite of the MTDs he'd played (it had been owned by a friend of his) when the subject of MTDs came up on a thread. The bass came up for sale here on TB and I was second in line as a potential buyer. The first guy in line bought the bass and I ended up making a trade for something else instead. Turns out that MTD got lost in shipping and the deal fell through (on friendly terms) between the buyer and seller. It then was sold to another TBer. I ended up putting the bass from my former trade (the trade which would have landed me this MTD in the first place) up for sale on TB. I was contacted by a member who offered up his MTD as a trade. Turns out it was the same MTD I'd missed out on a year back. I don't believe in fate, per se, but I like to think there was a little destiny involved.
Great story. and great end result. My MTD also has an alder body, maple neck but has a purpleheart fingerboard. I love its tone, but I don't know whether it sounds like yours when recorded.
That sounds very nice and creamy! Now you made me want a alder/maple/rosewood MTD :scowl:
Mike just makes too many nice basses out of too many nice kinds of wood. I've been lucky to try a small handful out in various settings but I'm always curious about x combo (and y combo, and...). But I have to say that, while other combinations can yield some great tones, I don't think I'll find a combo that suits be better than the alder/rosewood. But then there's my ash/wenge that I love as well. I guess whenever you find a bass that feels like "home", whatever the wood combo (or brand for that matter) you're a lucky person and I definitely thank my lucky stars for all of my bass equipment at this point.
I'm sure it's a killer bass and I'd love to hear a sound clip if ever you get the opportunity to record it well.
Hey guys what do you think is the main sonic differences between the Pre Gib Tobias Basses and MTDs? Old Tobias basses are 34 inch scale, and tighter spacing, but overall (despite all the different wood combos that are possible with MTDs) what would you say are their inherent differences in character?
Great question...I have had both (pre Gibson Classic 6 and an MTD 535-24) and I can't think of much of a difference other than what's been stated...
Finish
Scale Length
Neck Thru vs Bolt On
Looking forward to hearing other answers
- Apr 3, 2003
- 35,515
- 19,942
- Disclosures
- Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
All good points, so far. I'd mention neck shape, as well. My Tobias basses have more rounded, D-shaped, necks, and my MTDs are thinner and flatter.
I believe that the pickups and electronics are also different (though still made by Bartolini, of course).
- Apr 3, 2003
- 35,515
- 19,942
- Disclosures
- Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
Lots of variation in woods, and lots of flexibility with EQ, but in general, I'd say that my Tobiases are a bit more full and meaty out of the gate, with a very solid fundamental, and the MTDs are a bit more clear and cutting, and a tad more "exciting." But once again, you can dial in one to sound a good bit like the other.
thanks for the info. I had the same impressions, pre gibs a bit more meaty and low mid focused (especially the signature) while the MTDs seem a bit more punchy and cutting.
About the differences between mtd vs tobias, the pickups basic to signature tobiasses have split coils vs reversed splits of mtd.
And don't forgot the bart electronics are very different too. There is however common ground but I would say an mtd is a much more open/airy sounding instrument but with some of the same character...
Anyways if I had the money... No.. If I had less sence and not already enough basses I would get me a pre Gibson tobias aswell
And don't forgot the bart electronics are very different too. There is however common ground but I would say an mtd is a much more open/airy sounding instrument but with some of the same character...
Anyways if I had the money... No.. If I had less sence and not already enough basses I would get me a pre Gibson tobias aswell
