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The Official MTD USA Thread
- Thread starter johnpaulbass
- Start date
Again, I would describe AG's tone in that video as being a bit more scooped in the mids than my alder 535. But, I could probably get my alder 535 to sound like that with the EQ. Maybe with the EQ of both basses set flat they sound almost identical - it's impossible for me to know (since I'm not sure how AG's EQ is set - and he's most likely using different strings from what I use).
Isee. Mike said the wood for the bass AG's playing in the second video was poplar body with a maple neck and Madagascar rosewood board. I thought it was less scooped and have stronger mid than the tone of the AG signature model in the first video. So I thought maybe the second video one was closer to alder, maple/rosewood since it sounded less scooped
You're right, the mids are less scooped in the second video (I just compared the two now) but, to me, the bass in the second video is still a bit scooped. Definitely more mid punch than the first though - and closer sounding to my bass. I think AG probably goes for a scooped sound with his EQ though (not sure if anyone here can confirm that). You have to keep in mind that if you compare 10 MTDs with the same specs they will all sound a bit different. If you like the sound of the bass in that second video then I would say that an alder/maple/rosewood combo is as safe a bet as you can make besides going with a poplar body (if that's what AG is using in that video). I think poplar/maple/rosewood is a pretty rare combo for MTDs. When I think of poplar MTDs I think of this sound:
Thanks. And how is your alder different than the poplar in the video you posted?
The way I play it, less razor sharp sounding - but I could probably dial in a very similar tone. If I had my bass here with me I'd check it out for you but I don't. Something else to keep in mind is that AG plays 24 fret MTDs (if I'm not mistaken). I play 21 fretters so, when it comes to slapping, AG will probably have a bit of a thinner tone than I will (since I thump and pluck up up the neck).
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vision
It's all about the groove!
- Feb 25, 2005
- 3,988
- 618
- 47
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: MTD Basses, La Bella Strings, and 64 Audio IEMs
Gouche boosts his treble and bass EQ all the way. That along with his playing style are much bigger factors in his tone than the wood types of his basses.
Daniel's Instagram...
"534 24 Red Narra top on a toasted ash body with a maple neck, toasted Birdseye maple fingerboard and titanium inserts. Round and strong with a good growl and a clear sweet treble but even across the board."
OK...Since I eluded to a new addition. I guess I should post pictures of my "old addition" I've had for a little bit. USA Saratoga 5 with Dark Cherryburst finish on alder body with maple neck and rosewood board. This is one of the first ones with the new Bartolini Axis B pickups in it. Compared to the previous Bart jazz pickups that Mike had been using in the Saratogas I think these are slightly more aggressive but not in a harsh way at all. The bass is totally killer. A wood spec that I would not have normally chosen but when I played it. It really spoke to me. It really has a nice aggressive tone without being super harsh on the top end. The top end is tamed a bit but still very present. It has become the bass I pickup first when I am playing. I am not sure why the Saratogas don't get more love. Every one of them I have played have been killer. Now, some quick cell phone pics
Here is the bench shot of my upcoming new addition. Ships on Monday.
Monkeypod body with Dark Cherryburst finish on maple burl 10 top. Wenge neck and fretboard. And obviously some very cool matching knobs.
Tonally monkeypod is supposed to be somewhere between mahogany and koa. I am really looking forward to it.
Great looking bass! "Monkeypod" wins the prize for weirdest wood name though.
Received my new 534-24 last night...love it! This is my first bass with the roasting process (BEM board+ash body...) It's incredible how much more open, clear and sweet it is right out of the box! Like starting with a nice pair of "broken-in" shoes...
It's got a really sweet, but strong bottom growl, and gives me a nice contrast/option to my AG6 alder. These two, and a Sadowsky fretless coming in July...I'm set!
It's got a really sweet, but strong bottom growl, and gives me a nice contrast/option to my AG6 alder. These two, and a Sadowsky fretless coming in July...I'm set!
I always wondered what "sweet" meant when it came to describing the sound of a bass. Mike seems to like that term a lot. 
Got to love bass descriptions!I always wondered what "sweet" meant when it came to describing the sound of a bass. Mike seems to like that term a lot.
"Sweet" on the bottom end to me means slightly round, a little less edge to the growl...on the treble side, I mean pretty open, clear, already "bloomed"...not super bright. This bass "hints" of a rosewood board...still tighter than, but heading that direction...
Last edited:
vision
It's all about the groove!
- Feb 25, 2005
- 3,988
- 618
- 47
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: MTD Basses, La Bella Strings, and 64 Audio IEMs
I always wondered what "sweet" meant when it came to describing the sound of a bass. Mike seems to like that term a lot.
To me, a sweet top end means bright but not harsh. For example the roasting process on a maple board takes what was a bright treble sound and warms it up a bit, giving you a "sweet" top end. That's definitely what I hear with my 535.
I'm stoked to be the happy new owner of this fine specimen:
