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The Official MTD USA Thread
- Thread starter johnpaulbass
- Start date
I was reading (and agreeing) over in the Sadowsky thread with @bass12, regarding the better input jack location on Lulls (vs Sadowsky's) and it got me thinking about my beloved MTDs...
Has anyone figured out a simple fix to be able to use a right angle cable on your MTDs?
Whether using a standard or Shure wireless cable, it's challenging to keep from bumping the cable in a harmful way. I've found the jack angle limits the type of stands I can use, as most of the sturdy A-Frame stands don't allow enough clearance on the floor.
Am I missing an obvious, and simple fix? It's really the ONLY feature that bugs me on these fantastic instruments, and admittedly, never thought to discuss with Mike...
Has anyone figured out a simple fix to be able to use a right angle cable on your MTDs?
Whether using a standard or Shure wireless cable, it's challenging to keep from bumping the cable in a harmful way. I've found the jack angle limits the type of stands I can use, as most of the sturdy A-Frame stands don't allow enough clearance on the floor.
Am I missing an obvious, and simple fix? It's really the ONLY feature that bugs me on these fantastic instruments, and admittedly, never thought to discuss with Mike...
After speaking to Mike, Glenn at ABT, Alphaman and bass12 about the wood combination, finally pulled the trigger on this baby. Greatly looking forward to spending some quality time with her. Great thing I love about these boards is the opportunity to bounce ideas off one another and share experiences/opinions.
That's one nice looking 535! Looking forward to hearing your impressions once you've spent some time with her!
I've always liked the jack placement on the MTDs. Then again, for the brief period during which I used a wireless set-up (it wasn't a Shure) I never placed my bass on a stand while plugged in so I can't comment on that aspect of things.
Probably just me... The Shure wireless cable end is shorter than my Mogami platinum cable end, so that helps some.
I usually just bring a Hercules hanging stand to avoid the issue, but I have a very sturdy A-frame stand that's much more compact/would prefer to use.
The jack angle is not a huge deal...and, love my two MTD keepers that I finally got the wood combos/THE bass feel and tone to my satisfaction!
It sure was an expensive "process" though
...as there's not too many 34" scales pre-built to demo before purchasing.
Walnut body/maple top, maple neck/macassar ebony fingerboard. All else is standard (35", preamp, etc.). Seller thought it was a pau ferro fingerboard but I emailed the man himself the serial and a picture and he confirmed it was ebony.
Hey MTD 535 owners!! I have this (below) MTD 535 with 19mm string spacing and I would like to change it to 18mm spacing Hipshot or Gotoh or whatever else might be as good or better.
Has any one done this to their 535? Any suggestions or comments?
Has any one done this to their 535? Any suggestions or comments?
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I would email Mike T and see what he has to say.(Cricket, Cricket) Nobody on this thread!!
Well!!! I was wrong!
Thanks for the advice, bass12!
I actually did call and talked to Michael about it. He even suggested which bridge I should use and, of course, offered to do it.
I guess I was looking for more of the 'experience factor' from TB'ers who may have done this and 'loved it', 'hated it' or 'don't do it because ...'.
The Hipshot bridge will be here Monday, so I'll go through with the change and be the experience factor TB'er for the next guy.
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Yeah, I don't think I've heard of anyone making the switch but if Mike didn't suggest that it would be a bad thing to do (for whatever reason) then I don't see why it wouldn't work out.
Doug Parent
Supporting Member
Yes I have done it. Hipshot A Style however the bolt pattern is going to be slightly more narrow compared to the existing ones. I would suggest a .728 bridge, not a .708 for this reason (if you plan on "fudging" the screws into the existing holes.) This is possible although some would frown on it. I prefer 18 to 18.ish myself and the change was welcome for me, personally. There is no issue with the string spacing over the pickups as they are a bar style design. When I sold that bass I installed the original bridge again. Hope this helps.
Thanks, Doug!
The 18mm (ish) feel is exactly what I am going after. I wanted to bring this MTD in line with my other 18mm basses.
Michael suggested the B Style and did tell me about the holes alignment issue, which is why I'm taking it to the recommended technician (shop) to install it and do a setup, and hopefully do it right!
It's not a big deal for a luthier/tech to plug the existing holes and re-drill for a new bridge.
I had this bass up for sale because of the 19mm spacing, but I suspect since I wasn't willing to give it away, it did sell.
That's the impression I got from Michael. He even suggested the shop here in Atlanta to take it because I'd spend a lot more coins getting it to and from him for this work.
Agreed. There's really no need for the bass to go back to Mike for that kind of repair.
