The Official MTD USA Thread

[tombowlus]

Fairly certain I mentioned this years ago to Alan at ACG....maybe it was just a discussion with Brian Ristola when I first tried the ACG....regardless, it lasted maybe a month at best in my bass because what I mainly use is a slight bass boost. To me, as you said, that's the only thing missing from the filter preamps.

Yes, I had the East filter-based EQ in my first ACG, and I just didn't get along with it, so Alan sent me a version of the East Uni-Pre to swap out, and I personally prefer that option.

 

[emjazz]

Yes, I had the East filter-based EQ in my first ACG, and I just didn't get along with it, so Alan sent me a version of the East Uni-Pre to swap out, and I personally prefer that option.

Agreed. The Uni Pre is a brilliant active preamp. The ACG wasn't for me....although to be fair I've come to believe that a great bass with pickups that work for the individual doesn't need much of a preamp, if it needs one at all. Of course, the MTD's seem to thrive with the active preamp. Very different animals.

 

[JeffreyMcJunior]

Here’s a pic of my super 5. It’s the 20th one built, delivered last May. Poplar Burl on alder body, maple neck with an ebony board. The super electronics are extremely versatile and cover the entire spectrum of tonal varieties. The clarity & definition is phenomenal, with a very honest representation of the dynamics used when playing different techniques. It’s nice to have the abilities of an active eq, without the inescapable zing that many stingrays, Spectors, etc possess.

I was drawn to the super model because it seemed more geared towards fingerstyle rock playing. And my style is heavily influenced by the likes of billy Sheehan, Alex Webster, roger Patterson, and so on. And while it may appear limiting, the pickup placement is perfect for my needs.

Like many have debated before, MTDs come equipped with bartolini electronics, which are very transparent, to showcase the inherent qualities of the wood combos used for each build. So even the best quality demo will only get you so far. Luckily the knowledge & experience of the Tobias boys will held you concoct the most ideal recipe to obtain the sound you’ve been searching for.

Unfortunately I do not have any quality recordings of my bass. We enter the studio in November and hope to have something by the end of the year. I will gladly share when the time comes. While this video is using a 535, the ebony fretboard makes this a closer sound comparison than any other demos I’ve found.

 

[MMiller28]

Saratoga 4JJ coming in January!

 

[bassgrackle]

Saratoga 4JJ coming in January!

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That is a great piece for Saratoga.

That's my favorite part of every MTD build. The wood selection is almost a zen experience with Mike and Daniel.

I am picking up my Pistachio Super 6 tomorrow morning, I cant wait to see it.

 

[MMiller28]

That is a great piece for Saratoga.

That's my favorite part of every MTD build. The wood selection is almost a zen experience with Mike and Daniel.

I am picking up my Pistachio Super 6 tomorrow morning, I cant wait to see it.

I flew out from Wisconsin and rented a car to do it. It really makes the end product that much more special.

 

[bassgrackle]

I flew out from Wisconsin and rented a car to do it. It really makes the end product that much more special.

That would really make it special. I'm spoiled, I only live an hour away from Mike's shop.

 

[bass12]

I flew out from Wisconsin and rented a car to do it. It really makes the end product that much more special.

How much does a flight from Wisconsin to NY cost?

 

[bass12]

That would really make it special. I'm spoiled, I only live an hour away from Mike's shop.

That's not spoiled - that's trouble. On more than one occasion I've thought, "Wouldn't it be cool if Mike's shop was in northern Vermont instead of in Kingston, NY" and then I think, "Hmm - it's probably best that I'm not able to visit too easily".

 

[Vic]

Saratogas are great basses... I'm still stunned that Mike doesn't have a prominent web site area for them.

 

[bassgrackle]

That's not spoiled - that's trouble. On more than one occasion I've thought, "Wouldn't it be cool if Mike's shop was in northern Vermont instead of in Kingston, NY" and then I think, "Hmm - it's probably best that I'm not able to visit too easily".

I have had to cut my vists down to once a year, and I am trying to make it more like every other year. I was on a 2 MTD a year kick for a while. There just so damn nice.

 

[MMiller28]

How much does a flight from Wisconsin to NY cost?

$250 round trip, $50 for the rental. When the bass is already $5100, the extra $300 seems (is) worth the experience.

 

[bass12]

$250 round trip, $50 for the rental. When the bass is already $5100, the extra $300 seems (is) worth the experience.

Agreed. That's pretty decent for a flight and rental - and a visit to the shop is always fun.

 

[MMiller28]

I am picking up my Pistachio Super 6 tomorrow morning, I cant wait to see it.

Me either.

 

[Vic]

Agreed. That's pretty decent for a flight and rental - and a visit to the shop is always fun.

...and always make sure to coordinate with Mike ahead of time. It's a small shop and he's always very busy, so while he's happy to accommodate customers, he does need to plan ahead for it. Just FYI.

 

[bass12]

...and always make sure to coordinate with Mike ahead of time. It's a small shop and he's always very busy, so while he's happy to accommodate customers, he does need to plan ahead for it. Just FYI.

Yeah, I'd never recommend just dropping by.

 

[MMiller28]

...and always make sure to coordinate with Mike ahead of time. It's a small shop.

Roughly the size of a three car garage.

 

[GHOST AT]

Saratoga 4JJ coming in January!

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Beautiful top is it Crotch Maple? If and when I get a MTD built I'm 95% sure it will have either a Crotch Maple or Ash top and Blueburst finish.

 

[bassgrackle]

I picked up my Pistachio Top, Walnut Body , Ash neck and Roasted Birds Eye finger board Super 6 today. She’s in good company with her twin 535. The tone of the Super 6 is huge. The lows are amazingly powerful and the highs are very sweet.

 

[TolerancEJ]

I picked up my Pistachio Top, Walnut Body , Ash neck and Roasted Birds Eye finger board Super 6 today. She’s in good company with her twin 535. The tone of the Super 6 is huge. The lows are amazingly powerful and the highs are very sweet.

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Phenomenal!