The Official MTD USA Thread

[MMiller28]

Curious to know how you like the JJ config. I see a lot of Saratogas with a PJ arrangement. Any second thoughts about your decision?

No second thoughts. I love the tone of a Jazz bass and I've never played a better iteration of the design.

I have started talks with M&D about a P-MM 5, which should be a totally different beast. I'm getting Nordstrands in that, as I already have four basses with Barts and variety makes it easier for me to get approval from the Mrs.

 

[red_rhino]

I love the tone of a Jazz bass and I've never played a better iteration of the design.

I hear ya. I love jazz basses; I just don't have one right now. I'd love to find a Saratoga 4-string with a JJ config. May have to think about having one built.

 

[ShawnG]

I hear ya. I love jazz basses; I just don't have one right now. I'd love to find a Saratoga 4-string with a JJ config. May have to think about having one built.

If you’d like to try on a budget: For Sale - MTD Kingston Saratoga-4 upgraded w/Bart b-axis pickups

 

[iplay5strings]

i'm going to suppose those are CB's but i'd love to hear what they are if someone asks mike.

I'm fairly sure this is correct. I do remember mention of them using a mismatched set for Lynn's personal bass (a dark wind for the neck and a bright wind for the bridge) to allow her to to better get P and J Bass tones.

 

[MMiller28]

I hear ya. I love jazz basses; I just don't have one right now. I'd love to find a Saratoga 4-string with a JJ config. May have to think about having one built.

It's not possible for me to be happier with mine, so I support that notion.

 

[MMiller28]

If you’d like to try on a budget: For Sale - MTD Kingston Saratoga-4 upgraded w/Bart b-axis pickups

I'd almost feel guilty buying that because that's a killer deal on a great bass for a high school player or the like.

 

[ShawnG]

I'd almost feel guilty buying that because that's a killer deal on a great bass for a high school player or the like.

Don't feel guilty!!
I agree (IMO) that it is a great deal for a beginner or player on a budget, but if purchased as an experiment, it can always be relisted upon completion of said experiment.
Don't want to derail this thread, so no more from me re: this classified ad.
Thx.
SPG

 

[jpeeze]

What strings are y'all using? It's been years since I owned an MTD, I was using SR2000 back then. I will play these till they die then I'll probably try something different.

 

[bass12]

What strings are y'all using? It's been years since I owned an MTD, I was using SR2000 back then. I will play these till they die then I'll probably try something different.

MTD steels on my 535s and either MTD steels or DR Hi-Beams on my Saratoga. The only drawback for me with the MTD strings is that they have not always been easy to find.

 

[Combinator]

What strings are y'all using? It's been years since I owned an MTD, I was using SR2000 back then. I will play these till they die then I'll probably try something different.

I use GHS Super Steels, and usually the Contact Core version of those. I actually have a GHS Strings Facebook Live video happening this Friday, 12pm PT/3pm ET that's a listening party and tech talk with Jon Moody from GHS and Tom Bowlus from Bass Gear Magazine, and we talk extensively about strings - as they affect and apply to my MTDs, what gauges I like for different techniques, etc. Whoooole lotta info from Jon too about string construction, and of course there's solo playing examples in addition to the unreleased tracks we'll be premiering. If you like steel strings, it might be interesting to check out.

 

[Vic]

What strings are y'all using? It's been years since I owned an MTD, I was using SR2000 back then. I will play these till they die then I'll probably try something different.

my first choice is MTD steels, second choice is some sort of DR strings... typically either lorider steels or hibeams.

 

[red_rhino]

What strings are y'all using?

MTD steels on my 535 as well. Still on the set that came with the bass and they're holding up nicely.

I've become a fan of GHS Pressurewounds over the last couple of years. Unfortunately, they don't come in a taper core for the 5-string set. However, it's my understanding that Ken Smith Compressors are actually Pressurewounds, and they do have a taper core. I may give them a try.

 

[bassgrackle]

What strings are y'all using .

I prefer the MTD nickels or labella low tension rounds when I can find them. I don’t change strings often, I prefer a darker tone.

 

[MMiller28]

What strings are y'all using? It's been years since I owned an MTD, I was using SR2000 back then. I will play these till they die then I'll probably try something different.

I use D'Addario NYXL nickels on all three, as light as they go.

 

[Gougedeye]

This beautiful beast landed at my house today! I owned a 535-21 about 25 years ago. It was great! But circumstances forced me to sell. I forgot how badass these basses are. What a great neck and monster tone! So happy to have a MTD back in the fold!

 

[DRay521]

What strings are y'all using? It's been years since I owned an MTD, I was using SR2000 back then. I will play these till they die then I'll probably try something different.

I go back and forth between the DR Pure Blues and DR Nickel Lo-Riders. I’ve tried steel, I’m just a nickel guy. But I love the DRs on an MTD.

 

[DaveTomasi]

This beautiful beast landed at my house today! I owned a 535-21 about 25 years ago. It was great! But circumstances forced me to sell. I forgot how badass these basses are. What a great neck and monster tone! So happy to have a MTD back in the fold!

That's quite a beauty! Congrats!

 

[jpeeze]

I prefer the MTD nickels or labella low tension rounds when I can find them. I don’t change strings often, I prefer a darker tone.

I might have to try out MTD nickels.
I have nickels on my WYN bass and love them.

 

[jpeeze]

Here's the model # (59CBJD-L3;LN3) for the Lynn Keller Pickups. I think the neck pickup is darker and the bridge pickup is brighter.

 

[Vic]

Here's the model # (59CBJD-L3;LN3) for the Lynn Keller Pickups. I think the neck pickup is darker and the bridge pickup is brighter.

yep, CB's.