It's a Norm Stockton signature model, they are relatively common as far as MTDs go. Check Reverb.
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The Official MTD USA Thread
- Thread starter johnpaulbass
- Start date
There is always one or more on Reverb. Three right now.
Here's a vid of them talking more about Lynn's personal bass. Obviously the OP got a matched set of pickups in their bass.
I just acquired this little guy. In spite of having a new MTD build in progress, I couldn't resist it any longer. I owned a 635-21 back in 2000 and have regretted selling it. It's been a long journey back to MTD, but here I am. It will be much fun re-discovering my ERB skills. 
- Sep 11, 2016
- 1,199
- 2,148
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: LowEnd basses, DR Strings, Warm Audio, Shaw Audio
Picked up this little gem in a trade. Great little bass.
I just acquired this little guy. In spite of having a new MTD build in progress, I couldn't resist it any longer. I owned a 635-21 back in 2000 and have regretted selling it. It's been a long journey back to MTD, but here I am. It will be much fun re-discovering my ERB skills.
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How do you feel the MTD feel and sound translates on the short scale? I’ve considered having a 430 built (I’m still a 4-string guy for the most part) but I don’t want it to feel like I’m playing a toy. I just want a smaller MTD. Thoughts?
Having not owned/played an MTD for over 16 years, my answer would be based on memory of my 635-21. I will say that the feel was familiar almost immediately. The playability and response was as I remember it - fluid and articulate. The 630 does not in any way feel like a toy. The sound was as I remember too - thick but defined lows and mids, and a sweet treble. The B was impressive as well. All of this is my opinion of course. I have a 430 build that should be complete by early December. I'm more comfortable with a 4, but the 630 was hard to resist especially after discussing it with Mike. So, now I'm adjusting to the 6. So far so good. Just surprised myself at how much I retained.
Thanks for the reply, great description! I’ve played some short scales I like, I even own one, but always found them to be a little flimsy. I’ll be curious to hear your thoughts on the 430 build! What are your specs?
Specs for the 4 are 430-24, Okoume body, maple neck, rosewood board and std bart electonics. My current avatar is the only picture I have so far.
Has anybody here ever played / owned this 535 with a solid myrtle body and wenge neck ?
I wouldn't mind reading some opinions on it ;-)
I wouldn't mind reading some opinions on it ;-)
- Oct 23, 2005
- 1,439
- 1,378
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: MTD Basses, Bartolini, Genzler Amplification, GHS, Tsunami Cables, Sonic Nuance
I searched and didn't see anything, but anyone use an EMG BQC preamp in their MTD? I only recently discovered this model, with a semi parametric sweepable midrange and 4 different treble centers. Also an active blend. Just curious to see first hand impressions if anyone has had theirs built with this pre or installed it after the fact.
I've noticed myself browsing the TB classifieds for jazz basses again. It's a cycle I go thru. I've always loved jazz basses.
But even though I love them, I always end up wisihng they had a few more frets, maybe active electronics, and hopefully don't have the dreaded weak note on the 5th or 7th fret of the G. And yet, I want a jazz bass.
So my question for those of you with Saratoga JJ's: does it scratch the jazz itch? I'm seriously thinking of a 4 string, 34" scale, JJ build. (Finding a 4-string USA Saratoga on the used market is pretty rare.)
But even though I love them, I always end up wisihng they had a few more frets, maybe active electronics, and hopefully don't have the dreaded weak note on the 5th or 7th fret of the G. And yet, I want a jazz bass.
So my question for those of you with Saratoga JJ's: does it scratch the jazz itch? I'm seriously thinking of a 4 string, 34" scale, JJ build. (Finding a 4-string USA Saratoga on the used market is pretty rare.)
I would imagine this would greatly depend on what is "jazz bass enough" for you. If you're wanting a bass that sounds like a Fender, I don't think a Saratoga will get you there as Mike's pickup placement is not Fender placement and has it's own sound. If you just want a j pickup flavored MTD, then you'd be just fine.
Yeah, to me the Saratoga Jazz kind of sounds like a Jazz take on a 535. Still very MTD.
I played one very similar to this at NAMM and another at Bass San Diego (RIP). One of my favorite combinations for the growly bite, but still having a solid fundamental that didn't get lost like the ash/maple or ash/ash MTDs I've owned. Wenge is just punchy as hell too.
This is very much the OG MTD sound (especially coupled with a poplar body/myrtle burl top). The fingerstyle tone will be very growly/bitey, with the slap tone having alot of natural compression.
I'm always confused when I hear people say that ash MTD's have no bottom. Mine has plenty of it. I will say that the very mid present voice of the MTD preamp does seem to exaggerate the mids that ash already has plenty of, i.e. an ash/maple MTD will NOT give you the booty/bite Marcus Miller vibe straight out the gate, it will have a more centered, mid-forward sound. Then you just gotta turn the knobs
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