Very cool. So now you have to tell us, what’s the story with the rosewood?
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The Official MTD USA Thread
- Thread starter johnpaulbass
- Start date
Hi MTD Enthusiasts,
maybe you guys can help me out: so the other day I played a friends Modulus Genesis 5 String and the neck of this bass was designed my Michael Tobias. This bass is very reminiscent of the MTD Saratoga they build nowadays.
Anyways, one thing that totally stuck out to me was the neck shape. It just felt so amazing. Probably the most comfortable bass neck I ever had in my hands. From what I have read its Michael Tobias' asymmetrical neck shape. The neck was somewhat thick as well (at least it felt like it) which I really like. Having big hands and suffering a bit from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, I dont like thin necks and never understood why people translate thin neck to fast neck, fast playing etc. I just get tired more quickly on thin necks and cramp up more.
Being mainly a 6 string player I now wonder how MTDs asymmetrical necks feel. Can I expect a similar feel in an MTD635/634? Maybe some of you have played a Genesis and MTDs and can tell me how their necks compare? Any input is much appreciated.
maybe you guys can help me out: so the other day I played a friends Modulus Genesis 5 String and the neck of this bass was designed my Michael Tobias. This bass is very reminiscent of the MTD Saratoga they build nowadays.
Anyways, one thing that totally stuck out to me was the neck shape. It just felt so amazing. Probably the most comfortable bass neck I ever had in my hands. From what I have read its Michael Tobias' asymmetrical neck shape. The neck was somewhat thick as well (at least it felt like it) which I really like. Having big hands and suffering a bit from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, I dont like thin necks and never understood why people translate thin neck to fast neck, fast playing etc. I just get tired more quickly on thin necks and cramp up more.
Being mainly a 6 string player I now wonder how MTDs asymmetrical necks feel. Can I expect a similar feel in an MTD635/634? Maybe some of you have played a Genesis and MTDs and can tell me how their necks compare? Any input is much appreciated.
I've never played a Modulus Genesis, but I have owned a 635. Of all the 6's I've played, the MTD was far and away the most comfortable neck for me. Especially compared to the likes of Smith (like playing an aircraft carrier), or a Warwick Corvette (a slab of granite, IMHO). (Not that I hated playing the Smith and Warwick; just that I had to noticeably work harder; the MTD was effortless by comparison.)
If I were to go back to playing a 6, it would be an MTD. No question. The asymmetrical neck does indeed make a difference.
If I were to go back to playing a 6, it would be an MTD. No question. The asymmetrical neck does indeed make a difference.
Is the Genesis neck asymmetrical? I hadn’t even noticed. The thickness (and feel) of MTD necks varies somewhat as they are shaped “by hand”. None of the MTD necks I have played have felt as chunky as the neck on my Genesis (though I have played way more 535s than 635s). Of course, if you special order an MTD you could always request a chunkier neck.
One thing I’ll add: it seems like there was a period (sometime in the late 90’s maybe?) when Mike was making some really thin necks - so you’d probably want to stay away from those.
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Very cool. So now you have to tell us, what’s the story with the rosewood?
So according to the letter that Mike sent with my bass, he noted that the rosewood was a very special piece. It was an “old growth rosewood” and that it had been air dried for over 50 years. I will say, it has some amazing color to it, but even more importantly - it sounds fantastic.
Here was a video recorded of my new bass from Donovan at Fretspor where I placed my order through:
Random question does anyone know the specs on Legend Joel Smith's 6 string MTD? I know it was a maple board but outside of that I'm not sure. He's recently become my new favorite, May he Rest In Peace
Great deal if you like short scale!
530-24 for 2799 USD
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530-24 for 2799 USD
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How do you like the super electronics? I’m just starting to look at options for a 535 (through Donovan as well), and debating them. When I ordered my F Bass, their similar package was just coming out and while I don’t regret not getting it, I should have researched it a bit more…
- Oct 23, 2005
- 1,439
- 1,378
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: MTD Basses, Bartolini, Genzler Amplification, GHS, Tsunami Cables, Sonic Nuance
Bart won't sell you the stock MTD proprietary pickups separately, but you can buy what amounts to the Super's pickups and preamp separately and retrofit if you like. In other words, it's possible to go from one to the other, but not the other way around. The only way you're getting those standard stock pickups is in a new MTD or perhaps used.
I chose the Super Pre because I like the pick up seven action tools to run in a variety of different setups. I really felt like that's what my last 534 was missing. Personally, I feel like this is the ideal electrons configuration for Mikes basses.
I really, really, (seriously) really like the Super pickups and pre on my 535. I have the pickups in the traditional position, which I feel is the best use case (for me, anyway). The coil switching along with the passive tone control gives a lot of tonal options and versatility in both active and passive modes. Having the mids voiced at 400/800 rather than the traditional 250/500/1000 is surprisingly effective.
I still like the traditional electronics package (and have that on my 434). The super electronics are a different thing, but not so different that you lose sight of the fact that it's still got that MTD vibe & sound. Based on my experience, if I was doing a new build, I'd definitely be going with the super electronics.
Thanks- that 100% answered my question and reinforced where I was going already. I want it to sound like an MTD, but with some more options, so super is probably the way for me to go.
Now for woods
Anyone using their MTD’s with a preamp pedal/pedalboard setup with iems and no amp/cab? If so, may I ask what your favorite preamp pedal is for these basses? There’s obviously high end zing for days so I’d love to warm it up a little. Clean tone only. Thanks
I played mine yesterday... Signal path - MTD Saratoga PJ / B-Axis pickups -> Korg Pitch Black Tuner -> Jule Simone -> XLR Out
This is by far my favorite, but with some success, I have also swapped out the following:
- DSM Simplifier BassStation
- Helix HX stomp with a split patch blending Studio Preamp and the GK amp/cab sim. I use a bit of compression and overdrive in the patch. The overdrive was used to preserve fidelity.
I’ve never even heard of the Simone. Thanks. I’ll add that to the short list. Anyone else have experience with preamp pedals?
I play with my MTD 535 to Korg Pitchblack ----> Markbass Compressore ---> Noble DI and I use its XLR out to the soundboard. Used it in multiple churches, always sounds great. On my Noble I have the Bass and Treble at about 2:00 and the HPF on (clears out any deep muddiness but still retains the warmth).
