The Official MTD USA Thread

[Combinator]

That Blue is gorgeous! If Mike has a Poplar top similar to this my decision will be easy. I think the flame and burl would go great with the Ocean fade finish.View attachment 4545794

OMG that's gorgeous.

 

[Giraffe]

This might be the best sounding bass I have ever played. It is my 1998 MTD 535, with a two-piece avodire body. Simple, yet complex. I call this my "Anti-Boutique Bass" because of its unassuming appearance. This one has a single truss rod and the old style preamp, and it weighs a very manageable eight pounds ten ounces.

 

[iplay5strings]

View attachment 4546038

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This might be the best sounding bass I have ever played. It is my 1998 MTD 535, with a two-piece avodire body. Simple, yet complex. I call this my "Anti-Boutique Bass" because of its unassuming appearance. This one has a single truss rod and the old style preamp, and it weighs a very manageable eight pounds ten ounces.

That old Bart stuff definitely hit differently...I miss it

 

[Aram]

My 434 is finally done!!

QQ — does anyone have a recommended wireless system to use with the stock MTD circuit? This would just be for home use, nothing super robust for gigging or anything, just something that works well with active pickups and is easily rechargeable. (Apologies if this has been covered already somewhere in the thread)

 

[bgartist]

Are they now using magnets on the rear control covers?

 

[Aram]

Are they now using magnets on the rear control covers?

Yes, but it’s an add on (not standard).

 

[JRMK]

Hey guys, would you know if they still make avodire 535s on order?

 

[Vic]

Hey guys, would you know if they still make avodire 535s on order?

i recommend you call/email the shop and ask them.

 

[LowEndLobster]

Are they now using magnets on the rear control covers?

It's an option. My 535 has them, but the stock config uses screws

 

[red_rhino]

Are they now using magnets on the rear control covers?

It's an option. My 535 has them, but the stock config uses screws

I like the clean look, but how useful is this option in practice? Myself, I don’t access the control cavity or truss rod all that often. The battery compartment, otoh…

All that said, I’d probably spec those for any build I was doing, because, yeah, it looks nice.

 

[Combinator]

I like the clean look, but how useful is this option in practice? Myself, I don’t access the control cavity or truss rod all that often. The battery compartment, otoh…

All that said, I’d probably spec those for any build I was doing, because, yeah, it looks nice.

For me, extraordinarily. Especially truss and battery, but I tweaks much.

 

[LowEndLobster]

I like the clean look, but how useful is this option in practice? Myself, I don’t access the control cavity or truss rod all that often. The battery compartment, otoh…

All that said, I’d probably spec those for any build I was doing, because, yeah, it looks nice.

It's VERY useful. Battery swaps and truss rod adjustments take significantly less time. Though those adjustments are uncommon overall, I like the fact that you don't need a screw driver. They use very strong magnets too and you essentially 'push' one side to flip up the cover. Very well designed. I like the cleaner look overall as well. I honestly wish more manufacturers did this as it seems like a no-brainer.

 

[Element Zero]

My 434 is finally done!!


View attachment 4551680View attachment 4551681


QQ — does anyone have a recommended wireless system to use with the stock MTD circuit? This would just be for home use, nothing super robust for gigging or anything, just something that works well with active pickups and is easily rechargeable. (Apologies if this has been covered already somewhere in the thread)

I use my Line 6 G10 at home. No issues… although if I’m playing solo with headphones there’s a bit of “wireless noise” but it’s not bothersome for me and if I’m playing along with music it isn’t audible. Works well on my Fodera and MusicMan.

 

[Aram]

Couple more pics:

She plays beautifully.

 

[red_rhino]

Couple more pics:

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She plays beautifully.

Woods? Weight? Etc?

 

[Aram]

Alder body, box elder top, ebony board…I opted for a brass A style bridge which is against the norm but I know my prefs at this point and I have zero regrets with that choice (and would be an easy swap if I did anyway).

I haven’t weighed her yet, but she feels in the ballpark of my Jazz which is the low-to-mid 9 lbs range. I didn’t request an uber-light build (like I normally do), and I’m glad I didn’t because she feels super solid and the weight distribution is just perfect.

It’s my first alder / ebony bass and I’m loving the warmth and snap I’m getting. I’ll likely never own only one bass, but if I had to I can get just about any sound I’d ever use from this one instrument…

I feel like she needs a good quality strap now…any recommendations? Doesn’t need to be a weight-reducing strap, just something that exudes quality

 

[Drummerboy2]

Couple more pics:

View attachment 4553012View attachment 4553013

She plays beautifully.

That is one beautiful looking bass! Glad you are very happy after the upgrades!

 

[red_rhino]

I feel like she needs a good quality strap now…any recommendations? Doesn’t need to be a weight-reducing strap, just something that exudes quality

https://www.anthologygearwear.com/

 

[MMiller28]

I guess I'll get in on the spec list party!

535-24
Myrtle burl "10" top w/ forest green fade, dark at neck
Okoume body
Roasted flame maple neck
Roasted birdseye maple fingerboard w/ black dots, pearloid if possible
Matching peghead + truss rod cover
World logo
Wooden knobs
18mm bridge, "squeezed" to 17.5 mm -Mike

ETA this fall

 

[DrGroovenstein]

The A style bridge is awesome, I have it on my used 534 and would request it again if I ordered one.