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The Official MTD USA Thread

On my Norm Stockton I didn’t get to select the top, I didn’t ask to pick and assumed it would be outrageous quilt anyway. It ended up being a lot more subtle than I thought, but still very nice. On my older 535s (no longer have) I was able to select the tops. My 534 was picked up used and has been posted in this thread by other previous owners, but pretty sure it was custom spec’s (since it has an inlay).
 
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I’ve picked both of my tops. Just order direct and tell them what you want to see photos of. It’s best to go to the shop, if you can. A round trip flight to LAG and a single day car rental adds less than 10% to the cost of the bass (ask me how I know :D). With the fact that you get to meet the guys making your bass in addition to handpicking the woods, it adds a priceless touch to your instrument.
 
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Sometimes I just like to browse stores' websites to see what they have in stock. What are some dealers that regularly stock MTD USA basses? They ones I have on my radar are bass central, fretspot, music force, and ish guitars. Any others that may be stocking some treasures?
Bass Guitars | The Music Zoo

They aren't a dealer but often have high end stuff
 
I recently purchased a MTD USA 535 and WOW. It has more clarity than any other bass that I have owned. It cuts thru mix like a samurai sword. I traded my Sadowsky Metroline Singlecut and I can tell that the MTD is handmade. My friend Malcolm Hall swears by MTDs' and now I know why.

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I recently purchased a MTD USA 535 and WOW. It has more clarity than any other bass that I have owned. It cuts thru mix like a samurai sword. I traded my Sadowsky Metroline Singlecut and I can tell that the MTD is handmade. My friend Malcolm Hall swears by MTDs' and now I know why.

View attachment 5168667

That looks amazing!

Is the body walnut on ash? Fingerboard roasted maple? What's the neck wood?
 
Sometimes I just like to browse stores' websites to see what they have in stock. What are some dealers that regularly stock MTD USA basses? They ones I have on my radar are bass central, fretspot, music force, and ish guitars. Any others that may be stocking some treasures?
Bass Guitar

Sorry, didn't know the link was going to be so mysterious- Palen Music has some too.
 
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Has anyone tried the MTD super polished strings what do you think of them? Ordered two sets, they feel like a hybrid between rounds and flats to me.
I like the sound but will either go back to the MTD nickels or the Ken Smiths I have been using for years.
I think these will sound great on my P bass going to save both sets as an alternative to the flats currently on the P.
 
Has anyone tried the MTD super polished strings what do you think of them? Ordered two sets, they feel like a hybrid between rounds and flats to me.
I like the sound but will either go back to the MTD nickels or the Ken Smiths I have been using for years.
I think these will sound great on my P bass going to save both sets as an alternative to the flats currently on the P.

I have a few sets. I like them on my Super. I’m not sure they will be my forever string, but a nice tone. It’s interesting that you mention Ken Smith… they reminded me instantly of the Slick Rounds I had in the past.

I think I’ve become a rounds guy, to be fair. I like GHS pressurewounds pretty well, flats and tapes have their place, but mostly I use rounds.
 
I have a few sets. I like them on my Super. I’m not sure they will be my forever string, but a nice tone. It’s interesting that you mention Ken Smith… they reminded me instantly of the Slick Rounds I had in the past.

I think I’ve become a rounds guy, to be fair. I like GHS pressurewounds pretty well, flats and tapes have their place, but mostly I use rounds.
It’s more about feel to me . With the Super Polished strings every time I pick up my MTD it’s like “ what the hell do I have on this bass”:D.
Probably a mental component too. MTD modern = rounds. P bass fat vintage mojo= flats.