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The Official MTD USA Thread
- Thread starter johnpaulbass
- Start date
- Oct 23, 2005
- 1,439
- 1,378
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: MTD Basses, Bartolini, Genzler Amplification, GHS, Tsunami Cables, Sonic Nuance
my earliest was #540 so that’s probably year 2000. It was pretty excellent.
I’ve got 435 #081, korina/wenge. That bass has seen probably 1000+ gigs and feels like home to me. I’ve semi-retired it from live gigs since I got my custom 435 in 2018, but I will say the newer one has been a bit harder to bond with after being so used to the older model. Not apples and oranges, but they each have their own individual character. For me personally, the older models feels a bit more organic, and the electronics are a bit easier to tame, particularly in the treble. I’m not one to generally go for the ultra hi-fi sound unless I’m slapping, so I found it easier to dial in a darker finger style tone on the earlier model. As others have said, this is in my experience, and any custom instrument will be its own thing. Hope that helps!
I'm hoping some of the MTD experts may know this. Do they make a shorter scale 6 as headless? Specifically I'm interested in a 630 or 632 headless. I can't find much other than the longer scale headless versions.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Technically the MTD B strings are taper core, LaBella makes super steps (and the FBass strings) with the exposed cores, as shown below on my beautiful FBass BN5
vs the taper core MTD string (also made by LaBella) on my also beautiful MTD 535
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So taper core is proper term, gotcha!
Now…those basses are beauties. My top 2 choices for my new to me bass. MTD 535 was the winner for me.
Anybody have a 534 they might post ways with? I’d love to find “Old Man Jenkins” again. I miss that one.
I’ve got this 534, I could potentially be convinced (I want a 634). It has two truss rod covers.
A quick PSA for those who love what Michael and his crew create: Patience and consideration are always rewarded.
(Someone please tag Michael or Daniel to keep me honest on this).
MTD USA basses are hand crafted. Every one of ‘em. They are wanted, and in demand, by folks all over this planet…from players just beginning to understand and appreciate what a tier 1 bass offers, to pro players (endorsed or not) that want or need a new or replacement axe.
Their operation is not a mass-production factory, it’s a handful of craftspeople turning wood and metal into decades-reliable, road-worthy art that plays flawlessly out of the box. That takes a sh*t-ton of skill, experience, and, to assure every client is happy, lots of time.
Factor in national and international supply issues, QA delays from their suppliers, a global pandemic, the human element, and their unwavering pursuit of perfection (his name is on every bass)…yeah, these basses take a while.
I have a bass in the queue. Been there a long while. Pre-COVID. Full disclosure, I changed my order 180° about a year in. So, this week I inquired on the status. Michael responded promptly with insight and an update. I’m good.
I am fortunate enough to own basses from a few of the best luthiers in the bass biz. I am also a businessman. I have nothing but respect for the MTD folks as they’ve stayed who they are throughout. No offshore B or C models, no licensed builders or distributors, etc. I am sure he has had offers (but this isn’t his first rodeo or his first company). Their level of dedication, to provide musicians with only the absolute best, is why the wait has so much value for me. And why MTD basses are what they are.
Thanks for humoring me. ✌
(Someone please tag Michael or Daniel to keep me honest on this).
MTD USA basses are hand crafted. Every one of ‘em. They are wanted, and in demand, by folks all over this planet…from players just beginning to understand and appreciate what a tier 1 bass offers, to pro players (endorsed or not) that want or need a new or replacement axe.
Their operation is not a mass-production factory, it’s a handful of craftspeople turning wood and metal into decades-reliable, road-worthy art that plays flawlessly out of the box. That takes a sh*t-ton of skill, experience, and, to assure every client is happy, lots of time.
Factor in national and international supply issues, QA delays from their suppliers, a global pandemic, the human element, and their unwavering pursuit of perfection (his name is on every bass)…yeah, these basses take a while.
I have a bass in the queue. Been there a long while. Pre-COVID. Full disclosure, I changed my order 180° about a year in. So, this week I inquired on the status. Michael responded promptly with insight and an update. I’m good.
I am fortunate enough to own basses from a few of the best luthiers in the bass biz. I am also a businessman. I have nothing but respect for the MTD folks as they’ve stayed who they are throughout. No offshore B or C models, no licensed builders or distributors, etc. I am sure he has had offers (but this isn’t his first rodeo or his first company). Their level of dedication, to provide musicians with only the absolute best, is why the wait has so much value for me. And why MTD basses are what they are.
Thanks for humoring me. ✌
Not to take away from your great post, but aren't the Kingston line and the 90s Czech Republic-made basses exactly this?
A solid point, and my apologies if this is the case. I’ve never actually looked for, or played any of those. And I may be showing my ignorance in the space altogether.
My blind spot on this is a blessing and a curse, once you’ve played a bass that came out of Michael or Roger’s shop you never really consider anything else. That, and when you decide to go custom…
I have a few of Roger’s too, bought a non-NYC just for fun (far right). it’s still hands-down better than the big guys (I have a F American Ultra PJ, sounds like it should, however it
It is a solid rehearsal bass, just doesn’t have that punch in the nuts like the NYCs do.
The heart of my post was to be patient, and I do appreciate you widening my focus on this.
Also he does have distributors such as FretSpot that always have hand made MTD USA available in stock.
I have one which the previous owner attempted to get as close to a US MTD as possible. Playability and sound wise, its spot on and gets very close. No idea what they sounded like stock, but a great bass irrespective of cost.
I dig the passion. And the information. Thanks for, and to, all.
Sorta proves the point of my post too.
Patience. And tier 1 is worth waiting for.
Sorta proves the point of my post too.
Patience. And tier 1 is worth waiting for.
Unfortunately I have never played a USA MTD.
Although there’s a 635 up North
The Grendel (I have what I believe is a prototype) is an incredible piece of kit...hence my comments on just how marvelous an USA MTD will be
I used to think the most dangerous thread on Talkbass was the Testing Compressors thread. Starting to think it might be this one instead.
Hey, I resemble that.
Very excited to finally join the MTD family! Should be ready in a few weeks
