Hoffbass Posted February 11, 2012 Share Posted February 11, 2012 (edited) Hi everyone, What do you think what basses are mostly versatile?MTD's and Sadowsky's are fantastic sounding and built instruments and it would be very hard to make a decision if I had to choose.Unfortunately I never had a chance to compare these basses side by side.I'm pretty sure Sadowskys are perfect for any style but how about MTD basses?I have hardly heard rock musicians to talk about MTD's however I am sure they are top basses and fit in any genre.Could you share your experiences?Thanks Edited February 11, 2012 by Hoffbass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwilym Posted February 11, 2012 Share Posted February 11, 2012 hi Hoff, I've previously owned a sadowsky Tokyo, a precursor to the metro uv70, and I've been playing a 535 for a while now. played them both in the same musical "rock of some description" setting. both very different instruments really. IMO the MTD is far more versatile from an eq perspective. for me, the lack of mid control on the sadowsky is not ideal. I also prefer the neck and 35" scale of the MTD. I've played 2 different mtd's and sadowsky's at gigs and or rehearsal, and never had a problem cutting through the mix with the mtd, whereas I've not found it so easy on the sadowsky. however, the sadowskys were/are both great instruments, and I'm sure many would prefer them to the MTDs. downside of MTD is that different woods used can change the tonal character of the bass quite a bit. so, if you can, it's really worth trying out a few. they all have the MTD vibe though. e.g. my first MTD was wenge necked, and was naturally a little scooped in the mids, and it had the "classic" MTD slap tone. my current one is ash body, maple neck and is a lot more punchy/aggressive in the mids. the eq is so flexible, I think you could use them in pretty much any style, not just r'n'b or gospel, where there seem to be a lot of MTD users. hope that helps... G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
risingson Posted February 11, 2012 Share Posted February 11, 2012 Although I've played a few MTDs and a lot of Sadowskys (I'd take the Sadowsky for me, but personal opinions will differ), both instruments will fit the role of most things you want to do as long as your playing is all there (providing you're not expecting vintage tones out of either one apart from the Sadowsky in passive perhaps). It's all about how you play the instrument. I've not seen many rock players using MTDs, but I don't think it matters. I happen to think MTDs are well suited to modern rock too - the ones I tried out were pretty mid orientated and I reckon they'd cut well. And if you find that you miss the mid control from a Sadowsky, either don't get one or use your amp's EQ to fill in what's missing. They'll both be great bass guitars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoffbass Posted February 11, 2012 Author Share Posted February 11, 2012 Thanks guys it really helps! At the moment I'm hesitating between these two (just should make some funds first of all ).Quite hard to find an MTD (I dont know if there's any dealer in the UK though)and Sadowskys are only available in London stores.I found that Sados are perfect instruments but I just want to try an MTD before take the plunge. Specially now as I found a cheaper version of a US MTD 535. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4RF_Dap_kM"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4RF_Dap_kM[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PTB Posted February 11, 2012 Share Posted February 11, 2012 I am very lucky to own one of each - an RV Metro and a wenge/tulipwood/maple burl 535 that I bought off Gwilym (see post 2 above). Whilst both are excellent and versatile basses and there are many gigs where I'd happily use either, for me it's usually an easy decision which one to take. For me to take the MTD, I'll need to know the bass will be safe and secure and that the modern appearance would fit the bands image. However, if the venue is more rough & ready and/or the band has a more vintage-vibe (that's 95% of my gigs!), I'd take the Sadowsky for its classic vibe & replacability. I would also add that the cheaper Grendel and K series MTD basses are excellent and worth a look if you were thinking Sadowsky Metro rather than NYC. Hope that helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
margusalviste Posted February 11, 2012 Share Posted February 11, 2012 535 without any doubts! I have had two 535 and three Sadowskys. Sold all of them but regret selling my MTDs. Would buy back at once! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubinga5 Posted February 11, 2012 Share Posted February 11, 2012 without doubt i would take the MTD 535... especially the non exotic top cheaper series.. awsome tone..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NJE Posted February 11, 2012 Share Posted February 11, 2012 Sorry to sidetrack but is there a new cheaper USA MTD 535? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoffbass Posted February 11, 2012 Author Share Posted February 11, 2012 [quote name='NJE' timestamp='1328997702' post='1535963'] Sorry to sidetrack but is there a new cheaper USA MTD 535? [/quote] This US MTD 535 on the video is around 3500$ (with some fancy top and another extras they around 4500$) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubinga5 Posted February 11, 2012 Share Posted February 11, 2012 (edited) [quote name='Hoffbass' timestamp='1329002092' post='1536026'] This US MTD 535 on the video is around 3500$ (with some fancy top and another extras they around 4500$) [/quote]never liked the fancy tops anyway.. all MTD seem to do is either spalted maple or some other exotic top.. i really like the natural burst and would buy the cheaper model for that reason NJE.. you still enjoying that SR5? Edited February 11, 2012 by bubinga5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 Depends what sort of sound you are after... Basically, expect the MTD to sound more modern and the Jazz...obviously, to sound the more traditional. Also, I'd expect the MTD to have more sound variation between models/configs so you will need to know and like that variation. I did the modern tone thing and thankfully went back to the J sound. It depends what you play and want to play..IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BB3000S Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 As been said, it really depends on the vibe you're after, and what other basses you have in your stable. Both would be brilliant choices in their own right. Personally, I would go for the Sadowsky if I didn't already have the jazz area covered - but since I do I would definitely go for the MTD. An MTD definitely is on my wish list for the future, the ones I have played have been amazing!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NJE Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 [quote name='Hoffbass' timestamp='1329002092' post='1536026'] This US MTD 535 on the video is around 3500$ (with some fancy top and another extras they around 4500$) [/quote] Oh I see, I didnt watch to the end of the video so I missed that. Still a little on the expensive side for me unfortunately. [quote name='bubinga5' timestamp='1329003134' post='1536039'] never liked the fancy tops anyway.. all MTD seem to do is either spalted maple or some other exotic top.. i really like the natural burst and would buy the cheaper model for that reason NJE.. you still enjoying that SR5? [/quote] Hey mate, yeah still rocking the SR5. Its grown on me so much, bit heavy and the string spacing is a niggle but the sound is to die for and teh B string is amazing, my band love it, they would kill me if I got rid of it. It will only get replaced for something very special like a GB or MTD 535 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrederikVanDuuren Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 UK MTD Dealer: [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/MTD.html"]http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwilym Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 [quote name='FrederikVanDuuren' timestamp='1329055218' post='1536516'] UK MTD Dealer: [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/MTD.html"]http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/[/url] [/quote] yes, but I don't think they are a dealer for USA MTDs. in fact, I don't think there are any dealers for the US made instruments in Europe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomRichards Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 I just posted my MTD Kingston KZ5 on the for sale here. This is Mike's top of the line import. I got it from Mike at NAMM in January and he set it up. It's a great bass if you aren't sure and you want to give it a shot. I am asking $950 US. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shizznit Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 My MTD 535 was the finest instrument I have ever owned. Never owned a Sadowsky, but I have played many and also think that they are the dog's too. Tonally very different, but they are both equalled by build quality to very, very high standard. You can order pretty much anything you want with MTD as far as timbers are concerned...Mike always has some really strange tone woods hiding away in the workshop, but Sadowsky stick to the usual suspects such as alder and ash which some traditionalists prefer (Fender fans). Sadowsky are also building a lot of chambered basses which sound incredible and also cuts the weight down. It comes down to the what the player wants...I wouldn't say one is better than the other. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprocket123 Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 [quote name='shizznit' timestamp='1330432454' post='1557299'] My MTD 535 was the finest instrument I have ever owned. Never owned a Sadowsky, but I have played many and also think that they are the dog's too. Tonally very different, but they are both equalled by build quality to very, very high standard. You can order pretty much anything you want with MTD as far as timbers are concerned...Mike always has some really strange tone woods hiding away in the workshop, but Sadowsky stick to the usual suspects such as alder and ash which some traditionalists prefer (Fender fans). Sadowsky are also building a lot of chambered basses which sound incredible and also cuts the weight down. It comes down to the what the player wants...I wouldn't say one is better than the other. [/quote] As shizznit said , call or email Mike Tobias & tell him what you want , tone - wise & you ll get what you need , that guy is one kind of genius concerning woods & what you need-want , but the choice is yours at the end . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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