MTD Beast

Made around 2000. 4 string. 24 frets, maple neck, basswood body. Specially made Bartolini jazz style pickups. Passive.Volume/volume/tone. Body style very similar to other MTD's. Black Hipshot hardware. Body color is a nice blue that changes color depending on the light. Nicely tapered neck that fits your hand. Very lightweight. Only about 7 lbs.

Really gives the MTD sound without the negativity of having active pickups. Gorgeous tone. Not too hi-fi. Just perfect. I'm using it with a GK head and Avatar cabinet. No hum, very quiet. Would be perfect in the studio but I've only used it to play out. Very balanced sound that would fit in many different musical styles.

Bought mine as new old-stock so it hadn't come directly from the factory. Everything was still set up well even though it had hung on the wall for years. Everything was tight and well adjusted.

Withstands live playing no problem. Only bad thing is the basswood body, even though it's great for sound and for weight, is a bit soft. Easy to scratch and nick. Strap buttons are solid and large, so no real need for straplocks. Only had to adjust the trussrod once since I got it. Definitely would use it without a backup. It's a workhorse.

I emailed Mike Tobias about this bass when I got it and he responded within an hour. I'd say that's good fast service. Never had to have it repaired. No warranty since I didn't buy it new.

Been playing since 1975. I've owned many other basses over the years including other MTD's and this one is definitely top of the line. Comparable to the Z series at least. If it were stolen or lost I would definitely try and find another. Things I love about this bass: The asymmetrical neck, the light weight, the feel, the sound. Things I don't like about this bass: Easy to scratch and ding. I wouldn't change a thing on this bass other than that.