Product: MTD Grendel 4
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted
04/21/2009
at
05:46pm
by
effigy
Features
:
10
Info on these uncommon basses is sparse. So when I got my Grendel, I emailed Michael Tobias for some deets. The previous reviewer describes a bass very different from my Grendel. Mine is 100% stock, so here's what you can expect if you're lucky enough to find one of these rare beauties.
Hand crafted in the Czech Republic circa 2001 (the factory only produced MTD's for 1-2 years before closing down), the Grendel is chock full of features normally found only on high end instruments.
*Flamed maple top, and matching veneer on headstock.
*Assymetrically profiled 34" scale maple neck, wenge fretboard, no face dots (thank you).
*Angled headstock with nicely carved volute.
*Graph tech nut, with zero fret.
*Schaller high ratio precision tuners, top of the line, made in Germany.
*Hipshot type "B" bridge.
*Custom designed Bartolini single-coil jazz pickups.
*Bartolini 2-band preamp, 9 volt.
*3-way toggle for mid frequency centering.
*Fully copper shielded control cavity.
With a list of features like this, I think a 10 rating is justly deserved. The woods are all premium, the bass resonates superbly and weighs in at a svelt 8 lbs, 2 oz.
Sound
:
10
Soundwise, the Grendel falls into the "modern" catagory, its electronics were spec'd out very deliberately by MT. While the full spectrum of frequencies are well represented, the Grendel has very strong mids and maintains a clear presence at all times.
The EQ is powerful and quite versatile, but the Grendel is not the ideal bass to do your James Jamerson impersonation. The Grendel is quiet.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
9
I got mine as a store demo, not sure if they messed with the setup, but it plays very well. I have not tweeked anything but a slight intonation adjustment, since it arrived here a year ago. It's rock solid. I did'nt get a case or bag with mine, so no comment on that.
I'm not seeing any flaws anywhere. Neck pocket is snug, fret work is perfect. Beautifully applied trans-red glossy finish, matching headstock. Back of the neck has a satin finish. The Grendel also balances perfectly. It's just a well designed, well built bass.
Reliability/Durability
:
No Opinion
Obviously, the Grendel is a reliable performer.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Dunno really, but Michael Tobias' prompt and friendly response to my email was a positive vibe.
Overall Rating
:
10
Considering the long list of features, the top quality components and materials....
Considering what the designer intended the Grendel to be, and that it is exactly that....
Considering the Grendel's high build quality, and its "Ferrari-esque" looks....
Considering the original MSRP of well under $1500....
IMO, overall the Grendel is a 10.
Is it in the same league as a USA MTD? No.
The cool thing is that very few were built, so the Grendel is largely unknown. Used Grendels are scarce, but they are not expensive when they do show up for sale. I cant think of another bass of this caliber for under $700 used.
