MTD Kingston Z5

This bass was made in Korea. It is a 5 string, mahogany body with a burled top. Active electronics. 3 tone, 1 volume and 1 blend knobs.

The tone is very clear and articulate. Using the eq and blend knobs you can change from extremely (obnoxiously) bright to smooth 'no attack' thump. The electronic are very quiet and very active.

I have large hands so some things like slapping on any but the top most string has always been an issue for me. With this beauty I can slap the B, E and A strings. The action is awesome, the tone is incredible, could it get any better? Yes, it also looks gorgeous. I have the 5 string tobacco burst. Fit and finish are perfect. Did I mention it is very light weight?

I have only played out with it once so far. It was very solid - even the guitar player commented on the great tone (how he could hear it over his amp I'm not sure...). It appears to be very well built, everything feels solid. The only problem I have had so far is finding a case for it. The neck is so thin that all of the bass cases I have tried do not hold the neck solid in the case. I guess I will have to order an MTD case for it. I replaced the strap buttons because I use strap locks on all of my guitars.

Before I begin to gush let me first state that products seldom live up to my expectations. This bass has met or exceeded my expectations in every area! I am primarily a guitar player but I have owned or played regularly Fenders, Tunes, Conklins and Musicmans. This one takes the cake. I have played basses several times the cost of this one but they are a distant second to the MTD Kingston KZ. Thanks Mr Tobias!

MTD KZ 5 Maple Burl Satin Finish 35" scale 5 string, 24 medium jumbo frets, Zero fret 1 3/4" wide, MTD quick release bridge, 3/4" (19mm) spacing, One-piece neck w/satin polyester finish Carved mahogany body with maple burl top, Controls are volume, blend, treble, midrange, bass, MTD active wood covered soap bar pickups. Shielded electronics compartment.

This is a versatile bass. From warm old school R&B rolling off the treble to minimize the front end attack to bright modern string sound. I am playing a finger style in blues, R&B.
I am playing this through 2 ampeg B-100r amps tilted back on the front casters and set about 4' apart with a splitter on the floor and no effects. What a warm full sound.

I had to adjust the action for this bass but I think that is to be expected. Action is too subjective. That being said. I played this bass against a Lakland 5502, An American Fender Jazz 5 string, An MTD 535 and a Pedulla Thunder bass which I own. The Z5 plays as well or better than anything you can think of. By the nut, in the sweet spot or up above the 12th fret.
The finish from the factory in Korea left something to be desired. The frets were sharp and there was an odd thing with the nut. MTD took care of it under Warranty. (See below in customer support.

I cant imagine this bass having any sort of longevity problems. Once tuned it holds very well. The tuning machines feel very smooth and positive. The finish is a satin poly that seems very hardy indeed. I have not had this bass long enough to say if the truss will need lots of attention but I doubt it. The design is super solid. I don't like to play without back up. You just never know who is going to fall on your rig but I am not bringing a back up due to a lack of confidence in my MTD Z5.

Here is where we separate the winners and the also rans. I emailed the MTD shop and relayed my issues with the neck finish. Less than 24 hours later I was emailed back my Michael Tobais himself. Seeing as I was in NY at the time I could come upstate and he would have someone meet me at the train station, bring me to the shop, handle the problems and give me a ride back to the train in time to have dinner. I was completely floored. Unfortunately I did not have the bass with me so he said he would find someone to fix it under warranty in California for me or I could send it to him and he would do the work personally. Then he called and gave me an update and spent some time talking to me about the bass. Then he threw in a set of strings. Unheard of Customer Support. Above catoragization.

My overall experience with the intrument, design, bang for the buck, customer support, sound, playability and good looks are superlative. MTD raises the bar for every other manufacturer. Just go buy one and be happy. I love my Pedulla. I cost $4000.00. My MTD cost under $1000.00 and is impossible to put down. I will save my pennies and someday I will but a MTD 535 lined fretless.
Thank you Mike.

This bass was made in Korea in 2006. It has a bolt on maple neck and fingerboard, 24 frets. It's made of mahogany with a bearl top and matching headstock. There are 2 soapbar pickups with bass, mid and treble cut/boost with a pan pot and master volume. The finish is satin. It has the Buzz Feiten tuning system. There were no accessories (or documentation) included.

This is my first active instrument and I am really digging the versitility of the electronics. There is no noise or buzz from the system. The sound with everything flat is clear and bright. Just the way I like it. Playing with the cut and boost gives me all sorts of wonderful combinations. I use an Eden WT550 with the EQ flat and make my adjustments from the bass. Very convenient. The feedback from band members was all positive.

Fit and finish are terrific. This is a beautiful instrument. Set up was typical factory. I always have to fiddle a bit for personal taste and expect to do this.

I've only played one rehearsal with it. I certainly don't forsee any issues here. The hardware looks solid.

I haven't had to deal with customer service yet. I've asked for documentation (only about 10 minutes ago) but haven't had an asnwer yet. Warranty info was one of the things I've asked for.

I've been playing off and on for about 35 years. This is my 4th bass and definitly the best I've had. If it were stolen I'd replace it in a minute.