MTD 535-24 fretless
MTD 535-24 fretless, ash body/ figured bubinga top, wenge neck/ lined epoxy coated ebony fingerboard, body matching peghead veneer and truss rod cover, deluxe MTD hardshell case. Pre-owned- 9.5/ 10 condition. There are slight string rub marks on the surface of the fingerboard, but no scoring or “pitting”. New list price $6125. New selling price $4590. Pre-owned selling price $3679.
This is a very focussed, and clear sounding fretless. Although it is definitely on the solid, and more compressed side of the continuum this bass is very capable of yielding surprisingly lyrical, and dynamic legato lines. Timbreal, and dynamic response is very even, consistent, and predictable from high “G” down to low “B”. The ash body in combination with its beautifully figured bubinga top yield a solid low end that is not overpowering, but still very satisfyingly full, and with nice quickness to the attack. Emphasis in the region of the mid-bass up thru the lower midrange is ideally suited for fretless bass, and imparts plumpness to the body of the note. There is subtle complexity to the midrange of this instrument. It is not your typical J style fretless. However, the midrange signature is shapable in size, thickness, and dynamic velocity with judicious use of its pickup pan control, right hand technique, and its onboard EQ. A surprising number of very useable textures, and densities can be accessed. Of course, if you just want to go for a burpy “Jacoesque” vibe this can also be accommodated… albeit on the MTD side of “traditional.”
Dynamically, this bass is not for the player looking for a balancing act between acoustic, and “Jaco”, but rather leans more heavily toward a solid, focussed, and powerful sound that will really stand up in a busy mix. If you’ve ever longed for a fretless that has more solidity to the body of the note along with copious amounts of sustain, and compression then this is a serious candidate for your consideration.
