MTD Shop Visit - Talking BASS with Michael Tobias and MORE! - LowEndLobster On Location

Looking to snag one of these basses? Use my Reverb affiliate link!- reverb.grsm.io...
Hey everyone! This is a VERY special video! We recently drove to Kingston NY to visit the Michael Tobias Design headquarters, and what a trip it was! We had the opportunity to talk bass, play some amazing instruments, and see behind the curtain. Michael Tobias even shows us how they get those stellar finishes on their basses! I hope you enjoy watching this as much as we enjoyed visiting!
Info on my signal chain, setup and more: • FAQ: My Signal Chain, ...
Discord: discord.gg/dzrFMzD
Facebook: LowEndLobster
Instagram: LowEndLobster
Reverb Shop: reverb.com/shop/lowendlobster

[@pleasantlindsey33]

The best thing about a 535 I ordered was when I got this phone call-“Hi, I’m Michael Tobias, I’m building your bass.” I will never forget that.

[@calvincurry8496]

PS. I think the MTD shop Being a Small 3-5 man outfit is what makes the Basses so Beautiful, Unique and Special ! Mike and Daniel are able to put so much Personal Touch in Each and every Bass. No 2 Basses are ever the Same but unique Instruments in and in themselves. They put LOVE Into the MTD USA Basses. MTD4LIFE

[@Bass.Player]

I have had a half dozen of his basses, they were great! All his 5 strings had 35" scale.... The last one I had was a Andrew Gouche...

[@cunjoz]

Gouche heh heh heh

[@thebassbuilder]

I am so glad to see you do this video. MTD is a master and probably my favorite company. Awesome video and cannot wait to see the reviews

[@PhatCream]

Could not agree more ! Mike is as good a they get in the industry as a builder and ethical businessman. Great to see family tradition continued. Also another family builder F Bass George/ Marcel equally have ethics and decency. Add on Keith Roscoe. Great to see this vide of the master, Micheal Tobias.

[@JayM.onbass]

I clicked on this video so fast! I love Mike and Daniel Tobias! You sound amazing playing an MTD and can't wait for the review! Lobster you're the man!

[@joshualagrone6972]

7:41 "how did his hand turn back to normal?" "i pinched the like button"

[@LowEndLobster]

XD couldn't have done it without you! Thanks ;P

[@Below-Average_Joe]

Thanks for taking us to the shop, Lobster.

[@flipper2gv]

A USA Super 5 is one of my bucket list bass. Gorgeous basses.

[@striknine570]

Wow, this video just put MTD in my sights for the next bass. Just the level of craftsmanship and sound I was looking for. Thanks for visiting and making the video. Those guys seem like good people and the type of guys that stand behind their product.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! The Tobias dudes are some of the best in the industry and their character absolutely reflects on the instruments they make

[@lakingscup]

Love this! ⭐️ Recently bought my first MTD 535-24 from a (now) friend. It was a featured 2019 Winter NAMM piece (okoume body/ambrosia maple top); I’m sold on the sound, feel and quality construction. Gonna soon be thinning the herd for a USA Super 5. So glad you too have made your way to MTD on this “Lobster Bass Journey.”Thanks for bringing us along. Cheers, Will! 🦞

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks BP and congrats! I may have done something... similar.... (let's just say the thumbnail picture was taken here and not at MTD).... and I am right there with you. A USA Super 5 has never looked so tempting.

[@terencekirton6812]

Great Man and Great Bass Builder! Good To see Your Basses Still Keep on Rocking!! MTD #1⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👑👑👑👑👑

[@coolaxe-dw4840]

Thanks for sharing some of the secrets of your craft, Mike. The Toby Pro is my favorite Tobias.

[@HondoFelder]

Great vid! Easily one of my favorite brands out there, and the tobias fam rocks.🤘🏽

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks dude! Yeah mine too now!

[@alexskibicki2262]

Pretty cool video, lobster. I’ve never tried out an mtd bass before, but I have seen them in action and they sound phenomenal. I’m especially intrigued by the mtd basses with 2 mm-styled pickups. They sound absolutely killer. Especially when they’re demoed with distortion. Anywho this is a great video. And it’s pretty cool you’ve met the dudes from mtd basses.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Alex! They're super wholesome and humble folks. I really enjoyed spending time with them. They just make you feel so welcome. Looking at so many pretty basses from big names on the internet, it's easy to forget that many of those are made by small builders out of small shops, and they're people like us and not some corporate suits.

[@theshepster901]

Love this video

[@MrSparks54]

Very interesting to see the shop and the guys.. Thanks for taking us along Lobster 🦞

[@PSA955]

Really enjoyed that, thanks. Visit Roger Sadowsky next, he's also a great guy, very accommodating, genuine.

[@philipmcadam5339]

Thank you for another excellent video, Lobster. I am looking forward to hearing the basses that you took home.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Philip!

[@twocats2543]

Awesome video, great job! The Super 5 sounded sick. The USA MTD is dream bass material.

[@TheGarageRecordingSC]

Such a great video lobster! I love seeing small operations like that just making great products! It makes me want to buy something from them, when I can afford it lol!!! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Mike!

[@nickpicc]

An USA MTD 5 with 17mm spacing is my dream bass. Thanks for the vid

[@jamesmarkham7489]

Spector factory visit would be cool!

[@LowEndLobster]

Stu lives right around the corner actually! He sold the brand to Korg somewhat recently, but I do plan on going back and doing a proper sit down interview with both Stu and Mike (with better audio!)

[@jamesmarkham7489]

@@LowEndLobster I got a Korean Spector last year and since then I’ve been drooling over the American builds. They are such amazing designs and tone for days.

[@erikroutson9306]

An MTD 635 is my ultimate dream bass... what an honor to meet the man. I wish I had such an opportunity. Thanks for sharing! Subscribed.

[@christopherfidler3019]

Thanks for this. My first bass was a Tobias 4-string Renegade.

[@chriscuthbertson]

I've never had a real Tobias bass but did have a few Gibson era Korean Tobys and they were amazing once you change the electronics. I fitted a set of Duncan active soapbars and 3 band preamp to a NT 5 string model and it was amazing, It would give my Warwick SS1 a run for it's money. Loved the feel of the Asymmetrical necks. I still have GAS for a MTD. I always hoped that Gibson would do something worthy of the Tobias name with the brand and I even sent an email to James Curleigh when he tookover with a few ideas of how they could resurrect the brand.

[@thefriendlyfinger69]

That was awesome! What legends. I own one of the Gibson made Tobias USA 5 strings. Amazing bass! I know they have a dodgy reputation, but mine is perfect

[@ephraim.1964]

MTD basses are stunning looking and sounding instruments. Great video!👏🏼👏🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼❤️

[@Bassic778]

It was fascinating to see how the staining is done!!!! Mike is not only a luthier, he's also an artist!!!

[@jamesbridges1107]

What a couple of great guys.

[@CharlieMorenoMusic]

Yeah, you made it to the wholy temple of bass!!!! 😜✌🏾️

[@BullyThaKidd]

That was an awesome vid lob. Both guys seem really laid back and cool.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Bully! Yeah man they're super down to earth

[@BullyThaKidd]

Now can we talk about how clear and transparent that usa mtd was dude....

[@derickthomas380]

Amazing content mtd the man himself 'and the always informative 'entertaining 'low end lobster..this is a classic masterpiece

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Derick!

[@derickthomas380]

@@LowEndLobster i wanted to ask you a question are those mtd Kingston super basses..really good what you didn't mention is they are built in China..i own 2 Kingston mtd artist basses which were manufactured in Korea in the early 2000's.....yes mtd basses are always outstanding products...but come on sir..made in China...im sure Michael has 100 percent supervision over the Chinese bass factory..

[@LowEndLobster]

I mention this in the interview and ask about the switch to Chinese labor. I also mention it in my review. We really can't paint all Chinese labor with a wide brush. Mike said the shop is family run and has been building guitars for like 50 years or something. From what I've seen (and it's a huge and prevalent problem), slave labor is much more common with electronics, toys, clothes, shoes, etc. I don't think that type of thing is present in the manufacturing of these instruments

[@derickthomas380]

@@LowEndLobster well said thanks 🙏

[@ImJustStandingHere]

I love looking back and seeing videos that cameo out on my birthday haha

[@DTaylorGuitars]

The USA MTD 😱 Buy it now! Mid heavy basses are my fave

[@bassbassbasser]

beautiful instruments. i still have an pre-gibson tobias, incredible bass.

[@thefid89]

Such a great video! You can see the genuine excitement from lobster. I love seeing the guy still love instruments even after all the reviews.

[@Barry101er]

If could have 2 basses-I would love an MTD!

[@noelcameron7856]

The Czech Republic Mtd Grendels were manufactured by an old world violin manufacturer, and produced for only 1 1/2 years. If you can find a 5 string with a 35" neck, jump on it. They are the true sleepers of the Tobias line by far, and with active electronics...just an exceptional sound and tone!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you for the tip! I'll keep my eyes peeled!

[@noelcameron7856]

@@LowEndLobster You'll soon be doing lobster sweeps on your asymmetrical neck like Bubby Lewis! Welcome to the cult! Mtd4life!

[@ibelieveinsound]

There’s a nice one for sale right now (November, 2022) on talkbass classifieds for a good price . Tried posting a link here but I’m not seeing it. Make it happen, Lobster!

[@robertjova5400]

OMG... I have a Toby Korean bass for like 20 years. ♥️ It. I want try an American one. You are Lucky lobster today. 👍 ☮️ Bob

[@roadworn61]

Very very well,congratulation,Tobias is for me n°1.

[@davegiard2221]

I dream of having a bass made by Michael and son. This is a wonderful video Lobby!

[@SlashnKashmir]

Few weeks ago, I talked with my local shop which is distributor of MTD to buy MTD Kingston KZ6 Fretless. But they said MTD does not ship new products till the end of 2022 unfortunately. I hope I can buy one day

[@rmccain99]

I looking for that review. I just clicked the notification bell.

[@LowEndLobster]

Super 5 review drops this Sunday :)

[@DeadKoby]

I have some "Gibson Era" Tobias basses... and I really like them. If I were in any way looking for a new Epic bass.... MTD would be my first call.

[@marciosouza8656]

Great content Lobster! More videos like this, pls... Thanks!!!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Marcio!

[@mikeh66]

GREAT VIDEO! CONGRATULATIONS!

[@wren23_bass-synths]

A fretless MTD is one of my bucket list basses

[@jeffjones1359]

Very cool! I always wanted to try one of the USA made ones. They seem like great people. The ones you played sounded beautiful! Mid heavy is good! It’s amazing how much the wood influences the tone. I think a big part of the Rickenbacker sound is due to their all maple construction. Did Mike mention Chris Squire? He built a couple basses for him a while back. I saw him playing one a few years ago. I’d love to learn from Mike. Always interested in that. I’m hyped to hear more of your new collection pieces!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Jeff! Yeah the wood choices and the impacts of those woods are incredible. So much special sauce! He didn't, but I'll be sure to ask next time I see him. Going to try and do a sit-down style interview with him and Stu Spector (lives right around the corner).

[@nadeshiko2842]

Wow just a couple of towns away. Would have been really cool to get to say hi lol

[@Victor101182]

Wao amazing sound

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Willy!

[@ravelitschimo]

cool dudes. I should test out their basses

[@budifunkbass1726]

I use MTD Bass . MTD Is the best bass for me . Thanks MTD !! Budi ( Bass project Band ) from Indonesia

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Budi!

[@rmccain99]

Thanks, LEL, They don't make the Hier anymore and I can't find a 5 with the maple fretboard, so I might have to get the China Super 5.

[@LowEndLobster]

They're quite nice

[@aryehbarson]

Wow, I've seen garages bigger than that shop!

[@LowEndLobster]

It was really humbling to see what they produce out of that little building. I had no idea what to expect. MTD is a huge name in the bass world, and I didn't know whether to look for a large warehouse or office space or something... But no, the entire operation run out of that little workshop and it's incredible!

[@bevinmodrak4997]

Just damn!

[@garrydhintz8017]

Hit up Ken Smith and see if he'll come on your channel. Vinny Fodera would be a sweet interview as well!

[@jbee3]

Nice playing. I would have locked up and my brain would blue screen if my audience was just MTD.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Justin! They're seriously the most down to earth people, I would have been in the same boat otherwise! So easy to talk to

[@greyfoxzero]

Always wanted to pick Michaels brain on why all his basses have the BFTS tuning system and almost none of the people playing his basses even know what it is or have a tuner with the offsets needed to tune and intonate them.

[@LowEndLobster]

This is a great question! I plan on doing another visit with a more 'sit down'-ish interview, will ask this!

[@russellzauner]

@@LowEndLobster Yeah Mike looked like he's always in the middle of something so maybe better check a couple dates if he's not that far away from you then you can afford to be flexible, or even maybe build a rapport and get a couple drill downs (Kiesel and others do this all the time, everyone LOVES factory videos, especially with detail - the staining segment was very cool and Mike does it a little different than the several other builders I've watched color and seal). I don't own a Tobias, so I had no idea (no reason to know lol) that there was anything special with the intonation/tuning/etc. That particularly caught my eye. I've seen reference to what I assume is the Buzz Feiten Tuning System on other instruments that I don't own (IIRC Washburn used it too?) and didn't know it was *that* special. Thanks to commenter for pointing it out...

[@greyfoxzero]

@@russellzauner Yeah thats how I was introduced to the BFTS system was on a custom shop Washburn bass. I had to use a setting on my korg tuner to properly tune and intonate it to the BFTS offsets. Once I did the instrument seemed to have sweeter chords and double stops. I would grab my jazz bass and play those same chords and it was not as "in tune". Its some kind of tempering thing with the offsets in the tuner and the nut? I could never make sense of it but its there.

[@Bassic778]

The cherry sunburst is amazing!!! I definitely prefer the Super 5 MTD!!!

[@LowEndLobster]

I still kick myself for not asking to keep that piece of wood that he finished

[@calvincurry8496]

Im still wishing and Hoping Mr Tobias find the right Pick Ups for a KINGSTON SUPER 6. Still cannot afford a USA Super 6 But absolutely love the Kingston Super 5. Got to Play a SIre M7. 5& 6 string which is a Excellent similar Bass. But the Kingston Super 5 edges it out in My opinion ( Comfort, End sound etc) Come on Mr Mike & Daniel Tobias. Help us Not so rich 6 string Players out. ( I had 2008 Z5 and I have Mick Donners Old 5 string Metallic Green Modified Z5 5) Love my MTD s. Much Love to MTD😊👍👍👍

[@rmccain99]

I,m thinking I’d like the China Super bass with up graded preamp.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Richard! Yeah the upgraded one is really nice. I have the stock Super 5 review coming Sunday, and the subsequent modded vid coming soon after :)

[@alanhearne6733]

I think Lobster is in love 😍❤️

[@LowEndLobster]

:)

[@martyrofgrenth2136]

I always loved how MTD basses look, though I've never got to play one unfortunately :( Very beautiful basses and sound killer, though the prices on them seem preeeetty steep...imo ;)

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Martyr! The USA ones are indeed pricey, but oh my are they worth it.

[@jagged_little_phil]

Amazing! I had no idea that the MTD shop would do upgrades for the Kinston series.... any idea of the cost of those upgrades that were shown on that Super 5?

[@LowEndLobster]

Yes! It's around 750 installed currently, I have a separate video coming detailing the modded bass, and another comparing it to the stock Kingston

[@jagged_little_phil]

@@LowEndLobster That's very reasonable for such upgrades, thanks for the info!

[@aerou12e18]

Next mayones visit

[@LowEndLobster]

That's a bit of a hike ;P

[@mingustheduck]

Are they Using CNC mills now?

[@LowEndLobster]

TBH.... I have no idea what any of that stuff is lol (I have a basic understanding of the tools, but most i've ever done was build a tray in middle school woodworking class lol)

[@iamLexxKelsey]

Geez that USA got some ⚾️🥎🏀🏐

[@LowEndLobster]

Ahaha indeed it does! Thank you!

[@michaelweymouth4015]

I’d like to hear a fret board that splits in half with the lighter wood for the high A,D strings. ( my bass is strung BEAD ) I know I know 🤦‍♂️ mountain rose guitar cost? Lee Sklar reverses his p-bass pick ups like that correct? Does Mountain Rose have a dummy switch too? 🫢

[@vrsoriano]

How does one order the upgraded Super 5? Super sick

[@LowEndLobster]

Great question! I would reach out to MTD, they're great at responding.

[@MikeyTiger37]

I think you can do it through your local dealer.

[@boogie8008]

I love the content but Jesus lobster, get your camera guy a steady mount. I was getting sea sick during the first bit of Mike’s interview. Keep up the good work!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Boogie! Indeed there are some learning curves, we'll get there though! I definitely appreciate the constructive feedback :)

[@jackshittle]

So now I assume the Tobias bass I bought new at Guitar Center for a $199 didn't come from this shop? Bummer.

[@rmccain99]

What is the body material?

[@LowEndLobster]

Ash for the Kingston Supers

[@travatron4000]

very cool, but lobster needs to up his microphone game if he's going to be doing interviews....

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Trav! Yeah we're still working out the on location audio thing. It's been a challenge but it's been getting better!

[@MotoMarios]

Great mistake watching this. Now I want one.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Is the one you played the one you bought?

[@LowEndLobster]

Yup!

[@bassimprovjams3772]

@@LowEndLobster awesome!!!

[@coolaxe-dw4840]

That Rose of the Mountain may be HICKORY

[@rmccain99]

I like EMG pups

[@LowEndLobster]

Me too

[@russellzauner]

"retirement" LOL

[@russellzauner]

Whoops, my bad - Pedulla retired recently. :-) Tobias *sold* - I would say don't be proud. If someone is going to buy your brand, even if it is your name, there's a $$$ amount on that and you can ALWAYS keep building unless you sign non-compete contracts lol Joel Dantzig still builds...

[@russellzauner]

I saw you ask about the Korean basses. :-) It's not like we always knew, but now that we know it's good to do the right thing. :-) Thanks for that - I don't think I'm special but I have been told I am ... squeaky.

[@russellzauner]

oh shit. he did have a non-compete. Usually they're 2 years, he must have been a strong negotiator. Welcome to the shithole that was the 90's. The good old days lol sure right, in hindsight... yeah not so much maybe.

[@russellzauner]

The articulation on the USA model is STUPID AF holy crap *C L A R I T Y*

[@russellzauner]

and now, yes - transparent by intent. :-) It's lovely to hear that because I've been wondering all this time why higher end instruments command their value in the market and in the enthusiast. Some sound like crap and everything you've held sounds GREAT. The rose top one - that one has LUNGS. If I could call an instrument "breathy" or "throaty" that's what I'd use as an example to someone who had no idea. Might want to check inside to see if it has a literal diaphragm with beef support like that.

[@coolaxe-dw4840]

Okay: this only goes to show this guy is really messing with listeners heads when he plays that hokey- joeky stuff he plays for his videos when he is filming from his own shop. Great job🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪

[@colb999]

I enjoyed the visit, but a constructive suggestion would be to learn how to do live sound well as it was pretty awful in the video.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! Absolutely valid criticism! We absolutely have our work cut out for us learning how to do the 'on location' sound, but we're determined to get it right. I really appreciate it Col!

[@abouc]

Live sound is tricky, especially if you aren't proficient yet. The last thing people want when you're visiting their production space is extra time spent mic-ing everyone and taking forever to get levels right. It requires some practice in a stress free environment, but once you have a repeatable process things go pretty fast

[@roadworn61]

top

[@rl-ub9hx]

So the hype is real... / \/ \ \ / \/

[@LowEndLobster]

It really is!

[@rl-ub9hx]

@@LowEndLobster so can you send your own import MTD to them for the upgrades?

[@vrsoriano]

Most importantly: what bass did YOU buy???👀👀👀

[@LowEndLobster]

Everything will soon be revealed