MTD Kingston Saratoga Deluxe 5 - Modern Magnificence with Classic Tone - LowEndLobster Review

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EDIT: To my surprise, this is a 34" scale! Holy crap! My bad. The Super is 35" still.
Hey everyone! Today we're finally reviewing the Saratoga Deluxe 5 from the MTD Kingston line. Just like the Super 5 with the Stingray, this Saratoga Deluxe 5 string is MTD's take on bass staple - the Jazz. Featuring a 3 band preamp with passive tone control and preamp bypass, two split coil jazz style pickups, and the classic MTD build with the Buzz Feiten tuning system, a zero fret, 35" scale 5 string neck with an asymmetrical profile, and 19mm spacing. The Kingston Saratoga Deluxe 5 is here to party! Let's check it out!
This bass and all my other basses with rounds are strung with SIT Foundation Nickel Plated Stainless Steel 45-105(125) unless otherwise noted. Check them out at sitstrings.com/
Info on my signal chain, setup and more: • FAQ: My Signal Chain, ...
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[@PaddyLeggBass]

I bought one of these (with upgraded Bartolini pickups and preamp) on the back of this review, and it has usurped a Lakland DJ5 as my no1 gigging bass - it’s soooo good, you can’t get a bad tone from it, and it’s insanely comfortable to play. I bought it “blind” online having never played one, but I was extremely surprised in a good way with how great it is. Amazing bass

[@Below-Average_Joe]

MTD needs to work at getting their instruments more widely distributed because their import line is super competitive at the upper end of the budget class.

[@sira.scottascot8865]

Back when these came out, the store I worked at picked 'em up. The regular Kingston Saratoga 5 and the CRB p-bass were fantastic. They both were so loud and open sounding.

[@bomartin5204]

I've been eyeballing this bass for a few months. Your review sold me. Excellent review! I totally get the laughing when playing something that just works.

[@rickrolli7091]

Cool bass of versatility. That mid range adjustment does a lot.

[@richshields6692]

Nice bass. Good value for the money. Nice playing lobster !

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Rich!

[@villusive]

amazing bass, can't wait for the mods you'd do to this bass!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks! I'm not modding this as it's not mine... but I totally would.

[@cblacc]

@@LowEndLobster if you could mod it which changes would you make?

[@LowEndLobster]

@@cblacc Honestly, a lot of what I would do would fall in line with the in house MTD upgrades. Hipshot bridge and tuners, upgraded preamp and pickups (though the stock stuff is VERY solid). Perhaps a John East pre on a jazz-like bass such as this and a nice set of Nordstrands or something.

[@marciosouza8656]

Great review Lobster. I really like those amazing MTDs.

[@joaniepeters2565]

I really like that small amount of tone control in passive mode, listen to it in comparison so a p bass, it’s extremely similar with this bass having a slightly better tonal attack and overtone. This bass allows complete versatility for a gig

[@nyclamusician]

Upgraded the pickups to aguilar and preamp to bartolini. Would have loved a 35 inch scale and 60s jazz spacing

[@jamesmarkham7489]

I always wanted one of these but there were never any in the local shops. Seems like a great player

[@glenndjubilee]

I wish my Fender 24 fret Jazz 5 sounded that good. It doesn't no matter what I have tried. Maybe I should get one of these. Sounds great as is.

[@LowEndLobster]

They're definitely worth a try. The asymmetrical neck profile is super comfortable.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

A 24 fret fender J?? Whaaattt!! 😮

[@glenndjubilee]

@@bassimprovjams3772 yes. They made them from 2007-2009 I believe along w a Steve Bailey fret less 6 string. You can find them used online. Korean made with Basslines pickups, a passive active volume knob, a midrange boost/cut, and a slap switch. I know, a Fender w/24 frets. Who would have thought.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

@@glenndjubilee wow!!! That is awesome!! I gotta get my paws on one!! Now if stingrays would be 24 frets lol

[@glenndjubilee]

@@bassimprovjams3772 indeed as I have an ‘89 Stingray 5 also and it is a bit beat up by the previous owner and the neck is warped a bit. But it still plays well.

[@philipmcadam5339]

Thanks Lobster, I have never played one of these but, they look and sound nice when you do.

[@devindickinson3903]

Definitely hear the p bass tones out of the neck pickup great sounding bass man not the jazzborgini though

[@tigerscott2966]

Sounds great. Good price too.

[@matthewlunsford4351]

Nice construction and intriguing sounds in headphones. If it were yours and you were going to mod it, where would you start? The passive tone control?

[@kgamaseg]

I would love to see you review the Schecter J-4 Exotic.

[@devindickinson3903]

I love my schecters my model t session is exquisite love my riot to emgs with grovers can’t go wrong

[@Grizzleback07]

You get a lot with Schecter guitars for the price. I have a Riot 5 Diamond Series neck-thru with an Aguilar OBP-2 and Seymour Duncan Blackouts (yeah I know) and it plays fast. The action is nice and low and can play anything thrown at it.

[@robertyoung7027]

Sounds fantastic man

[@tigerscott2966]

That bass looks amazing.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Killer sounding just like the super!! I absolutely love their bud range! Not sure what you did but I assume you pumped the mids and that was so good sounding!! Great review!! Will you be picking one up to mod eventually you think?

[@LowEndLobster]

So many mods, so little time hahaha

[@bassimprovjams3772]

@@LowEndLobster hahahah fax lobster!!

[@tanawatchutisira7837]

6:16 you can see a fluffy object pass by

[@calvincurry8496]

The Kingstons are good Value vs quality. I have s modded Z5. ( Aguilar Humbucking Pups, Babiz Bridge,Maple Board, 3 band eq, 2 position Mid selector,3 position coil Taps , Etc) Beast Bass. Ive played the Kingston Super 5, The Kingston AG 5, And The Kingston Saratoga. I hope you you will review the Kingston ZX 5( Bridge Bass- Between The USA and The Import MTD s, )Also Could you review the Top of the Line Kingston AG 5 in the Future. I am a Big of your channel. God Bless you🙏😎

[@grapefruitsimmons]

You should do a review for the Schecter CV-4!

[@floppytnarwal1641]

I'm surprised they didn't make a lefthanded version of this like they did with the KZ and the Kingston super 5. Shame as would have loved one for the collection

[@chrismorris3897]

Very nice bass!

[@DWdawgable]

Hey, what's that 5 string w/flame top cherry burst "modern jazz" style bass on the wall behind you? I think it's got Aguilar pickups? Looks super familiar.

[@LowEndLobster]

It's my Valenti! Killer bass. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2OugJ58m6lsfJY

[@PaddyLeggBass]

I had always thought that was a Sadowsky Modern 24-5 for some reason, I’m going to check this out now, Valenti are one of those brands I’ve heard of but don’t know anything about!

[@rl-ub9hx]

I've been wondering about these. I hope you get a CRB too they're calling my name

[@nyclamusician]

As a CRB owner, I can tell you it’s one of the best P Basses on the market . One of the fastest and most ergonomic basses I have played

[@rl-ub9hx]

@@nyclamusician haha what's up man, I almost grabbed your CRB from FB before you came to your senses and kept it. love your videos, they're exactly why I want one.

[@LowEndLobster]

I hope to check out a CRB soon!

[@nyclamusician]

@@rl-ub9hx Small world, our tight knit MtD community

[@michaelmcclure5525]

Lobster, have you tried a Kingston zx? I am leaning towards that or an EHB1505. What are your recommendations. I need a well rounded bass as I will probably only have one. Is there any other recommendations that you have for the $2,000ish price range?

[@13RBruce]

Lobster, you are awesome.

[@nyclamusician]

Also, this is a 34 inch scale, not 35

[@LowEndLobster]

Holy crap, you're right! My bad, thanks for the correction!

[@nyclamusician]

@@LowEndLobster my pleasure. Doing god’s work here with these reviews

[@nyclamusician]

@@LowEndLobster also, the bridge pickup is about 1 pickup length away from actual 60s spacing.

[@coreyu4590]

bass is burpy , I like it alot. LOBSTER WHAT AMP DO YOU USE??

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! Check out the faq video detailing my signal chain linked in the video description (towards the bottom)

[@bill4510]

I played a used one today.Very comfortable to play sounded good.The low B seemed a bit floppy though..I have a schector Omen 5.Would this be a significant upgrade from that?

[@tomrobinson4781]

Aye! lovely

[@thesnapperkeeper]

Sounds great

[@Ben-ic1ve]

5:31

[@chriscockey7649]

Hey Lobster, I have a 4 string Saratoga Deluxe. And while changing the battery I discovered that it will play without one. Not all active/passive basses will.

[@saxophite1333]

Hey Lobster, I’m looking to buy a second bass, I currently have a Sire V3 5 string jazz bass and was looking for something a bit more modern that could handle metal, without sacrificing things like slap or anything like that. I was looking into Ibanez, Schecter and Dingwall. Any suggestions?

[@LowEndLobster]

If you can swing a dingwall, try out the dingwall. They're a LOT of fun and sound great. Extra fun to tinker with too.

[@saxophite1333]

@@LowEndLobster will do! I was thinking about picking up the NG3, and I really liked the Lee Sklar signature but I don’t have that kind of cash haha, I do really like the drop tuner though.

[@chriscockey7649]

Lobster, the passive tone is only on when switched passive setting. Doesn't work in conjunction with active preamp.

[@chriscockey7649]

By the way, love your reviews.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks for that!

[@jonrarmey1220]

Beauty!! If only it wasn’t made in China it’d be perfect...

[@etpslick100]

Wow! Very Nice bass. Put 24 frets; it’s mine.😉🎶👍🏾

[@springboard1924]

Which do you prefer between the MTD Kingston & SIRE line instruments? Also, which line do you feel has the best build quality? Thanks!👊🏾

[@PaddyLeggBass]

MTD is really a ‘pay grade’ above Sire really

[@PorchBass]

Mr Lobster, have you seen the new ehb 1265? I think you'd like it

[@markgreen950]

Have you tried the Kingston Z models with the soap bars?

[@who9900]

Get MTD to send you a Kingston Lynn Keller 5 once they're available.

[@LowEndLobster]

I can neither confirm nor deny the existence of such a bass ;)

[@who9900]

@@LowEndLobster 8 months later, and it looks like the Lynn Keller basses are out there for sale. Any chance of a review in the near future?

[@oortiz1976]

Hey would be cool if u try a squier contemporary active P bass..... What do u think

[@bill4510]

I could not find any info on the upgrade kit for this bass.I went on the MTD site and emailed them. no response yet. The out put level on my bass is very low.Fresh battery.

[@LowEndLobster]

It's NAMM right now.

[@bill4510]

Thank you Yep that is What I thought.If you are there,enjoy@@LowEndLobster

[@jd4947]

Is 34 or 35-inch scale? Thanks.

[@LowEndLobster]

34, I messed up!

[@joshbarron1380]

Hey Lobster! mtd Super or Lakland 55-02??

[@LowEndLobster]

Both are great, but I believe you can get the Super 5 for a bit less than a new 55-02. I'd say the stock Super sounds a bit more aggressive than the Lakland. But either will play nicely and sound the part.

[@joshbarron1380]

@@LowEndLobster Thank You!, and i could always mod the Super down the road

[@sira.scottascot8865]

Do you ever go to grab the claw before a shoot and realize that it's been a minute since you last ran some hot water in there, or something? 😁

[@russellzauner]

The only distinguishing feature on this is its string spacing. Seemed to slap like a dream and the tones were nice but pedestrian. Buy this and you can say you own an MTD; there are a LOT of basses in this tier to choose from. One piece necks are styling but they cheated the headstock lol Most companies add slices to the sides of the headstock even if the neck is a one piecer; they went the other route and said hey this thing's not long enough, add a piece! I am unsurprised by the lack of color on this instrument's timbre, noticing that it's not a maple cap or even laminate top but a maple veneer, allowing the true beauty of the basswood to shine forth. Great instrument for actives but I think it would be some work to match electronics to it if we were limited to passive only. I wouldn't mod this bass. I'd get my money back and buy something else - I feel like there's a 99.9% chance that this is as good as this instrument is going to sound. Unless you put a filter based pre-amp in it. Then it's gonna sound great! But then it could be ANY bass, including this one. This one is a hard pass for me even though I am sure it will appeal to a LOT of people. My tastes will evolve, I'm not good at slapping yet; I'll probably come around regarding overtly wide string spacings just like I did flatwound strings.

[@PaddyLeggBass]

I’ve bought this bass and modded it with Bartolini pickups AND preamp and it sounds 200% better, it’s a fantastic gigging bass

[@bnutz3k]

I don't know why tapers like that are ever used. There is such little difference in price. Garbage corner to cut, imho.