MTD Kingston Super 5 - This SUPER Bass Will Absolutely SLICE Through Any Mix! - LowEndLobster Review

[@kevinlynch2248]

Not every bass needs a mod, and that MTD is, IMO, one of those that is great as is. I’ve wanted one for a while now and I want one even more after hearing this one.

[@LowEndLobster]

I agree! MTD lent us one with their in house mod/upgrade package for us to compare considering the mod stuff I do, but I agree that the stock Kingston Super 5 is SUPER nice.

[@floppytnarwal1641]

I really think it is a great addition if you can get one. I really enjoy playing the one I have. After over a year it's still a bass you want to pick up and play.

[@thefool2007]

It nails the aggressive, plucky staccato sound. Nice bark. Growls all the way down to the bottom. Not much in the way of taming the sizzle but that’s what she’s always about. Easily passable for a MM Stingray or an Tobias Growler. Excellent bass! Would easily win a growling contest.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Rick!

[@bdavel1981]

How about comparing it with a Warwick Corvette $$? I used to have one of the german made $$ first gen back in the mid 2000's. The $$ was hard to slap with due to the lack of space between the neck and the pickup :(

[@LowEndLobster]

?

[@Avishayb]

@@LowEndLobster sorry, posted accidentally. keep it up:)

[@TheBassManimal]

Lobster, love your channel, long time viewer and subscriber, I just want to start by saying you're a phenomenal Bass player, far better than I could hope to be. So I just have a tiny constructive criticism - when I look at the MTD, I see a purpose built Metal instrument, I know it's not your genre, but I'd love to see a little better Metal chops and a little more Metal style pick playing for Basses like these just for ease of hearing what they would sound like in their intended environment if possible 😉 Thanks again for all your reviews and I love watching new episodes on all sorts of Basses. You have helped me narrow down many instrument purchases over the years brother! Keep up the fantastic work and sending my best regards from Down Under

[@rl-ub9hx]

OMFG. Those first notes made the hair on my neck stand up. I'm so glad I pulled the trigger on one of these!

[@LowEndLobster]

:) You're going to love it

[@r.l.rachel740]

Super nova sonic tones ! 9 Lbs weight delight ! BlackStar body conforming sculpturing & finish awsome ! This is a dream machine ! Lobster, another simple, honest, concise review. Thank you.

[@thebassbuilder]

I just re-watched this video and I really think this bass set in the mix better than any of the others that you reviewed. Great sounding bass.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Meyers!

[@Bassic778]

I don't think I've seen you so excited about a bass as you were in this video which is really convincing that this bass is a beast!!! me!!! The more Kingston Super 5 videos I watch, the more impressed I am with this bass and I'm seriously considering getting one!!!

[@Gnat-Wu]

MTD basses are absolutely stunning i wonder if this bass sounds as beautiful as it looks.

[@steffomca762]

They do! The only difference is that Kingston basses are made in China or South Korea

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Anonymous!

[@floppytnarwal1641]

In the band I play with, the guitarist jumps between an acoustic and an electric. This bass sits in the mix really well with either. It's a lovely bass to play

[@Gnat-Wu]

@@floppytnarwal1641 funny story I actually bought the exact same one in the video...and I totally agree it sounds insane in the studio as well.

[@eloysuopunki7926]

It has quite similar pickup placement as the Warwick doublebuck has. That would be a cool bass to review as well. Always a pleasure to watch these videos.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Eloy!

[@iamLexxKelsey]

I like how even the B string is it so smooth it doesn't get weak or jump out at u

[@ashplaysbass]

I’ve always been curious about how this bass sounded. Killer video!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Ryan!

[@RobMLyon]

I own one as well, added the MTD hipshot USA bridge, Aguilar A5 pickups and an Aguilar OBP-3 preamp!! It’s an utter monster!!

[@LowEndLobster]

That's awesome Rob! Did you do those mods or were they done by MTD?

[@12to3Guitars]

Where can one find the "MTD Hipshot USA Bridge"? Nothing on hipshot's site is labeled exactly that way.

[@LowEndLobster]

@12to3Guitars you get it from MTD. it's just a custom spec A series bridge

[@RobMLyon]

@@LowEndLobster I did it myself, changed the whole game!!

[@12to3Guitars]

@@LowEndLobster thanks!!!

[@BYLRPhil]

Nice to see your G&L hanging up in the background. That one is still my favorite :-)

[@LowEndLobster]

Me too :)

[@BrooksysBassCorner]

Great work! Love that bass model, I reviewed one for Bass Guitar Magazine 4-5 years ago and it blew me away. Great value for money. Nice one, sir!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Brooksy!

[@etpslick100]

Finally!! A demo!!! Verdict? Great bass!!😌🎶👍🏾

[@thebassbuilder]

That bass is so beautiful! I normally do no like a black headstock with maple board but this one works great. That body shape is better looking to me then the USA models. The lines flow so nice and I love the headstock shape as well. Cannot wait to hear the next one you have. I feel the Bart’s will sound really good. This one sounded good but very stingray ish, which I do love but left me wanting just a little more. Great video!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Meyers! I think you'll like the bart equipped one. It has the super preamp too with a passive tone control and two separate mid targets (400hz and 800hz). A very nice upgrade!

[@JamesGaskins1956]

Ordered mines today! Been wanting one for a very long time!

[@PSA955]

That thing sounds great. Could be detrimental to my checking account! Looks like you really love that ax. Thanks Lobster for another great review.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Ox!

[@BrandonElliotSmith]

@LowEndLobster WELP, been playin keys/organ all my life, got the Moog Voyager for key bass, finally deciding to pick up bass after all these years & I think I'm sold on this one. Thank GOD I can get this type of tone w/o spending several thousand on one of the American-made MTDs lol. Thanks for posting!

[@sira.scottascot8865]

Back in the early 2000s I worked at an MTD dealer. They were probably the most lively sounding basses we sold. Even the $500 ones.

[@luiza177music]

Love all the sounds you can get out of this thing. Not to mention how cool it looks

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! I agree, tons of great and usable tones

[@Below-Average_Joe]

Lobster, your review has me really looking forward to picking mine up for my birthday.

[@bones2532]

Most insane slap machine, I've ever heard, probably. Wonder how this beast would sound like with Nordstrand big man PUs in it, could bring you into that preci territory on the nech PU, I suppose...

[@LowEndLobster]

Part of me was thinking about a mod like that hahaha

[@rmccain99]

Some Delano's and a BassMods preamp will bring it to life. Have you done a review on BassMods?

[@garlandlabat4922]

Mr. Lobster, wonderful review! I once had a Tobias Killer B bass and loved it. Why did I ever sell it? But this Kingston; 35" is longer than my arm, and 19mm string spacing produces a neck so wide my aging fingers just can't manage it. But if you haven't already (I'll check to see), I'll watch for a review of the Spector Bantam 5, medium scale bass. It fits my aging fingers perfectly, and I love the tone better than any short/medium scale I have tried.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Garland!

[@jfufighter]

Thank you for reviewing the MTD Super 5! I got the MTD Kingston Super 5 Super Blue! Do you know which brand and gauges the strings are when they ship the Kingston Super 5?

[@nickpicc]

been telling people for years that MTD Kingston is the best bang for you buck bass out there, especially looking at used prices They make great fretless too

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Nick! Indeed, I low key regret getting rid of my old Kingston that I did a video on at the start of the channel. Super basic with a single MM pickup and a vol/tone control only, yet it played and sound magnificently. Got it for super cheap too

[@southpau]

Just found one of these at a pawn shop for $200. Can’t wait to try it!

[@latonyahemingway3752]

34 scale option would be nice. Like the sound of 35 but too big a stretch for some , even with the asymmetric neck shape. Bass sounds and looks great . MTD always equals quality !!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks LaTonya!

[@FretLevelMidnight]

I love this channel. Lobster I'd really love to see you review the Harley Benton Marquess 4 and 5, they look like great mod platforms, 4 and 5 string 35 inch scale, 24 fretters. I'd be VERY interested in your take on these, especially the 5 string, and your ideas on swapping the preamp.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Kinda reminds me of a Warwick $$ I guess because of the pickups This bass sounds so good!!! Wow!!! I’d definitely play one!! I absolutely love 35” scale basses they just sound amazing! I wish musicman would do a 35” scale

[@Bassic778]

Killer tone!!! That's one MTD that I would buy!!! I just ordered one that's like the one in this video!!!

[@MTDdreambass]

Nice review Lobster. They also offer a active passive push pull tone, at least on my custom and magnetic battery cover

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Buddy! Indeed, I forgot to touch upon that.

[@taylorhilyard8661]

My G&L L2500 is wired like this. The series/parallel/single option on humbuckers is incredibly useful.

[@Bass.Player]

I have had a couple of MTD Artist and a Andrew Gouché. They were nice...

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks BP!

[@WillGamache]

Great review brother. These are such an incredible value at the price point. Only the Lakland skyline get close to this value. These are some of the best engineered basses out there.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Will! Indeed, stellar value here

[@OlandoMcCall]

Just bought this bass and the Kingston feels so much better and more refined than my 1yr old DJ5

[@markblackstad8705]

I could tell just by your playing on this review that the neck profile must be something special. Lobster was flying all over the fretboard! 35" scale would scare me a bit though. Personally I think if you are putting 2 pickups in there, one should be up closer to the neck. I do use a pick about 1/4 of the time as well, so that would be an issue with me. I use my neck pickup alone a lot with my Ray HH basses and like that low, smoother, buttery P Bassey tones as an option. Also, small things, but a battery door and easier access to the truss rod would be nice. But overall a lot of very quality sounds in this bass and the preamp sounds very versatile as well.

[@antonioprosper7584]

Been eyeing one of these basses for a while and seeing you this happy while playing it really makes me want one. Specially because of the asymmetric neck, I have a Warwick Corvette $$ that is similar in pick up configuration, but its thick baseball bat neck is giving me a hard time with my tendonitis on my left forearm :(

[@rl-ub9hx]

Buying the B stock MTD has on reverb and having them do the US upgrades before sending might be the best deal out there right now.

[@LowEndLobster]

This will be more lightweight and the neck will be easier to play than the Wick. I'd go for it!

[@victorbauguess8237]

I love this bass I wish I could get one every demo I have heard it sounds wonderful

[@philbosher6959]

Wow.. what a beast of a bass.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Phil!

[@ericward8010]

I had the good fortune to play an MTD 535 at the SWR factory many years ago- it was #26 that was owned by S.W.R. himself! Never played a nicer bass EVER!!! I'm a senior now, and I don't see one on the horizon, but God may have other plans.....

[@genegleckner2732]

Love the bass , love the sound , I wish you had talked about the tuning system , intonation and tuning is so different than normal setups

[@LowEndLobster]

if only I understood the buzz system haha

[@rickrolli7091]

Lobster man. You were just enjoying that bass sooo much. I swear the review was never going to end. But that just shows you how many options you have in the bass. That is a very unique toned bass. But only on the good toned side. If I was describe the tone. I'd say a "girfy jaco" tone. Clean, tight and solid. Good review and have a great day. 🐈🎸☕🦞🦀

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Rick! Great comment, I agree on your description of the tone.

[@rl-ub9hx]

For the covers just stick a tiny screw driver... or catch the inside of the screw hole on a thread to pull it up. I had the same trouble on my EHB. Another solution is hold the bass face up and give the cover a slap, should drop right off.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Rob!

[@larrythomas9035]

Hey your bass playing has grown considerably since I last heard you. That's 4 claws.

[@JohnSmith-mi8zy]

Had a Kingston Z5 that I sold a few years back. Selling that bass was one of my biggest musical regrets. These things are boutique and sound and playability.

[@sabiirizarri]

Thanks for comment that,,I’m thinking buying 6 strings ..do you have experience with 6 strings ?

[@JohnSmith-mi8zy]

@@sabiirizarri Sorry, zero experience with a six string.

[@jakp8777]

Has a very bright, plucky sound. Is that the instrument, strings or lobster? I really like it.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Jak! I think it's the instrument, though the in house MTD strings also sound great.

[@robertjova5400]

Can't wait to see. The Tobias upgrade. How was his shop? How was the hand made one 🤔 Thanks 👍

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Robert! His shop was awesome. Learned so much and the Tobias dudes are such wholesome and humble folks who love all things bass. We may have a USA comparison vid coming ;)

[@bens4295]

Hey Lob, Love your channel. Is the MTD Kingston Super 5 worth the extra 200ish bucks, than the Ibanez BTB745? Which one would you choose for funky growl? Thanks Brother!!

[@stushwartz]

Awesome 👌. Always on the radar these. Love the sounds. I've purchased a Bass Collection king crimson Power Bass with dual Sims pickups. Amazing. Just want to put active system in.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Stu! Awesome! Always wanted to try the Sims stuff

[@stushwartz]

@@LowEndLobster shame not in USA could have sent to yiu to try out

[@churchbass3]

Try demo an Bassmods bass... excellent basses

[@VioletSpaceship]

Is this one of the two basses you borrowed from the MTD shop? It would be really cool to hear one of the USA MTD basses from your studio!

[@LowEndLobster]

Correct! Stay tuned ;)... you may see something of the sort on Friday hehehe

[@jeobsplyr]

Love the video! Just got one! Is there a diagram of the controls? Not sure what each toggle switch position is.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks! The 'middle' position is single coil for both switches. I don't remember exactly but I think up was series and down was parallel. You should be able to tell the difference between series and parallel by listening, series is a much hotter/stronger signal. The center position is definitely single coil though (the outside coils).

[@jeobsplyr]

@@LowEndLobster Thanks for the info. Just saw your video of the USA 535! That is a beautiful instrument!! Sounds just as good as it looks!! You ROCK, my man!!

[@mrcarterxxl]

Been spending the past 4 days with my Christmas gift to my self {MTD Kingston Super 5} now I’m thinking about Delano pups or maybe keep the stock pups that I do like

[@johndelong9230]

Well Lob, got my attention with this one. I'm like a deer cought in the headlights! Does this bass come in a 4 string and are there markers on top of neck?

[@LowEndLobster]

Yes and yes! Super 4 and Super 5 from the Kingston series are both available

[@ham.strings]

I have the cheaper, older Heir 5 and it is mind-blowingly awesome.

[@LowEndLobster]

Right?! I briefly had a Kingston from the mid 2000's with the single MM pickup and a vol/tone setup. Surprisingly awesome for 350 on the second hand market at the time. I kind of wish I didn't sell it.

[@ham.strings]

@@LowEndLobster Mine has the single-coil jazz at the neck and the MM, and is active, surprisingly. I first tried out a passive version at a pawn shop and couldn't stop thinking about how great it felt, but theirs was way overpriced. Fast forward a couple of months later and I found "the same bass" in local ads, surprised to see pre-amp when I got there.

[@CillBlintonOfficial]

Sounds phenomenal. Might need one

[@martin_goodlad]

Man o man. I wish they had gone ahead with the 6 string version they discussed at one point.

[@zachbollinger757]

That Donny Benet shirt also cuts through the mix 🤘

[@LowEndLobster]

:)

[@Amanet13]

Ok now i was looking for a while for economy Bongo or Stingray bass that plays and looks good.Awesome

[@tigerscott2966]

Great B string. Good price too. Thanks Lobster. As usual, after watching your videos it's time to practice.

[@clevelandf1607]

sounds great.. is it neck heavy?

[@BassRacerx]

every MTD ive loved the sound solo would love to get my hands on one and get the feel of them. Havn't heard much MTD in a mix with a full band tho.

[@timothycooney986]

Great sounding bass. It's obvious you enjoy playing it. Have considered keeping a score card for basses you've reviewed?

[@joecasa85]

What a growl! That's a funky machine! Just one thing....why are they still making the battery swap so difficult?

[@SlashnKashmir]

After your MTD tour video I found an used MTD Kingston Heir fretless w/ Bartolini J & MM pickups and Glockenklang 3 band preamp , it looks spectacular on paper what do you think?

[@LowEndLobster]

That sounds killer!

[@Bassdriver]

Totally go for it!

[@rodrigomartins6733]

Hey Lobster, good review. Could you remember which basses you gave 5 claws?

[@tracychappell2029]

Is there a similar 4 string version, like a Kingston Super 4? I love the tones.

[@LowEndLobster]

Yes there is a 4 string too.

[@tracychappell2029]

@@LowEndLobster Yay! 😁

[@floppytnarwal1641]

I have a Kingston super 5. I had wanted one for a long time and was very blessed when my son bought me one for my birthday. It exceeded my expectations. Both my Ibanez 1205 and my Vigier passion have been left on the shelf. I love this bass. The best thing is it's a left handed model!! Might upgrade to bartolini pickups one day but I really enjoy the sound at the moment. It really sits well in the mix.

[@waterlilly2100]

That neck profile sounds a lot like my 87 basic 5

[@LowEndLobster]

It's so comfy

[@nonotesnelson]

holy smokes....this thing sounds amazing! as wild as it sounds...my only negative/detractor is the lack of dots 🥴 i wonder if stickers would affect the sound much?

[@alvariyo0]

i wanna play jass funk ... which one is better.... Mtd super 5, Sire M7, sterlin ray 35????

[@LowEndLobster]

Great question! All are great choices, I'd go with the M7 or Kingston. I have an M7 5'er on order (and an M5 4 string in the stable currently) that I will compare to the Kingston Super 5 in another video.

[@alvariyo0]

@@LowEndLobster very cool .... I'll wait for that video....Thank you very much for answering

[@jeffreychatman4376]

How is the battery life in the preamp on this one, Lobster? How much life can you get out of a battery with normal play? Since there's no bypass.

[@JonesHess]

Hey Lobster! How often do you usually adjust your truss rod? I've only ever adjusted it once on each of my basses.

[@LowEndLobster]

Great question! It depends. I keep my humidity around 40-50 percent in the lair. Sometimes import basses can settle a bit and need some tweaking if they're coming from a humid place like Indonesia. I can't really make a blanket statement for all my basses.

[@latenight5865]

How would compare this with Sire M5 in terms of the tones? As for me this sounds more unique than M5, just like "I am MTD, although I am versatile".

[@LowEndLobster]

Great question! Perhaps the makings of a future content piece! ;) I find the Sire to be a bit more traditional in its tones, with the MTD a bit more modern. Control options are very similar between the two, but the tones you get are quite different. The MTD is almost double the price of the Sire, but quality is top notch.

[@Pj_Oracle]

@@LowEndLobster Great to have the benefit of your thought comparing the two. These days the prices for the M7 5'er and the Super 5 are about the same, though... The M5 certainly is the bargain, and the M7 arguably the nicer looking of the Sires. But, for me, the S5 is SEX! Hopefully, you still have that S5 and an M5/7 5'er to do the comparison that quite a few of us are wishing for. Thanks and all the best for 2022!

[@matthewlunsford4351]

Didn't know this existed and find it intriguing.

[@rcjd7834]

Holy crap that sounds amazing. I would love to demo one!

[@PushSueAside]

All i can think of is King Crimson...”the more I look at it...the more i like it...i do think it’s good” still...not a fan of 5 strings, but the neck looks very accommodating.

[@makkitozea4245]

SICK SOUND !!!

[@russellzauner]

*waits patiently for the one made of The Wood That Will Never Be Again* This is cool too

[@russellzauner]

Beef, burp, and grunty brillo. If you're gonna drop a kbuck on a bass, this is a hella contender for both timbre, playability, and featureset. It's got the tones you'd expect out of an ash-type body with buckers, and that's good - so many instruments give you some tones but not so many and all of them seem highly usable in studio and live. Again, instruments a bit on the brighter side end up translating through mic'd cabs nicely as well as being much more manageable on live gigs. Agreed that you're not going to get many classic jazz or p bass tones out of it, but if you're buying this you had better have at least a p or j bass if not both already in your stable, which means you can use *those* to get the tones that this one might not dial in so well. I think this covers, and easily and in a lot of cases better, all the territory both the MM and CLF humbucker basses do and then some. In a mix or live you can fake a p or j tone close enough to cover what few songs you're playing if you don't have a lot of those in the set; leave the other two at home and just start slappin n tappin and nobody will be the wiser.

[@russellzauner]

I love how most people crap on Bartonlini pickups but they don't really understand what they're for...they're voiced for more traditional sounds and sound great with flats/fretless. Then again, as a child, I have already stated that I crapped on flats and up until a few years ago bought nothing but the brightest rounds I could find (I don't have much of a corrosion problem like some people, so durability was never on the list till I started putting in some time).

[@Below-Average_Joe]

I need to play the Super 5 again. Everyone I hear slapping one gets a Stingray sort of tone. I got more of a modern soap bar sound. Maybe I need to play it with both sets of coils in parallel or series?

[@AugustThor438]

Would be interesting to hear this bass with flatwounds

[@LowEndLobster]

That's a great idea! One of my friends just got one and put some LaBella bronze tapes on it.

[@rmccain99]

Sweet now how about some position markers.

[@realmuzfi]

Please upgrade to the bartolini bubby Lewis uses!! You forgot to mention it based off of his bubby Lewis signature model

[@bobbyzig3879]

String spacing looks nice and wide

[@captainkittiwats1574]

MTD, Sweet middle sound 👍👍👍❤️

[@mauricemusician7636]

Isn't that nearly the same pickup placement as a Wal mk II?

[@l7funk]

Love it .Awesome 👌

[@ericward8010]

The neck PU single coil tone is similar to a P bass thru a preamp. As much as you love the sounds you're make, you should look up more. And although I don't slap much myself, you should slap some. Slapping is more difficult with 24 frets, but you should have it in your arsenal. The string noise is irritating if the amp has too much treble. The instrument has more than enough treble.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Eric

[@TheGrooveMaster10]

I bet if you'd string this bad boy up with a set of TI Infeld Flats, (GHS PF B, or Elixir B) turn the bass up almost full, treble and Mid's flat, and she'll reward you with a P-Bass type of tone w/ extra growl.

[@rmccain99]

All they had to do was slam a Hier neck pickup into the Music Man pup and that would have been fine. I'm liking what I hear but I have my own ideas.

[@kirillukin2222]

How would you compare it to the sire m5?

[@LowEndLobster]

Great question! I'd say the M5 sits a bit more in the 'traditional' tone space due to the pickup spacings. Not much tonal overlap between this and the M5, though the switching and EQ options are very similar. The M5 is a very well equipped bass as is this. M5 is around $600 USD, this is almost twice that - but IMO you are getting what you pay for here IF the tone palette is what you're looking for.

[@kirillukin2222]

Yeah i feel like the highs on this one are much sweeter- hate the asymmetrical neck tho. Keep up the good work!

[@rmccain99]

The Hier 5 string was the best setup, but they stopped making it. I'll pay the Super bass price much for a Hier.

[@rmccain99]

I love it, and for less money than an American Fender.

[@GonzaReformado]

This MTD bass or the L2500 750 G&L ??

[@calvincurry8496]

Ps Didn't you come back with 2 Basses from MTD??

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Calvin! Yes I did. We have the video of the modded Kingston coming soon :)

[@thijsroeterink]

Sounds amazing, havent heard such a growl since the big al 5 you have. But to many switching option and i dont like series mode, and all modes sound hi-fi ish.

[@clarencejones2397]

I just purchased one, I love it but how can I get rid of the noise when I'm in the single coil positions?...

[@mattcheckleybass]

You can't. Single coils buzz, that's why humbuckers exist.

[@clarencejones2397]

@mattcheckleybass That may be true but I have played several of the Alembic basses and they used dummy coils to cancel the "hum" on their big fat single coil pick ups so it is possible but probably cost inefficient.

[@mattcheckleybass]

@@clarencejones2397 That's still technically a humbucker, just one that sounds like a single coil (mostly).

[@anthonynelson6800]

Awesome bass.

[@57precision]

Mom, can we get a Stingray Special 5 HH? No, we have one of those at home. *the Stingray Special 5 HH at home*