MTD

MTD

Also known as: MTD Kingston, Michael Tobias Design, MTD Bass

Unclaimed

Michael Tobias Design (MTD) is a Kingston, New York-based luthiery founded in 1994 by Michael Tobias, specializing in handcrafted electric bass guitars. Tobias began building instruments in the 1970s and previously ran Tobias Guitars, which was sold to Gibson in 1990; after his contractual obligations ended in 1993, he launched MTD as a vehicle for his subsequent designs. The small USA shop bui...

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Michael Tobias Design (MTD) is a Kingston, New York-based luthiery founded in 1994 by Michael Tobias, specializing in handcrafted electric bass guitars. Tobias began building instruments in the 1970s and previously ran Tobias Guitars, which was sold to Gibson in 1990; after his contractual obligations ended in 1993, he launched MTD as a vehicle for his subsequent designs. The small USA shop builds roughly ten instruments per month, with Tobias working alongside his son Daniel and longtime collaborator Charlie Kniceley.

The USA line consists of high-end custom and small-batch builds, while the more affordable, overseas-produced Kingston Series includes models such as the Kingston Z, Kingston Heir, Kingston Saratoga, Kingston AG, and the Precision-style Kingston CRB. MTD basses are known for ergonomic body shapes, asymmetrical necks, and use of the Buzz Feiten Tuning System, with electronics often supplied by Bartolini.

MTD instruments have been used by a range of professional bassists, including Gail Ann Dorsey (David Bowie, Lenny Kravitz), gospel session player Andrew Gouché, Jimmy Haslip, and Bubby Lewis.

MTD has 25 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Electric Basses, Fretless Basses, and Solid Body Electric Guitars. Their gear is featured by 11 artists, with the strongest followings in Rock, Funk / Soul, and Electronic. Notable users include Andrew Gouche, Jimmy Haslip, and Brandon Michael. Most MTD products sit firmly in the high-end, boutique range.

Artists Who Use MTD

Andrew Gouche uses 2 MTD products

Andrew Gouche

Bassist

Jimmy Haslip uses 2 MTD products

Jimmy Haslip

Bassist, Composer · Yellowjackets

Brandon Michael uses 2 MTD products

Brandon Michael

Bassist

Thundercat uses 1 MTD product

Thundercat

Singer, Bassist · Suicidal Tendencies

Markku Lappalainen uses 1 MTD product

Markku Lappalainen

Bassist · Hoobastank

Evan Brewer uses 1 MTD product

Evan Brewer

Bassist · The Faceless

Rob Wasserman uses 1 MTD product

Rob Wasserman

Bassist, Composer · Grateful Dead

Nick Monroe uses 1 MTD product

Nick Monroe

Guitarist

Collin Bass uses 1 MTD product

Collin Bass

Singer, Guitarist · Camel

Patrick Paige II uses 1 MTD product

Patrick Paige II

Singer, Bassist · The Internet

Thomas MacLean uses 1 MTD product

Thomas MacLean

Bassist · To-Mera

Brandon Giffin uses 1 MTD product

Brandon Giffin

Bassist · Cynic

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