MTD
Since 1994
Founded in Woodstock, New York in 1994 by master luthier Michael Tobias (following the sale of his historic Tobias Guitars brand), MTD (Michael Tobias Design) is renowned for engineering some of the most acoustically refined and ergonomically flawless electric basses in history. Pioneering the revolutionary asymmetrical neck profile (thinner on the treble side, meatier on the bass side), Buzz Feiten Tuning System, and hand-selected tone wood pairings voiced like acoustic instruments, MTD basses have powered modern gospel, jazz, and fusion music through virtuosos such as Andrew Gouche, Norm Stockton, Justin Raines, and Robert 'Bubby' Lewis.
32
Years in Business
25K+
Guitars Sold
$7M+
Annual Revenue
Complete MTD Guitar Price & Valuation Guide (2026)
Comprehensive market valuation ranges, mint vs used condition pricing, tonewood specs, and historical price trends for MTD guitars.
MTD Price Overview
MTD covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$3,250
+5.4% vs last year
eBay Listings
140
Active listings
Sold This Month
36
+4.9% vs last month
Price Range
$650-$8,800
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
MTD Timeline
MTD Founded in Woodstock, NY
Following his exit from Gibson-owned Tobias Guitars, Michael Tobias founded MTD to pursue pure custom artisan lutherie.
The MTD 535 Masterpiece
Introduced the 535 (5-string, 35-inch scale, 21 frets) model featuring an asymmetrical neck profile and custom Bartolini electronics, establishing the gospel and session standard.
Buzz Feiten Tuning System Adoption
Became one of the first custom bass builders to integrate the Buzz Feiten Tuning System for pitch-perfect intonation across the entire fingerboard.
Kingston Series Launch
Introduced the Kingston import line to provide young bassists and touring players with Tobias neck ergonomics at accessible price points.
Andrew Gouche Signature 635-24
Created the iconic royal purple Andrew Gouche signature bass featuring alder body, maple burl top, and purpleheart fingerboard.
Pinnacle of Ergonomic Lutherie
MTD basses remain the world standard for fast neck playability, harmonic balance, and modern slap-and-chordal tone.
Complete MTD Product Lineup
A bass neck should fit your hand naturally like a glove. The asymmetrical neck carve relieves tension so you can focus entirely on music.
USA Custom Series (Woodstock Handbuilt)
Each instrument is individually voiced, carved, and assembled by Michael Tobias and his son Daniel in Woodstock, New York.
The definitive MTD model with 35-inch scale, dual Bartolini soapbars, and 3-position mid switch ($5,400 – $7,200 used)
Extended-range 6-string designed for soloists and chordal mastery ($6,200 – $8,500 used)
Custom royal purple stain, maple burl top, and aggressive Bartolini preamp voicing ($6,500 – $8,800 used)
Kingston Series (Import Line)
Designed by Michael Tobias and crafted overseas with authentic MTD asymmetrical neck profiles, quick-release bridges, and Buzz Feiten intonation.
Dual MM-style humbucking pickups with coil-taps and active 3-band EQ ($950 – $1,350 used)
Carved mahogany core with burled maple veneer and active electronics ($750 – $1,050 used)
Classic J-bass pickup positioning with active/passive push-pull switch ($850 – $1,150 used)
"A bass neck should fit your hand naturally like a glove. The asymmetrical neck carve relieves tension so you can focus entirely on music."
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
The Benchmark Modern Gospel & Session Recording Bass
Asymmetrical Neck Profile
Carved thicker on the bass side and thinner on the treble side, conforming to the natural hand arc to eliminate playing fatigue.
Buzz Feiten Tuning System
Patented shelf nut and bridge offsets ensure octaves and chords remain strictly in-tune across the entire 24-fret neck.
Custom Bartolini MTD Preamp
18V active circuit with 3-position midrange selector (250Hz, 500Hz, 1000Hz) tailored for live mix projection.
Exceptional Dual-Humbucker Value with Genuine Tobias Neck Carve
Individual Coil Tap Toggles
Provides quick access to humbucking punch, single-coil growl, or series bite on the fly.
Quick-Release High-Mass Bridge
String changes in seconds without threading through holes, maintaining rock-solid low-B fundamental vibration.