The Complete MTD Bass Price Guide 2026: USA 535, 635 & Kingston Series Values

Last updated: September 2026

Founded in Woodstock, New York in 1994 by master luthier Michael Tobias (following his founding and departure from Tobias Guitars), MTD (Michael Tobias Design) is widely recognized as the pinnacle of ergonomic perfection and acoustic-electric bass voicing. Michael Tobias spent decades analyzing how the human hand grips a bass neck, culminating in the invention of the world-famous asymmetrical neck carve—a design that conforms naturally to the human anatomy to eliminate player fatigue during demanding multi-hour performances.

Paired with the Buzz Feiten Tuning System, hand-selected tonewood combinations voiced like fine acoustic instruments, and custom-engineered Bartolini electronics, MTD basses have shaped modern contemporary gospel, progressive jazz, and R&B music. World-class artists like Andrew Gouche, Norm Stockton, Justin Raines, and Robert "Bubby" Lewis have made the MTD 535 and 635 their primary studio and touring voices.

Today, MTD produces two complementary lines: the masterbuilt USA Handcrafted Series (personally carved and voiced by Michael and Daniel Tobias in Woodstock, NY) and the player-accessible Kingston Series (crafted overseas with Tobias neck ergonomics, quick-release bridges, and active preamps).

Whether you are evaluating a pre-owned USA 535-24, budgeting for an Andrew Gouche Signature 635, or searching for a Kingston Super 5 on Reverb, this 2026 valuation guide delivers verified secondary market pricing, generational nuances, and essential inspection guidance.

MTD Bass Market Overview 2026

Thanks to their flawless playability, low-B string definition, and high praise within the gospel and contemporary Christian music (CCM) community, pre-owned MTD basses maintain robust resale velocity across TalkBass Classifieds, Reverb, and specialty bass boutiques.

Key Market Statistics (2026 Data):

• Average Used MTD Price: $3,250 (up 5.4% year-over-year across all lines)
• Active Global Listings: ~140 instruments across Reverb, TalkBass, Bass San Diego, and international dealers
• Monthly Sales Velocity: ~36 instruments sold monthly
• Price Range: $650 (used Kingston Heir / Saratoga) to $8,800+ (Masterbuilt USA 635 with Exhibition Burl & Matching Knobs)
• Top Value Driver: USA Woodstock handcrafted provenance, Wenge neck/fingerboard pairing, 35-inch scale 5-string configuration, and Buzz Feiten shelf nut

MTD Price Tier Breakdown

The Michael Tobias Design Principles

Four acoustic and ergonomic innovations distinguish an MTD bass from all competitors:

1. The Asymmetrical Neck Profile: Conventional bass necks feature a symmetrical oval (C or D) shape. Michael Tobias carves his necks thinner on the treble side (where the fingers curl) and meatier on the bass side (where the thumb rests). This natural asymmetry keeps the wrist straight, drastically reducing tendonitis risk and left-hand fatigue.
2. Tonewood Acoustic Synergy: Michael Tobias treats solidbody electric basses like acoustic cellos. Dense woods (like wenge or bubinga) are matched with lighter body cores (tulipwood, ash, or alder) to create natural acoustic compression, explosive slap attack, and singing upper harmonics before electronics are even engaged.
3. Buzz Feiten Tuning System (BFTS): Every USA MTD features the Buzz Feiten shelf nut and precision intonation offsets at the bridge. This patented geometric correction eliminates the inherent out-of-tune nature of equal temperament, allowing bassists to play sweet, perfectly harmonized intervals and chords anywhere on the neck.
4. Proprietary Bartolini MTD Electronics: USA models feature Bartolini soapbar pickups voiced exclusively for MTD, paired with an 18-volt 3-band active EQ and a 3-position mid-frequency toggle switch (250Hz, 500Hz, 1000Hz).

Benchmark MTD Models & Valuation Breakdown

1. MTD USA 535-24: $5,400 – $7,500 Used

The quintessential modern 5-string bass. Named for 5 strings, 35-inch scale, and 21 or 24 frets.

• Specifications: 35-inch extended scale length, 24 frets, 19mm string spacing, swamp ash or tulipwood body with master-grade flame/burled maple top, wenge or maple neck, wenge fingerboard, proprietary MTD/Bartolini preamp.
• Fair Market Value:
  • Clean / Mint Woodstock Build: $5,800 – $7,200
  • Exhibition Burl Top with Matching Knobs: $6,800 – $7,800+
  • Player Grade with minor wear: $4,800 – $5,400

2. MTD USA 635-24: $6,200 – $8,500 Used

The premier extended-range instrument for solo bassists, church instrumentalists, and chordal virtuosos.

• Design Advantage: Despite its 6-string width, the asymmetrical neck carve allows players to reach low-B and high-C strings with identical thumb pressure and zero strain.
• Fair Market Value: $6,200 to $8,500 depending on exotic top wood selection (Buckeye Burl, Claro Walnut, or Box Elder).

3. MTD Andrew Gouche Signature AG535 / AG635: $6,500 – $8,800 Used

Designed for the legendary "Godfather of Gospel Bass" Andrew Gouche.

• Signature Highlights: Custom deep royal purple stain, alder body with maple burl top, purpleheart fingerboard, and aggressive custom-voiced Bartolini preamp.
• Collector Appeal: One of the most recognizable and coveted modern artist signature basses, retaining over 90% of original price on secondary markets.

4. MTD Kingston Super 5: $950 – $1,350 Used

The flagship of the import Kingston series, offering Tobias neck geometry at a fraction of USA prices.

• Features: Dual MM-style humbucking pickups with individual coil-tap mini-toggle switches, active 3-band EQ, carved alder body with flamed maple veneer.
• Fair Market Value: $950 – $1,250 for clean pre-owned models.

Used MTD Buyer Checklist: What to Inspect Before Buying

1. Verify the Asymmetrical Neck Profile: Hold the bass in playing position and inspect the neck cross-section from the headstock down. The neck profile must be visibly and tactilely thicker on the low B-string side than the high G/C-string side.
2. Check Handwritten Woodstock Script: On authentic USA models, Michael Tobias personally writes the serial number, model designation, and completion date in ink on the rear of the headstock. Inscriptions also appear on the raw wood cavity floor.
3. Inspect the Buzz Feiten Shelf Nut: Check the nut at the headstock joint: the Buzz Feiten bone nut has a distinct slight shelf overhang extending over the first fret edge.
4. Test the 3-Way Mid Switch: Engage the active EQ and flip the mini-toggle between 250Hz, 500Hz, and 1000Hz while boosting/cutting the midrange knob. Confirm each frequency center alters tone distinctly without hiss or crackle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes the MTD asymmetrical neck profile different?

Most bass necks have a symmetrical curve. MTD necks are carved thicker on the bass side and thinner on the treble side, conforming naturally to how the human hand curls around the fretboard to maximize comfort and reduce fatigue.

What is the Buzz Feiten Tuning System on MTD basses?

The Buzz Feiten Tuning System is a patented temperament modification that moves the nut slightly forward toward the first fret and applies specific intonation offsets at the bridge saddles. This ensures chords, octaves, and intervals ring in true pitch across all 24 frets.

What is the difference between MTD USA and Kingston?

USA models are individually hand-crafted in Woodstock, New York by Michael and Daniel Tobias using master-grade tonewoods, hand-rubbed oil finishes, and custom Bartolini electronics ($5,400–$8,800). Kingston models are built overseas with MTD neck profiles and production electronics ($650–$1,350).