MTD (Michael Tobias Design) Serial Number Lookup & Dating Guide
Verify authenticity, decode production year, and look up factory specifications for MTD (Michael Tobias Design) guitars.
Where to Find the Serial Number on a MTD (Michael Tobias Design) Guitar
For handcrafted USA basses, Michael Tobias personally hand-writes the model name, serial number, and completion date in ink on the rear of the headstock.
Inside the rear control cavity, Michael Tobias hand-writes the instrument specifications, serial number, and signature directly onto the raw wood cavity floor.
For Kingston series import models, the serial number is printed in black or silver ink on the rear of the headstock near the tuners.
MTD (Michael Tobias Design) Serial Number Formats & Historical Dating Cheat-Sheet
| Production Era | Serial Format | Decoding Rule / Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA Handcrafted Consecutive Numbers (1994–Present) | Consecutive 1 to 4 digit number (e.g. #300 to #3500+) | Every USA handcrafted MTD receives a sequential serial number logged personally by Michael Tobias at his Woodstock, New York workshop. | 2150 -> Handcrafted Woodstock NY build from 2011 |
| Kingston 8-Digit Serial Code (2003–Present) | YYMMXXXX (First two digits = Year) | Import Kingston series encode the production year in the first two digits of the 8-digit printed serial number. | 15061234 -> Kingston model manufactured in 2015, June |
| Signature Series Custom Prefix | Artist Code (AG, NS) + Model + Sequence | Certain artist signature models carry distinctive prefixes such as AG (Andrew Gouche) or NS (Norm Stockton). | AG635-14 -> Andrew Gouche 6-string signature unit 14 |
MTD (Michael Tobias Design) Hardware Verification & Anti-Counterfeit Audit
3-Step Physical Inspection & Anti-Counterfeit Checklist
Run your hand along the neck profile: an authentic MTD neck is thicker on the bass side and thinner on the treble side. A symmetrical C or D profile indicates a replacement neck or counterfeit build.
On USA models, inspect the rear headstock. Michael Tobias personally writes the model name, serial number, and date in ink. Check the control cavity floor for matching handwritten build specs.
Inspect the bone nut at the headstock joint: the Buzz Feiten shelf nut slightly overhangs the fretboard towards the first fret. A standard flush nut indicates non-factory modification.
average multiple that Woodstock handcrafted USA 535/635 models command over standard Kingston series instruments on secondary markets.
of surveyed MTD players prefer the dry, punchy harmonic response of wenge neck and fingerboard combinations for studio recording.
of USA handcrafted MTD instruments utilize the Buzz Feiten Tuning System shelf nut for enhanced chordal intonation accuracy.
MTD Player Consensus: 535-24 vs 635-24 vs Kingston Super 5
Community Verdict: The MTD 535-24 remains the gold standard in modern active 5-string ergonomics, setting the benchmark for neck profile comfort and live mix clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions: Dating & Authenticating MTD (Michael Tobias Design)
Where is the serial number located on an MTD bass?
On USA handcrafted MTD basses, the serial number is handwritten by Michael Tobias on the back of the headstock and inside the control cavity. On Kingston import models, the serial number is printed on the back of the headstock.
What makes the MTD asymmetrical neck profile unique?
Unlike conventional symmetrical necks, an MTD asymmetrical neck is carved thicker under the thumb (bass side) and thinner under the fingers (treble side), conforming naturally to the human hand to reduce fatigue during extended playing.
What is the difference between MTD USA and Kingston series?
USA models are hand-built individually by Michael Tobias in Woodstock, New York with hand-selected exotic tonewoods, custom Bartolini electronics, and hand-rubbed oil finishes ($5,400–$8,800). Kingston series basses are manufactured overseas to Tobias specifications at production price points ($750–$1,350).
Explore MTD (Michael Tobias Design) Market Prices & Buying Advice
Knowing your guitar's build year is the first step in determining its resale value. Read our comprehensive 2026 buying guide and valuation tables to see current market trends for MTD (Michael Tobias Design).
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