MTD
KINGSTON
SARATOGA BASS
BY STEVE COOK
Michael Tobias is one of the most revered bass builders working today.
His instruments have always been smartly
designed, tonally groundbreaking, and
of the highest quality, as their high resale
values attests. The Tobias brand name
was sold to Gibson in 1990, and after his
contractual obligations were fulfilled at the
end of 1993, Tobias started MTD (Michael
Tobias Design) as a vehicle for his latest
innovations. MTD’s newest basses, like the
Kingston Series Saratoga reviewed here,
prove he still designs with the player in
mind.
The Kingston Series is a line of more
affordable instruments designed by Tobias
and produced in China. Given Tobias’ deep
passion for his instruments, I expected these
basses to be much more than the products
of an anonymous, unsupervised handoff
to an offshore manufacturer. And in the
form of the 5-string Kingston Saratoga,
it was nice to see my hopes confirmed.
The Kingston basses are a diverse group
of instruments, ranging from entry-level
models to higher-end pieces featuring custom pickups and finishes. The Saratoga is
among the less expensive models, but it’s
an instrument of quality and integrity and
capable of challenging many more expensive basses head on.
and the 34"-scale neck itself is capped by a
rosewood fretboard (maple and ebony are
also available) that complements the beautiful tobacco burst finish. It also features the
Buzz Feiten tuning system.
Closer inspection revealed several nice
touches that are typical of Michael Tobias
design. The gunmetal gray tuners, jack
plate, and controls lend a modern visual
touch. So does the matching quick-release
bridge. I noticed that the truss rod cover
doesn’t sit completely flush, but it’s a purely
cosmetic concern, and if that’s the biggest
problem on this instrument, it’s a good sign
indeed.
Comfortable and Classy
Our review Saratoga shipped with a tobacco
burst finish (it’s also available in a high-gloss
black) that was striking right out of the box.
The finish was clean, and the carved basswood body felt comfortable and perfectly
balanced when strapped on. The instrument
hugs the body like a nicely balanced J bass,
and feels more like an extension of the player than a slab of wood around your neck.
The 4-bolt neck joint has a smooth heel,
