MTD Kingston Saratoga Deluxe - The Everything Review

This is the EVERYTHING review of the MTD Kingston Saratoga Deluxe 5 string bass guitar. In addition to sound examples, I try and cover every inch of my Saratoga in the review, attempting to answer any question you might have about the bass. The review is intended for potential buyers, so if you're just casually looking for sound example videos and not seriously researching the bass for purchase, then you may be overwhelmed with the length of the video. It is not a quick hit video, I talk a lot and get granular on the details. Yes, that's correct, I talk a lot in the video. So, if talking ain't your thing in a review video, I've warned you up front. The video was recorded and edited over approximately a 7 week time frame as time allowed and not everything is placed in the chronological order of when I recorded it, so hopefully it flows appropriately. All sound examples are original pieces I put together for the video. Most of the songs are just silly little generic grooves or rehashing ideas from older songs I wrote with the intent of giving the bass context within a number of different musical genres. So, all music in this video are copyright 2024 by Brent Haeseker / Worship Blender and cannot be reused without permission (as if anyone really would want to). The video contains a lot of information. Here is a break down: Introduction - It's an introduction! Neck - I cover the asymetrical neck, the fretwork, the "no dots" maple fretboard, the zero nut, the slanted headstock, the satin finish of the neck. Body - I cover the contours of the body, the satin finish, the quick release bridge, the back control plate, the screw access battery compartment, the connection point of the neck to body, the strap pegs, the weight, the truss rod cover, what to expect with longevity of finish. Electronics - I cover the pickups, the passive and active controls, viewing the preamp cavity, the frequency settings of the bass, mid and treble knobs, the volume matching between active and passive. My Sample - I confirm the setup of my bass and the strings used for sound example. I give you the formula from Michael Tobias on how to determine the manufacturer date of your Saratoga based on serial number. Miscellaneous - I show you how the bass balances on a strap. I give you cases to consider that will work better with the slanted headstock of the instrument. I compare the size of the Saratoga to a Fender Jazz bass. I provide Pros and Cons of the Saratoga Deluxe. USA vs Kingston vs New vs Old - I discussed the differences between the USA made MTD's and the overseas imported Kingston line. I also show you the difference between the original passive-only Saratoga and the newer Saratoga Deluxe models. Final Assessment - I give my final thoughts on the bass. Thank you for watching this video and reading this very long description. If you feel I missed anything or got something wrong, nicely let me know so I can address it. Remember, I'm just a dude on the internet making videos - I'm doing it to the best of my ability and trying to be helpful for others, but I'm not perfect.