What Michael Tobias Design does

Michael Tobias Design (MTD) is a privately held, founder-owned luthiery founded by master builder Michael Tobias in 1994 and headquartered in Kingston, New York. The company designs, handcrafts, and sells custom electric bass guitars and guitars under two brands — the USA Handmade Series (4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-string bolt-on and neck-thru basses built to order) and the Kingston Series (production-line instruments including Super, Z, Saratoga, NSJ, AG, and LK models). Core product technology centers on Tobias's acoustic-first design philosophy (the instrument must sound correct before amplification), proprietary Bartolini/MTD active electronics, Hipshot hardware, the Buzz Feiten Tuning System, an asymmetrical neck profile, a compound fingerboard radius, and a quick-release bridge; instruments are built at roughly ten units per month by a small core team.

The business operates a direct-to-consumer go-to-market: built-to-order instruments are sold through the company website, an authorized dealer network, and an official Reverb marketplace storefront, with annual NAMM Show appearances driving brand exposure and direct enterprise orders. Monetization relies almost entirely on one-time premium instrument sales priced custom by specifications, supplemented by a smaller accessories and merchandise tail (strings from $5 to $45, cases $329.99, apparel $25 to $50, leather straps up to $225). Customer concentration sits with professional touring and recording bassists, with a named signature artist roster spanning the USA, India, Chile, and the UK — including Grammy-winners and well-known sidemen. The company has no institutional investors, no parent entity, no subsidiaries, and no disclosed funding rounds.

Name

Michael Tobias Design

Legal name

Michael Tobias Design

Website

https://mtdbass.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Michael Tobias Design is a privately held Kingston, NY luthiery founded in 1994 that handcrafts custom electric bass guitars and guitars (USA Handmade and Kingston series), sold built-to-order to professional musicians and serious hobbyists via direct website, dealers, and Reverb.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Custom Handcrafted Bass Guitars and Guitars

NAICS

Musical Instrument Manufacturing (339992)

SIC

Musical Instruments (3931)

akta.pro primary industry

Audio Accessories & Consumables (Cables, Stands, Cases, Strings, Picks, Heads) (MPAIAJAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Instrument Parts, Repair & Maintenance (Luthier, Tech Services, Spares) (MPAIAJAG)

Keywords

• Handmade bass guitars
• Custom guitar luthiery
• Electric bass manufacturing
• Boutique instrument maker
• Premium musical instruments

Headquarters

HQ city

Kingston

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Custom Instrument Sales: Built-to-order handcrafted basses and guitars priced as premium custom instruments. Includes USA Handmade series and Kingston production series. Revenue generated through direct orders and dealer network.
2. Accessories and Merchandise: Online store selling branded merchandise including apparel (t-shirts, hoodies, caps), accessories (strings, cases, knobs, jacks, tuners), and limited items (FretWraps, flashlight).
3. Artist Signature Models: Special edition signature instruments and accessories designed in collaboration with featured artists (Andrew Gouché, Norm Stockton, Lynn Keller, Byron Miller, Bubby Lewis, Justin Raines).
4. LK Straps Collaboration: Custom leather strap orders in collaboration with LK Straps, matching MTD bass specifications.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Michael Tobias Design (MTD) is a luthier company that handcrafts custom-built premium electric bass guitars and guitars in Kingston, New York. The company produces approximately ten instruments per month across its USA Handmade Series (built-to-order custom instruments) and Kingston Series (production-line instruments), along with signature artist models and branded accessories including strings, cases, and apparel. Every instrument is custom-configured with proprietary Bartolini electronics, Hipshot hardware, and the Buzz Feiten Tuning System.

Product overview

Michael Tobias Design (MTD) is a luthier company specializing in handcrafted American bass guitars and guitars, founded by Michael Tobias in 1994. The product portfolio consists of two main instrument lines: the USA Handmade Series (premium custom-built instruments with Bartolini electronics, Hipshot hardware, and Buzz Feiten Tuning System, featuring 4, 5, 6, and 7-string bolt-on and neck-thru models) and the Kingston Series (production-line instruments offering accessible versions with proprietary pickups and electronics). Signature Artist Models include Andrew Gouché, Norm Stockton, Byron Miller, Lynn Keller, Bubby Lewis, and Justin Raines editions. MTD also offers a range of accessories including bass strings (Long/Medium/Short scale, including LaBella-made Super Polished strings), cases, knobs, jacks, tuners, Gruv Gear FretWraps, leather straps, and branded apparel. The Kingston LK is an artist collaboration with Lynn Keller featuring a 32" scale design. The company builds approximately ten instruments per month.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Kingston Series: The production line of instruments from Michael Tobias Design, featuring various instruments from rock bass to guitars. Includes models like Kingston Super, Kingston Z, Kingston Saratoga, Kingston NSJ, Kingston AG, and Kingston LK.
• USA Handmade

Products and services

• USA Handmade Series Premium custom handcrafted American bass guitars and guitars built-to-order with customer-specified wood combinations, Bartolini electronics, Hipshot hardware, and Buzz Feiten Tuning System. Available in 4, 5, 6, and 7-string configurations with bolt-on and neck-thru options. Targeted at professional bassists seeking fully custom instruments.
• Kingston Series Production line of MTD instruments designed in Kingston, NY, offering more accessible versions of MTD designs. Includes Super, Z, Saratoga, NSJ, AG, and LK models with proprietary pickups and electronics. Targeted at semi-professional and serious hobbyist musicians seeking MTD design language at production-line pricing.
• Kingston Super Versatile Kingston Series model with Ash body and Roasted Maple neck. Features high-output humbucking MM-style pickups with Series/Single Coil/Parallel switching modes and +/- 6dB active EQ. Available in 4 and 5-string configurations.
• Kingston Z Flagship Kingston Series model featuring Alder body, Maple Burl top, and Roasted Maple neck with Roasted Maple, Ebony, or Rosewood fingerboards. 5/6-string models at 35" scale with MTD Split Coil pickups and active 3-band EQ.
• Kingston Saratoga Classic-design Kingston Series bass updated for 2026 with ash body, roasted maple neck, and rosewood fingerboard. Features MTD J/J pickups, active/passive 3-band EQ, and Buzz Feiten Tuning System. Available in Natural Ash Matte and Blue Steel finishes.
• Kingston NSJ Norm Stockton signature Saratoga model featuring quilted maple top, carbon-reinforced maple neck, and custom Bartolini USA pickups. Includes active/passive switching with mid-shift switch (250Hz/450Hz) for unique tonal options.
• Kingston AG Andrew Gouché signature bass featuring carved alder body with burl maple top, asymmetrical maple neck with carbon fiber reinforcement, and Purpleheart fingerboard. Equipped with Bartolini Split Coil MTD AG pickups and +/- 12dB active 3-band EQ.
• Kingston LK Artist edition bass designed by Michael Tobias and Lynn Keller. A 32-inch scale, 24-fret instrument with Alder body, Roasted Maple neck, available with Roasted Maple or Rosewood fingerboards. Features proprietary MTD or Bartolini USA pickups with 3-band EQ.
• Signature Artist Models Custom signature models for artists including Andrew Gouché (AG4, AG5, AG6), Norm Stockton (Saratoga), Byron Miller (PB4, PB5), Lynn Keller (530), Bubby Lewis (Super 5, 6), and Justin Raines (Saratoga). Feature custom specifications and proprietary electronics.
• MTD Bass Strings Premium bass strings available in Long Scale (34"-35"), Medium Scale (32"), and Short Scale (30") configurations. Includes Super Polished bass strings developed in partnership with LaBella Strings, featuring a unique super polishing process for smooth feel and enhanced tone.
• MTD Gruv Gear FretWraps Officially licensed MTD version of Gruv Gear FretWraps string dampeners. Available in SM (4-string), MD (5-string), and LG (6 & 7-string) sizes. Standard included accessory with MTD American basses since 2013.
• MTD USA Bass Case Heavy-duty bass case produced by TKL for MTD. Features single shoulder strap for left/right carry, fits 34" and 35" scale MTD USA or Kingston basses. Dimensions 49" x 16". Available in Black and Red.
• MTD Kingston Knobs Smoked Chrome control knobs designed for MTD Kingston basses. Set of 5 knobs for standard MTD Kingston control layout with push-on style for standard split-shaft pots.
• Kingston Hipshot USA Upgrades Upgrade package for MTD Kingston basses including Hipshot USA Drop-in Bridge (aluminum baseplate, steel saddles) and Hipshot USA Ultralite Tuners (20:1 gear ratio, machined aircraft-grade aluminum). Available for 4, 5, and 6-string models.
• MTD Padded Leather Strap Genuine padded leather strap made in Canada by Levy's Leathers for Michael Tobias Design. Burgundy/Black, 3.5" wide x 9mm thick, adjustable length 38"-53".
• MTD Apparel Branded clothing items including T-shirts (Red/Black Circle, Red Logo), hoodies (Red Logo, Black Logo, Maroon Logo), raglan baseball tees, and caps.
• MTD + LK Straps Custom Leather Straps Custom LK Straps designed to match MTD basses, available through a custom-order request form. Includes the commemorative 30th Anniversary LK Strap ($225.00).

Quantifiable outcome

• Small-batch production of approximately 10 instruments per month ensures consistent quality and craftsmanship

Named customers11 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core, standard and minor.

• Bartolini Inc.coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 1994Exclusive partnership for proprietary pickup and active electronics designs made specifically for MTD instruments. Bartolini manufactures custom Bartolini/MTD preamps (+18V) and split coil pickups under MTD specifications. Long-standing collaboration dating to the company's founding.
• Hipshot ProductscoreTechnology or IntegrationCustom bridge and tuner manufacturing partnership. Hipshot produces drop-in bridges and ultralite tuners specifically designed for MTD American and Kingston series basses. Licensed Hipshot hardware standard on Kingston models.
• Buzz Feiten Tuning SystemstandardTechnology or IntegrationAll MTD instruments equipped with Buzz Feiten Tuning System for enhanced tuning accuracy and intonation across the fretboard.
• LK StrapsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCollaboration on custom leather strap products. MTD + LK Straps collection offers custom straps designed to match MTD bass specifications. Joint marketing and product development relationship.
• Gruv GearminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLicensed FretWraps produced by Gruv Gear exclusively for MTD. Standard included accessory with MTD American basses since 2013. FretWrap string dampeners branded with MTD logo.
• LaBella StringscoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for MTD-branded bass strings including Super Polished strings featuring unique super polishing process. Long Scale (34"-35"), Medium Scale (32"), and Short Scale (30") strings available.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Fodera: Fodera is a boutique New York-based custom bass and guitar builder focused on handcrafted, built-to-order instruments for professional players - directly comparable to MTD's handmade positioning, premium pricing, and artist-driven marketing approach.
• Warwick: German manufacturer of premium bass guitars with both custom and production lines serving professional bassists globally. Comparable to MTD in targeting professional players and offering high-end boutique builds alongside more accessible production models.
• Dingwall Basses: Canadian boutique bass manufacturer focused on innovative multi-scale fanned-fret designs for professional players. Similar to MTD as a small-team custom bass specialist with strong artist endorsements and premium positioning.
• Ken Smith Basses: Boutique US custom bass builder specializing in high-end handmade instruments for top-tier professional bassists. Comparable to MTD in scale (small workshop), pricing tier (ultra-premium), and artist-focused marketing.
• Lakland: Chicago-based bass guitar manufacturer offering USA-made premium basses and imported production models. Directly relevant because MTD has consulted on Lakland product designs, and Lakland occupies a similar mid-to-premium boutique space with multiple price tiers.
• Carl Thompson Guitars: Custom bass guitar luthier producing small numbers of high-end handmade instruments for professional players. Directly comparable to MTD's handmade artisan approach and premium customer segment.
• Spector Bass Guitars: Premium bass guitar manufacturer with both handmade USA and production-line Czech instruments. Comparable to MTD in emphasizing professional bassists, distinctive design aesthetic, and dual handmade/production model strategy.

Broad incumbents

• Fender: Iconic American bass guitar manufacturer (Precision Bass, Jazz Bass) dominating the entry-level through premium segments. Relevant as the incumbent MTD competes against for both visibility and the same professional bassist customers.
• Ibanez: Large Japanese guitar and bass manufacturer with broad product range from entry-level to professional basses. Comparable as a major competitor in the bass guitar space but operating at vastly larger scale across many price points.
• Ernie Ball Music Man: Major US bass and guitar manufacturer with industry-leading bass lines (StingRay, Bongo) widely used by professional players. Comparable as a bass specialist serving MTD's same customer base but with substantially larger scale, broader distribution, and corporate backing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/mtdbassusa
• Facebookfacebook.com/michaeltobiasdesign
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/michael-tobias-design

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Michael Tobias Design