LeftyBassist.com

I was wondering has anybody else tried looking into the availability of the MTD Kingston Saratoga's & CRB in lefty versions?

It says on their site they are made in lefty versions but i got word back from Dana B Goods that there is no plans to add lefty models anytime soon. It's kind of frustrating as those basses have been out for about a year or so and still no lefty versions.

I've sent Mike Tobias an email to see if they will be made or not. I'll report back here if i have any update!

http://www.mtdkingston.com/basses/index.htm

By change, I was also looking for availability yesterday. I spoke with Bass NW, and they tell me they don't have lefties listed on the MTD price list, so it seems they just didn't make a lefty run of those.

I think I can understand. These people took a chance a made several models available left-handed, and I think it took a long time to sell the stock.

But I'm interested in knowing what Mike has to say about it.

Yes i noticed they are not listed on the price list only just mentioned on the website as been available. Its kinda confusing though as you don't know are they gonna be made or not. I'm sure there would be a few guys on here that would buy them cause i know a few already including myself who own Kingston's or Heirs.

I'm interested too in hearing what Mike says about this. I'll post back here what i find out.

I was always curious about these, too. Thought it would make a nice 5 string Jazz style backup bass. Waited to find the leftys and since they never showed up I just forgot about it.

yea same here I'm very interested in one of their lefty 5 string jazz basses too. Fingers crossed hopefully we can get them!

Just got off the phone with Mike Tobias there and he said there was no plans just yet to make any lefty versions of the CRB or Saratoga but they very well make them in the near future. He said they need to have at least an order of about 100 lefties normally but he also said if the demand is there they have no problem making them. He said we need to go through Dana B. Goods.

Well it looks like anyone interested has to contact Dana B Goods and request them! Can we get a petition going on here

I know getting 100 people is a long shot but maybe it we got even 20-30 orders requesting on here I'm sure they might listen and order a small batch. Its worth a try! Well count me in for two 5 strings!

danateague@danabgoods.com

just got this email from Dana Teague @ Dana B Goods....

"If they were all the same model, finish, number of strings, & fingerboard then it just might be possible. If the 20-30 is distributed between 4s and 5s, fretless, maple, rosewood, and several different finishes, then the answer is still no. Don't shoot the messenger. I get serious push-back from our vendors"

looks like we can make this happen. i would be interested in a 5 string Saratoga or CRB in black with maple fingerboard. Maybe we could do 2 small orders of like 20 Saratoga's and 20 CRB's!!!!

Anyone here interested?

I owned a 6 string Z and quickly dumped it....The 5 string AG model with the purpleheart fingerboard looks killer though. I would be on that but any of the others just don't do anything for me personaly..

I'm sorry, but I wouldn't commit to place an order. I would get one either used or new from stock with some sort of return policy so I can return it if I don't like it.

I had two Kingston K5, and they were amazing for the money. I also had a Z, and although the fret work was superb, the price was way too high for the quality, and as many know, the electronics were crap.

The Saratoga and CRB look like, as the K, are a great deal for the money, but sorry, I wouldn't go as far as placing and order without having the option of trying them before committing,

The 5 string AG model looks really nice but at $2399 list price i wouldn't be buying one. The CRB & Saratoga's i guess you could always try out a right model in your nearest store. They have been getting really good feedback. You can always change the pickups and add your own preamp.

If anyone else is interested just let me know we might still be able to make this happen

Bingo. My sentiments exactly. (I say as I now possibly undermine my ability to sell my Z4. ). If I'm spending over a grand on a bass, I shouldn't have to invest more money into it to get it playable, IMO. I can only assume that Tobias (as well as Zon, though their budge basses are better) are trying to capitalize on their boutique reputations, but their are much better, cheaper basses out there (G&L Tribute, for example).