Sorry to double dip, but the comments so far love the Peavey Cirrus and for good reason ; it's killer. Someone said it looks dated, so get ready for the NEW 2022 (?) Cirrus that will be made in the Spector factory in the Czech Republic. Fred at Peavey said it's gonna have a facelift, amongst other improvements. I think it will be the most anticipated new bass.
I hope it has the TL/Unity full body curve which was oddly like spectors style, but Peavey built big people size basses lol I'm regretting that I passed on some Cirrus in the past but I passed on them to get the TL/Unity models because they're just so *comfortable* hanging against me with that full body contour actually pulling in a bit of hug. Yes, that's it. it feels like my bass is hugging me. Make sure they install hugs in the new ones! Now I have to add a hug test to my checklist. :-)
I've been a huge fan of the Ken Smith and Cirrus tone which are in the same neighborhood. For me, the Cirrus is one the the best basses ever made, hands down!!!! I really miss mine and will have to get another one!!! Cirrus all the way!!!
The Peavey all the way. The interesting comparison would be the Peavey vs an early/mid 80's Aria Pro II SB series bass. The SB-1000 (single pup) or SB-900 (dual pup). Any of the older Aria SB series were great basses easily on par with any bass you throw at them. As always, great video!
I liked the Peavey’s tone better than the 535. I’m not surprised I liked the Cirrus, I have owned a couple, but I did not expect the Peavey to kick so much booty.
There is 18V preamp in Peavey as well. It is worth to look under the back cover. USA Cirrus should have PCB board as opposed to plastic block in Indonesian models.
Man, Peavey all the way. They’re both so different, but the warmer more organic tone of the PV was much more my style than the modern sizzle of the MTD.
Another good video, Lobster. That MTD sure does sound good. The Cirrus is always on it's best behavior 🎸. I don't remember if you mentioned that both basses are some of the first to have tear drop, asymmetrical necks so they mold to your hand. The designer of the Cirrus told me he got the idea from Mike Tobias. Both top basses !
I have it's 6 string brother modded with emg 40hz pups and emg bts preamp I have the pups on push pull pups for series parallel and love the tonal options
Both are nice. I like the MTD a little better. But for the price difference no surprise. The USA Millennium basses are amazing as well. If you can find any USA Peavey Cirrus or Millennium, grab it. They are amazing basses.
Lobster, both are insane! My ears are well tuned for a newbie player. The first comment I could not help but see mentioned the greater low end of the Peavey and I concur. The MTD is an old school Rolls Royce, smooth, the Peavey is a Lamborghini. Both out of my reach, however when I win the lottery watch out.
i just bought my first 5 string bass and it's an Indonesian Peavey Cirrus..really love how it sounds and got nice playability on it.. if you find one of them...just buy it!
I have custom shop Mike Pocaro Cirrus . If they had produced these with 18 or 19mm string spacing Peavey would still be a strong player in the bass market.
Indeed. I forgot to mention that the Cirrus is rocking an 18mm hipshot bridge here. I mentioned I swapped in the hipshot, but not the 18mm part. It works perfectly once I got longer screws for two of the saddles.
Not a member but I always enjoy watching your reviews Lobster.I know of several musicians myself included who have purchased pickups,basses and preamps based on your reviews.I have previously owned a Peavey Cirrus 4 string and loved it. I regret letting that one go.Hopefully we’ll see them re introduced at some point.
Thank you Lobster for another excellent comparison. Both sounded great but I'm biased toward the Peavey. I have a maple USA Cirrus 4 and it is amazing. It is the first bass that I bought for myself. Tonally versatile and excellent fit and finish. I never want to sell it. I would pick up another, especially if I could find a fretless 5.
It’s a pity that OE parts for the Cirrus are no longer available. As these instruments age and stuff wears out, owners are forced either to abandon them or looking for non-OE parts and changing the fundamental nature of the bass….
@@ericplummer4089 That's why I copped three dynabass 5's when they were still like 400 bucks for a complete one lol my wife thought I was nuts but they swing and I am not afraid to take them anywhere lol - they're surprisingly light and comfortable for their beefiness and most of the time I just laugh if I knock shit over with one :-) Me: *destroys a table lamp* Also Me: Well, that's my Peavey! Live Studio Audience: *canned laughter*
Both sound great. The MTD is brighter, probably the better sounding solos whilw the Peavy has a bigger more solid sound, especially in the upper range. I would imagine the Peavy fitting the mix more often and certainly cutting through laud drummers and guitar players better
I have an american Peavey Cirrus 5 (fretless) very similar to that yours. I expected to hear "something magical" from the Mtd given it is a boutique axe etc...but honestly I prefer the peavey because the Mtd sounds very metalic to me (maybe the strings) and the Peavey sounds rounder in all pickup configurations. A bolt on bass is hard to compare with a neckthrough (they almost always sound rounder in my opinion) I also will say that the headstock and body design in the Mtd Is lovely while I am not really in love with the Cirrus aesthetics...
Quite a comprehensive look at two gorgeous basses. I have a Cirrus BXP 4 string so I'll be a little biased. It's a shame that Peavey aren't making them any more.
Couldn't help but notice that many prefer the Cirrus, even though the MTD has pickups with better bandwidth, and therefore retains more information into a preamp. The MTD sounds flatter (extended lows and highs, very HiFi, many will describe this as scooped when it just has extended highs and lows, which we are not used to, and will therefore make the mids seem recessed, when they're really not) compared to the Cirrus (more traditional, pre-filtered tone). That said, the Cirrus has a great tone. Apply a low pass filter around 8kHz on the MTD and it will sound more familiar (it will sound more like the sound you'd expect coming out of a cab). I like the extra bandwidth, creates more harmonic information when fed into saturation. You can always clean out the top end, but you can't get back the sizzle when it's not there. Lovely basses either way.
Was just gifted my deceased uncle's quilted maple Cirrus 5. Spent last night in Nashville picking it up. It's a spectacular instrument. Gorgeous. To make room for it, I had to give my old Yamaha TRBX505 to my niece, who's absorbing instruments to learn. She's mastering the oboe, so a 5 string bass is a natural progression, right?
Lobster, my thoughts for what they're worth: Played solo, both basses sounds great as long as the mids are centred, though I think the Cirrus sounds a little better all-round (to my ear at least) . I actually think it sounds a little stingray-ish in some settings, and a lot like a Ken Smith in others ( though as 'pingy' as a Smith in the top end) . However, basses of this quality really need to be heard/played in an ensemble setting to fully appreciate. Those little tonal idiosyncrasies tend to disappear leaving the fundamental tone of the bass to shine through. Take the P bass for example. It always sounds a little 'ugly' by itself, but put it into a band mix and BAM...there it is, perfect. It's the same with these. Beautiful basses. P.S. Really really enjoy your content 🙂
Both sound great ! But there’s something on a neckthrough bass that really pleases my ear ! I find the sound sweeter …. I started playing on a Rickenbacker , so I am very used to a neckthrough bass. Great job !
I see your Cirrus has the Hartley Peavey signature headstock :) so does my '07 with redwood top but I have 18v preamp helps the B really drop the bomb lol
The Cirrus has an 18V PreAmp. I have 4 USA Ones and they are the finest Production Basses ever made IMO!! These were $3K Basses that Peavey sold for $1K.
Yup! Don't worry, I'll be revisiting the Cirrus in a big way. I just scored a BUNCH of them including several one of a kind, never before seen custom shop ones. I've posted a couple on my insta!
Thanks for a really well done video on a couple of basses that I will probably never own. Though not for not wanting to. Keep up the excellent work, Lobster.
Hey mate, I just picked up a maple top Cirrus from 2006 today. I’m in love already! Can you tell me which bridge you put on yours and did it require new holes in the body to modify. And you mention longer screws for a couple strings?
Both basses are great, the Cirrus looks a little bit dated beceause of the sharper body edges but both have great woods and finishes. Tonally I prefer the Cirrus more, it hase more warmth and flavour in my opinion. And I'm a huuuge Mike Porcaro fan, who used CIrruses on stage for his last 10 years in Toto.
Cirrus has more darker growl sound, me like a lot! Mtd more bright and pianistic tone, incredible in slap and both are absolute beauties! thanks for the video.
hey bro! Nice vids and cool comparison! the only thing I would like to see is playing with attack cause with such light touching sometimes you can't check the whole range of sound. These 2 basses are roar machines and the character opens when you dig a bit more =) Thanks!
I'm a fan of meaty punchy old skool bass tones so the Peavey wins for me. But the MTD sounds like it has a preamp with serious top end growl that can probably cut through some dense mixes and sound super fly in the process.
I think the Peavey Cirrus, US and Indonesian, are both amazing basses for the price, with a sound in the realm of a Ken Smith and solid build quality. That being, that MTD 535 looks, sounds, and, I'm sure, feels wayyyy better than that Peavey lol...And it supposed to! I see all of these comments raving over the Peavey, but I think their feelings are getting in the way of reality. It's like real maple syrup vs Mrs. Butterworth...Mrs. Butterworth is good and you grew up with it, so there's all this nostalgia, but it doesn't beat real maple syrup, the thing it aspires to be! Just my two cents. Enjoy your vids and keep doing what you do!
Peavey slightly wins for me, especially when soloing the pickups. On my system, it sounds like it has a bit more low mids which I really like! Btw, I read on your instagram that you are a gamer. What games do you play?
I really liked both basses. The Cirrus sounds great for all around bass sounds with a more pronounced low end. The MTD has a lot more midrange and high end. I would use the Cirrus for most songs, but the MTG would be great for when you want to play Lead bass stuff. I really like your videos please keep up the great work.
I like the finger tone on the MTD, but the slap on the Cirrus. I had one of the Cirrus 4's but the 35" scale for a 4 string didn't resonate with me. Great video.
In middle school a buddy and I both started playing drums around the same time. My folks got me an entry level Tama bottom dollar kit, and my friend got a used peavey kit that was equally a POS 🤣 unfortunately it gave me kind of a bad impression of peavey as a brand, but I really have to say that bass right there sounds absolutely fantastic like damn. Holy peavey 🤩
Thanks! The Cirrus is definitely of a different caliber vs the entry level stuff which was heavily marketed and readily available (and still is!). High recommend folks try them if they ever get the chance.
Well it was even til you got to the slap phase lol. That cirrus (and lm blessed to own one with some kind of beautifully grained walnut top) so l'm biased. But the cirrus absolutely shines in the slap phase. I know tone is a matter of preference but who doesn't like what the PV is puttin down! I did love that mtd otherwise. They would both have me smiling thru a set! BTW my cirrus has a 18v pre. My only gripe is the cirrus can't do passive and l wonder how it would play with 19mm string spacing at the bridge.
I found a 5 string Cirrus at Guitar Center for $550, someone had replaced the preamp with an after market, I replaced it with and OBP3 until I found a Cirrus preamp on eBay and replaced the OBP3.
What do you think about the SIT strings Mr. Lobster? I'm new to bass (6 months) and my first set of string is SIT foundation SS 45-100 still using it but wanna try a new set of strings next. What do you recommend for Marcus Miller-y sound?
This is a typical feature of US Bartolini pickups. MTS has custom made, but the tone is in the ballpark of their Bartolini Classic Bass series of pickups. Also this hi end sizzle might sound strange when untamed in solo, but it is very helpful to the sound engineers in a tight mix.
@@Eugensson Yes, that high end bite is Very helpful for mixing. Especially for it to be heard on the nasty little speakers that so many people are listening to anymore. Everyone should be issued a pair of Bose 301s at birth…😉
What an apple & orange comparison. You were just trying to be fair to the Peavey. Weren't you. I could hear the possibilities of the Peavey though. It was warm & grumbly. But yet clean & snappy. Very interesting compilation here.
I think I like the Peavey over the MTD and I feel horrible for saying that. The MYD has the looks and I am sure tweaking the eq, I would love that bass tone wise but based off your video the Peavey wins tone wise. The MYD sounded like ice picks in my ears when you slapped it. It kind of made the Peavey sound dead in comparison but the Peavey has a more natural tone and not active sounding like the MYD. This post makes me feel so bad and wrong or ashamed for thinking this. I am so sorry Mr. Tobias. You are still one of the greatest builders ever. Now I feel better.
Thanks Meyers! The MTD definitely has a brighter overall sound, and the treble boost when we scooped the mids definitely did not work in its favor. I personally prefer the MTD tone but I think both sound really amazing.
I played a Redwood Cirrus from 2000/2001( One of the First in Fla)to 2008. The Cirrus was Wonderful But in 2008 , Discovered The MTDs which Felt Better to my Hands( Huge) and Style of Playing. As good as the Cirrus Sounded. The MTDs (USAs and Kingstons) Felt Better to Play and Was More Versatile. On this Video the ROSE OF MOUNTAIN Has a PHAT-ER Sound then the Cirrus. Also The MTD had a more Versatility in sound to Me. The original Cirrus around 2000 - 2003 were Excellent however for my Hands and Ears the MTDs. (USAs and Kingstons FELT AND SOUNDED BETTER!!
I preferred the Cirrus but it is really an apples and oranges comparison; they have such different basic tone that they are hard to compare. I tend to not favor basses with scooped mids and the characteristic tone of the MTD is exactly that.
BASS BATTLE????? Just looking at my screen...... You have won!!!!! We forfeit....we are not pinching the like button.....we don’t want your hand to turn back to normal!!!! We want your other hand to turn in to a spiders butt!!!! Ok...feel better By the way, your roadstar sent me a message via carrier pigeon... “Tomm, I’m to old for bass battles....this guy and his, so called...”buddy of beats” are freaking me out. Can I come live with you?” Tell him yes. Thank you for sharing (showing off). You are AWESOME
It’s just like you said Low, apples and oranges. I like them both for different reasons. The Tobias , besides being an incredible piece of art, has the high end bite that is helpful for mixing and it’s easier to be heard especially on small speakers. (There ought to be a law against listening through anything smaller than 8”) That being said the Cirrus has a nice warm low mid. I wish I would have bought a Cirrus when they were going for less $. Both b strings are excellent. What’s the string spacing on them? The Tobias spacing looks really wide…
Not even close, cirrus is much nicer. While the mtd is very sparkly and has tons ff bass, its all boom and sheen, no meat. I cannot come up with a style of mix where I'd honestly think the mtd would be even close to being competitive tone wise. Solo bass, maybe.
Great basses 'however the peavey cirrus bass is the complete package and winner...i can purchase 5 peavey bass guitars for the price of that custom mtd stronghouse ..amazing job..low end lobster...the MTD sponsor 'are gonna ask to take this video down 🤣😂🙏
Great question! I believe these are active low impedance pickups that have an external buffer. I'm not sure if the pickups themselves require batteries, but I'm pretty sure the buffer does. Pickups like EMGs have the preamp and such built into the pickup (not the EQ, but the pickup preamp). These custom Barts have that bit external to the pickup.
Man,… I had a Redwood cirrus back in the day. But for a very short time. I loved the way it looked and it sounded great, but it was horrible to play (for me). I just hated the neck and playability..
I’ve played/owned MTD and Cirrus basses. Both are fantastic! My memory of both was that they had remarkable B and E strings, probably due to the 35” scale. In this comparison, I can hear something special from that MTD!! It could be strings, maybe the preamp?? But, it sounds better than the Cirrus… which I’ll gladly buy from you wink wink.
Thank you Joe! I agree hahaha. When I showed this vid to my friend before release, he was like "Man that MTD sound so good". Was really shocked when folks preferred the cirrus.... but that bass also kicks ass haha
Those are great basses. There is literally nothing else I can say except I can't wait until my blue "TL4" gets here to match my blue TL5 and I am always looking for the now elusive TL6 in blue. :-) I'll never own an MTD unless someone literally gives it to me. I won't be facetious like many and go "well you could give it to me", because that's just silly. The thing I was gonna follow up with was probably sillier, albeit not the standard just kidding ask lol it was a long the lines of if there's any lines left on the bottom of the list in your will, and I just realized your name might be will so this just got even sillier well you could just give it to me, then lol
It's like the MTD being like choirs of angels with heavenly breath and the Peavey likely to start shouting NOBODY PUTS BABY IN A CORNER at top lung. So I guess the spread we got here is from The Three Tenors to The Bacon Brothers? Just sell all your other basses, you don't need any other ones. Well, except all of them. I see the point you're about to make and I agree. Now that I've settled down, I can see I was irrational. :-)
100%. The USA MTD pickups are active low impedance with an external buffer in the cavity. Not to be confused with the Super pickups which I believe are passive (there's a preamp bypass on those basses, they use a different pre too)
Sound wise- I prefer the peavey But in the major league- fit, finish, comfort and ease of play are the most important stuff. Pickups and sound can be changed and manipulated all the time. The wood work and attention to detail are things that only pros can get all the way. That said- those peavey basses are a steal!
The peavey bass sounds better it sounds more like a bass suppose to sound it's more of a thicker bass sound in stead of a kinky bass sound that so many high end bass guitar have now days kink kink how much you want for it I been looking for one in yours condition. How much you want for it? 😙
Sorry to double dip, but the comments so far love the Peavey Cirrus and for good reason ; it's killer. Someone said it looks dated, so get ready for the NEW 2022 (?) Cirrus that will be made in the Spector factory in the Czech Republic. Fred at Peavey said it's gonna have a facelift, amongst other improvements. I think it will be the most anticipated new bass.
I'm VERY excited to try this. Trying not to get too hyped. The new bass will have BIG shoes to fill.
Ooooh my goodness!!!.6 string pleeeeeeeeaze! Tiget eye too lol
I hope it has the TL/Unity full body curve which was oddly like spectors style, but Peavey built big people size basses lol
I'm regretting that I passed on some Cirrus in the past but I passed on them to get the TL/Unity models because they're just so *comfortable* hanging against me with that full body contour actually pulling in a bit of hug. Yes, that's it. it feels like my bass is hugging me.
Make sure they install hugs in the new ones! Now I have to add a hug test to my checklist. :-)
Hold on, where did you hear this? I have 2 of these cirrus' (a 5 and 6 string) and I'm dying for another 5 string.
Did Fred mention and Multi Scale models?
I've been a huge fan of the Ken Smith and Cirrus tone which are in the same neighborhood. For me, the Cirrus is one the the best basses ever made, hands down!!!! I really miss mine and will have to get another one!!! Cirrus all the way!!!
The Peavey all the way. The interesting comparison would be the Peavey vs an early/mid 80's Aria Pro II SB series bass. The SB-1000 (single pup) or SB-900 (dual pup). Any of the older Aria SB series were great basses easily on par with any bass you throw at them.
As always, great video!
I agree 100%! My old Arias were only displaced by my 5 string Cirrus.
I know not everyone loves that glassy super clear tone of the MTD but that is my absolute favourite sound, I hear it and it's just bliss!
I still have both of these and they're both rocking flats now lol
@@LowEndLobster
Your reply makes me happy to know you're alive and well lol!
I was surprised how much I preferred the Peavey. Thanks for the comparo!
Peavey Cirrus all the way. Didn't expect that I would prefer the tone of the Peavey.
I liked the Peavey’s tone better than the 535. I’m not surprised I liked the Cirrus, I have owned a couple, but I did not expect the Peavey to kick so much booty.
There is 18V preamp in Peavey as well. It is worth to look under the back cover. USA Cirrus should have PCB board as opposed to plastic block in Indonesian models.
Thank you Jacek! I've updated the description. I've looked at the preamp (glorious PCB) but never opened up the battery cavity. Doh!
I prefer the darker Peavey tone as I'm not a fan of all the zing and cling of brighter basses. Good comparison video.
Both great sounding basses. All in all, I preferred the warmer, classic tone of the Peavey over the brighter, more modern tone of the MTD.
I'm definitely in the opposite camp on this one. I love the brightness of the MTD to the warmer Peavey.
@@TheBeardofDOOM - It’s quite clear to everyone that you’re wrong - so go to the back of the class!! 🤪
@@revlewisrees9880 i'm already in the back. Thaat is where all the spitballs are coming from!
@@TheBeardofDOOM - 😂😂😂
I've played a Cirrus and man, what a great bass
Man, Peavey all the way. They’re both so different, but the warmer more organic tone of the PV was much more my style than the modern sizzle of the MTD.
Another good video, Lobster. That MTD sure does sound good. The Cirrus is always on it's best behavior 🎸.
I don't remember if you mentioned that both basses are some of the first to have tear drop, asymmetrical necks so they mold to your hand. The designer of the Cirrus told me he got the idea from Mike Tobias. Both top basses !
Great comment! That's awesome info!
I have the Indonesian Peavey Grindbass 5, no longer made - I love it! So resonant and woody
I have it's 6 string brother modded with emg 40hz pups and emg bts preamp I have the pups on push pull pups for series parallel and love the tonal options
Very good, in the aliexpress has the same peavey pickup for sale.
Both are nice. I like the MTD a little better. But for the price difference no surprise. The USA Millennium basses are amazing as well. If you can find any USA Peavey Cirrus or Millennium, grab it. They are amazing basses.
And the graphite enhanced Peavey G Bass!
Lobster, both are insane! My ears are well tuned for a newbie player. The first comment I could not help but see mentioned the greater low end of the Peavey and I concur. The MTD is an old school Rolls Royce, smooth, the Peavey is a Lamborghini. Both out of my reach, however when I win the lottery watch out.
i just bought my first 5 string bass and it's an Indonesian Peavey Cirrus..really love how it sounds and got nice playability on it..
if you find one of them...just buy it!
There is an upper model to the cirrus with a mid sweep knob
Mostly in the tiger finish
Yes! That was on the later models. Very cool stuff.
great, great comparison Lobster... amazing basses. Both sounds amazing, but the MTD... OMG, awesome bass!
The Peavey Cirrus is the winner for me; i love how it sounds!
I have custom shop Mike Pocaro Cirrus . If they had produced these with 18 or 19mm string spacing Peavey would still be a strong player in the bass market.
Indeed. I forgot to mention that the Cirrus is rocking an 18mm hipshot bridge here. I mentioned I swapped in the hipshot, but not the 18mm part. It works perfectly once I got longer screws for two of the saddles.
Not a member but I always enjoy watching your reviews Lobster.I know of several musicians myself included who have purchased pickups,basses and preamps based on your reviews.I have previously owned a Peavey Cirrus 4 string and loved it. I regret letting that one go.Hopefully we’ll see them re introduced at some point.
Impressive sound to the Peavey, deep with clarity. Now I want one.
The Cirrus came back this year! Can’t wait to get my hand on one of those new ones.
I love all things MTD... but man, that Peavey sounds absolutely monstrous.
You should hear it through an SVT. It's unreal
Geez. That MTD is incredible. But I’m a sucker for a Peavey USA. Owned a Cirrus a Foundation and a Grind NTB. (Vietnam)
Both outstanding basses.... But if I could have one, I'd want the Peavey. Not the prettiest bass I've ever seen, but damn, the tone!
Thank you Lobster for another excellent comparison. Both sounded great but I'm biased toward the Peavey. I have a maple USA Cirrus 4 and it is amazing. It is the first bass that I bought for myself. Tonally versatile and excellent fit and finish. I never want to sell it. I would pick up another, especially if I could find a fretless 5.
It’s a pity that OE parts for the Cirrus are no longer available. As these instruments age and stuff wears out, owners are forced either to abandon them or looking for non-OE parts and changing the fundamental nature of the bass….
Very true! I'm definitely keeping my ABM bridge with the bass, just not on it hahaha
So true. I dont always gig mine due to that fact!
@@ericplummer4089 That's why I copped three dynabass 5's when they were still like 400 bucks for a complete one lol my wife thought I was nuts but they swing and I am not afraid to take them anywhere lol - they're surprisingly light and comfortable for their beefiness and most of the time I just laugh if I knock shit over with one :-)
Me: *destroys a table lamp*
Also Me: Well, that's my Peavey!
Live Studio Audience: *canned laughter*
Both sound great. The MTD is brighter, probably the better sounding solos whilw the Peavy has a bigger more solid sound, especially in the upper range. I would imagine the Peavy fitting the mix more often and certainly cutting through laud drummers and guitar players better
I have an american Peavey Cirrus 5 (fretless) very similar to that yours. I expected to hear "something magical" from the Mtd given it is a boutique axe etc...but honestly I prefer the peavey because the Mtd sounds very metalic to me (maybe the strings) and the Peavey sounds rounder in all pickup configurations. A bolt on bass is hard to compare with a neckthrough (they almost always sound rounder in my opinion) I also will say that the headstock and body design in the Mtd Is lovely while I am not really in love with the Cirrus aesthetics...
Be interesting comparing the Peavey with a vintage Tobias.
Quite a comprehensive look at two gorgeous basses. I have a Cirrus BXP 4 string so I'll be a little biased. It's a shame that Peavey aren't making them any more.
I'm obsessed with MTD and Ibanez EHB.
The amount of videos you put up about those 2 must be a sign....
I'm not surprised at how well the Cirrus sounds because I own one.
Couldn't help but notice that many prefer the Cirrus, even though the MTD has pickups with better bandwidth, and therefore retains more information into a preamp. The MTD sounds flatter (extended lows and highs, very HiFi, many will describe this as scooped when it just has extended highs and lows, which we are not used to, and will therefore make the mids seem recessed, when they're really not) compared to the Cirrus (more traditional, pre-filtered tone). That said, the Cirrus has a great tone. Apply a low pass filter around 8kHz on the MTD and it will sound more familiar (it will sound more like the sound you'd expect coming out of a cab). I like the extra bandwidth, creates more harmonic information when fed into saturation. You can always clean out the top end, but you can't get back the sizzle when it's not there. Lovely basses either way.
Was just gifted my deceased uncle's quilted maple Cirrus 5. Spent last night in Nashville picking it up. It's a spectacular instrument. Gorgeous. To make room for it, I had to give my old Yamaha TRBX505 to my niece, who's absorbing instruments to learn. She's mastering the oboe, so a 5 string bass is a natural progression, right?
Lobster, my thoughts for what they're worth: Played solo, both basses sounds great as long as the mids are centred, though I think the Cirrus sounds a little better all-round (to my ear at least) . I actually think it sounds a little stingray-ish in some settings, and a lot like a Ken Smith in others ( though as 'pingy' as a Smith in the top end) . However, basses of this quality really need to be heard/played in an ensemble setting to fully appreciate. Those little tonal idiosyncrasies tend to disappear leaving the fundamental tone of the bass to shine through. Take the P bass for example. It always sounds a little 'ugly' by itself, but put it into a band mix and BAM...there it is, perfect. It's the same with these. Beautiful basses. P.S. Really really enjoy your content 🙂
Thank you so much, Todd!
Both sound great ! But there’s something on a neckthrough bass that really pleases my ear ! I find the sound sweeter …. I started playing on a Rickenbacker , so I am very used to a neckthrough bass.
Great job !
I see your Cirrus has the Hartley Peavey signature headstock :) so does my '07 with redwood top but I have 18v preamp helps the B really drop the bomb lol
The Cirrus has an 18V PreAmp. I have 4 USA Ones and they are the finest Production Basses ever made IMO!! These were $3K Basses that Peavey sold for $1K.
Yup! Don't worry, I'll be revisiting the Cirrus in a big way. I just scored a BUNCH of them including several one of a kind, never before seen custom shop ones. I've posted a couple on my insta!
Thanks for a really well done video on a couple of basses that I will probably never own. Though not for not wanting to. Keep up the excellent work, Lobster.
Thank you Philip!
They both sound great! The Peavey sounds a bit more natural though!
Great video. Both of those basses are keepers.
Both awesome basses but the Peavey wins for me.
Thanks Wilfredo!
Hey mate,
I just picked up a maple top Cirrus from 2006 today.
I’m in love already!
Can you tell me which bridge you put on yours and did it require new holes in the body to modify. And you mention longer screws for a couple strings?
PLEASE do a video with a ken smith soon
Both basses are great, the Cirrus looks a little bit dated beceause of the sharper body edges but both have great woods and finishes. Tonally I prefer the Cirrus more, it hase more warmth and flavour in my opinion. And I'm a huuuge Mike Porcaro fan, who used CIrruses on stage for his last 10 years in Toto.
It’s the Peavey for me all day
Cirrus has more darker growl sound, me like a lot! Mtd more bright and pianistic tone, incredible in slap and both are absolute beauties! thanks for the video.
They both sound phenomenal!
hey bro! Nice vids and cool comparison!
the only thing I would like to see is playing with attack cause with such light touching sometimes you can't check the whole range of sound. These 2 basses are roar machines and the character opens when you dig a bit more =)
Thanks!
Gee, both basses really sound awesome!
Thank you! I agree
This MTD is killer my friend!!!! Now..... I'm looking to buy one !!! :D
Your facial expressions alone tell me that you love the Peavey.
I've watched 4 videos now.. so I gotta subscribe!
Welcome aboard!
@@LowEndLobster Thank you brother! I'm really enjoying the vids!
MTD for the win ❤
I'm a fan of meaty punchy old skool bass tones so the Peavey wins for me. But the MTD sounds like it has a preamp with serious top end growl that can probably cut through some dense mixes and sound super fly in the process.
I think the Peavey Cirrus, US and Indonesian, are both amazing basses for the price, with a sound in the realm of a Ken Smith and solid build quality. That being, that MTD 535 looks, sounds, and, I'm sure, feels wayyyy better than that Peavey lol...And it supposed to! I see all of these comments raving over the Peavey, but I think their feelings are getting in the way of reality. It's like real maple syrup vs Mrs. Butterworth...Mrs. Butterworth is good and you grew up with it, so there's all this nostalgia, but it doesn't beat real maple syrup, the thing it aspires to be! Just my two cents. Enjoy your vids and keep doing what you do!
Peavey slightly wins for me, especially when soloing the pickups. On my system, it sounds like it has a bit more low mids which I really like! Btw, I read on your instagram that you are a gamer. What games do you play?
Thank you Oskar! I mainly play PUBG (for the past like 5 years lol), but I enjoy a wide variety of multiplayer and single player games.
do you play call of duty mobile?
I don't play mobile games
I really liked both basses. The Cirrus sounds great for all around bass sounds with a more pronounced low end. The MTD has a lot more midrange and high end. I would use the Cirrus for most songs, but the MTG would be great for when you want to play Lead bass stuff. I really like your videos please keep up the great work.
I like the finger tone on the MTD, but the slap on the Cirrus. I had one of the Cirrus 4's but the 35" scale for a 4 string didn't resonate with me. Great video.
Awsome! Both great, I'm biased on the peavey though
In middle school a buddy and I both started playing drums around the same time. My folks got me an entry level Tama bottom dollar kit, and my friend got a used peavey kit that was equally a POS 🤣 unfortunately it gave me kind of a bad impression of peavey as a brand, but I really have to say that bass right there sounds absolutely fantastic like damn. Holy peavey 🤩
Thanks! The Cirrus is definitely of a different caliber vs the entry level stuff which was heavily marketed and readily available (and still is!). High recommend folks try them if they ever get the chance.
Well it was even til you got to the slap phase lol. That cirrus (and lm blessed to own one with some kind of beautifully grained walnut top) so l'm biased. But the cirrus absolutely shines in the slap phase. I know tone is a matter of preference but who doesn't like what the PV is puttin down! I did love that mtd otherwise.
They would both have me smiling thru a set! BTW my cirrus has a 18v pre. My only gripe is the cirrus can't do passive and l wonder how it would play with 19mm string spacing at the bridge.
I owned 2 pieces of MTD 535. Great bass when you play it alone. But nothing for good enforcement in the band sound.
I found a 5 string Cirrus at Guitar Center for $550, someone had replaced the preamp with an after market, I replaced it with and OBP3 until I found a Cirrus preamp on eBay and replaced the OBP3.
Nice!
Hey Lobster! My old bass sounds good man!! Keep it up! #Peavey
Hey dude! Thank you! I'm absolutely loving it.
What do you think about the SIT strings Mr. Lobster? I'm new to bass (6 months) and my first set of string is SIT foundation SS 45-100 still using it but wanna try a new set of strings next. What do you recommend for Marcus Miller-y sound?
The MTD sounds to "snappy/thin" when slapped and both pups on. The Peavey has more low/mid presence and that's what I prefer.
This is a typical feature of US Bartolini pickups. MTS has custom made, but the tone is in the ballpark of their Bartolini Classic Bass series of pickups. Also this hi end sizzle might sound strange when untamed in solo, but it is very helpful to the sound engineers in a tight mix.
@@Eugensson Yes, that high end bite is Very helpful for mixing. Especially for it to be heard on the nasty little speakers that so many people are listening to anymore. Everyone should be issued a pair of Bose 301s at birth…😉
What an apple & orange comparison. You were just trying to be fair to the Peavey. Weren't you. I could hear the possibilities of the Peavey though. It was warm & grumbly. But yet clean & snappy. Very interesting compilation here.
Thank you!
I think I like the Peavey over the MTD and I feel horrible for saying that. The MYD has the looks and I am sure tweaking the eq, I would love that bass tone wise but based off your video the Peavey wins tone wise. The MYD sounded like ice picks in my ears when you slapped it. It kind of made the Peavey sound dead in comparison but the Peavey has a more natural tone and not active sounding like the MYD. This post makes me feel so bad and wrong or ashamed for thinking this. I am so sorry Mr. Tobias. You are still one of the greatest builders ever. Now I feel better.
Thanks Meyers! The MTD definitely has a brighter overall sound, and the treble boost when we scooped the mids definitely did not work in its favor. I personally prefer the MTD tone but I think both sound really amazing.
@@LowEndLobster I know you right and I am sure if you just cut the mids and left everything else at center it would be a smoother overall tone.
😆🤣😂
I played a Redwood Cirrus from 2000/2001( One of the First in Fla)to 2008. The Cirrus was Wonderful But in 2008 , Discovered The MTDs which Felt Better to my Hands( Huge) and Style of Playing. As good as the Cirrus Sounded. The MTDs (USAs and Kingstons) Felt Better to Play and Was More Versatile. On this Video the ROSE OF MOUNTAIN Has a PHAT-ER Sound then the Cirrus. Also The MTD had a more Versatility in sound to Me. The original Cirrus around 2000 - 2003 were Excellent however for my Hands and Ears the MTDs. (USAs and Kingstons FELT AND SOUNDED BETTER!!
I preferred the Cirrus but it is really an apples and oranges comparison; they have such different basic tone that they are hard to compare. I tend to not favor basses with scooped mids and the characteristic tone of the MTD is exactly that.
The Peavy wins it seems to me the MTD pickups sound kinda Hot both have great sound though
How wide is the string spacing on that MTD?! I thought for sure it was a 6 string. You could park a truck between those strings
BASS BATTLE?????
Just looking at my screen......
You have won!!!!!
We forfeit....we are not pinching the like button.....we don’t want your hand to turn back to normal!!!!
We want your other hand to turn in to a spiders butt!!!!
Ok...feel better
By the way, your roadstar sent me a message via carrier pigeon...
“Tomm, I’m to old for bass battles....this guy and his, so called...”buddy of beats” are freaking me out. Can I come live with you?”
Tell him yes.
Thank you for sharing (showing off). You are AWESOME
Thank you Tommy! ahahah the buddy of beats
@@LowEndLobster silly
@@LowEndLobster did you pick up another Ric?
Not yet... I did get the Harley Benton one again though! We're gonna have another go at mods
It’s just like you said Low, apples and oranges. I like them both for different reasons. The Tobias , besides being an incredible piece of art, has the high end bite that is helpful for mixing and it’s easier to be heard especially on small speakers. (There ought to be a law against listening through anything smaller than 8”) That being said the Cirrus has a nice warm low mid. I wish I would have bought a Cirrus when they were going for less $. Both b strings are excellent. What’s the string spacing on them? The Tobias spacing looks really wide…
I should have known that you would use your 535. I forgot the Modulus Q5 was a loaner.
I low key wish I snagged that Modulus. I should hit up the owner and see if he still has it lol
@@LowEndLobster go for it!
They both sound good.
This confirms I’ll never sell my Cirrus 6 it currently has a tone monster in it which I do line but I may switch to the EmgBQS preamp
Cirrus is a nice bass but the MTD is on another league
Not even close, cirrus is much nicer. While the mtd is very sparkly and has tons ff bass, its all boom and sheen, no meat. I cannot come up with a style of mix where I'd honestly think the mtd would be even close to being competitive tone wise. Solo bass, maybe.
The peavey is one of the best for the buck out there
Try a Skjold Design please!!
They are VERY much on my radar. I absolutely love their designs.
Great basses 'however the peavey cirrus bass is the complete package and winner...i can purchase 5 peavey bass guitars for the price of that custom mtd stronghouse ..amazing job..low end lobster...the MTD sponsor 'are gonna ask to take this video down 🤣😂🙏
Aren't the barts on the mtd passive?
Great question! I believe these are active low impedance pickups that have an external buffer. I'm not sure if the pickups themselves require batteries, but I'm pretty sure the buffer does. Pickups like EMGs have the preamp and such built into the pickup (not the EQ, but the pickup preamp). These custom Barts have that bit external to the pickup.
Man,… I had a Redwood cirrus back in the day. But for a very short time. I loved the way it looked and it sounded great, but it was horrible to play (for me). I just hated the neck and playability..
Lobstern do you sleep less than I do? The info says you posted this vid @ 8am CST(my time zone).
That’s nice!!!!
Thanks Deon!
Both are amazing. However, like a few people before me, I have to say the Peavey takes the biscuit in terms of sound here.
I’ve played/owned MTD and Cirrus basses. Both are fantastic! My memory of both was that they had remarkable B and E strings, probably due to the 35” scale.
In this comparison, I can hear something special from that MTD!! It could be strings, maybe the preamp?? But, it sounds better than the Cirrus… which I’ll gladly buy from you wink wink.
Thank you Joe! I agree hahaha. When I showed this vid to my friend before release, he was like "Man that MTD sound so good". Was really shocked when folks preferred the cirrus.... but that bass also kicks ass haha
@@LowEndLobster the Cirrus sounds less bright to me. Some will definitely prefer that. I wonder though, if it’s the strings?
The SITs on the Cirrus are really bright so I don't think so.
Those are great basses.
There is literally nothing else I can say except I can't wait until my blue "TL4" gets here to match my blue TL5 and I am always looking for the now elusive TL6 in blue. :-)
I'll never own an MTD unless someone literally gives it to me. I won't be facetious like many and go "well you could give it to me", because that's just silly.
The thing I was gonna follow up with was probably sillier, albeit not the standard just kidding ask lol it was a long the lines of if there's any lines left on the bottom of the list in your will, and I just realized your name might be will so this just got even sillier
well you could just give it to me, then lol
It's like the MTD being like choirs of angels with heavenly breath and the Peavey likely to start shouting NOBODY PUTS BABY IN A CORNER at top lung.
So I guess the spread we got here is from The Three Tenors to The Bacon Brothers?
Just sell all your other basses, you don't need any other ones.
Well, except all of them. I see the point you're about to make and I agree.
Now that I've settled down, I can see I was irrational.
:-)
+1 for RodneyMcG channel - dude's a ripper!
I think the Cirrus sounds better. Js
Are you sure your MTD has active Bartolini pickups?
100%. The USA MTD pickups are active low impedance with an external buffer in the cavity. Not to be confused with the Super pickups which I believe are passive (there's a preamp bypass on those basses, they use a different pre too)
Sound wise- I prefer the peavey
But in the major league- fit, finish, comfort and ease of play are the most important stuff.
Pickups and sound can be changed and manipulated all the time.
The wood work and attention to detail are things that only pros can get all the way.
That said- those peavey basses are a steal!
you send to chile?
Mad the MTD craps on the Cirrus. This surprised me,
Top !! Thanks
Awesome
Peavey Cirrus.
The peavey bass sounds better it sounds more like a bass suppose to sound it's more of a thicker bass sound in stead of a kinky bass sound that so many high end bass guitar have now days kink kink how much you want for it I been looking for one in yours condition. How much you want for it? 😙