Steve Swan Guitars Swan

Mathias Thoma Basses



New MT-185		 This new model number replaces the old designation of MT-1, which was the first commercial bass that I started carrying in my old Kensington shop in 1999. Carpathian Maple back, sides, and neck, Carpathian Spruce top, Gold halfplate Rubner tuners, Ebony fingerboard, Kolstein adjustable bridge fitted for the Anaheim NAMM show, I've replaced the endpin which was poorly fit by Kolstein for the NAMM show with one from Gotz, Lacquer finsih. The dimensions are: Top length 45 1/4", Upper bout width 20 1/8", Center bout width 14 1/2", Lower bout width 26 3/8", Depth at tail 8 1/2", Depth at upper bout bend 8 1/2", Depth at neck 7 3/8, String length 42". I had Jeff Sahs do a post-NAMM setup, which included a fingerboard plane, fitting the bridge more accurately and recontouring it to match the fingerboard, and refitting the soundpost, which was cut a little weird by Kolstein. The bass has a lot of power and an even response. A lot of players like the slimmer neck treatment that is now standard for this model. I loaned it to the Town Mountain bluegrass Band from Asheville, NC for a 10 day California tour, so I've dropped the price from $2950.00 to $2800.00. including the cover.
$2800.00
New MT-188 7/8 Flatback
This is the spirit varnish version of the first commercial bass model that I carried in my old Kensington guitar shop in 1999. The robust build and huge versatile voice of this Romanian-made, Kolstein-designed bass has been a favorite for orchestra and jazz group alike. Carpathian Maple neck, back, and sides, Carpathian Spruce top, Gold German halfplate tuners, Ebony fingerboard and tailpiece, Kolstein endpin, Kolstein adjustable bridge. Dimensions are: Top length 45 1/4", Upper bout width 20 1/8", Middle bout width 14 1/2, 26 3/8", Depth at tial 8 1/2", Depth at upper bout bend 8 1/2", Depth at neck 7 3/8", String length 42". Jeff Sahs had to really work to bring the idiosyncratic Kolstein setup for 2008 NAMM into his standard specifications, but the effort was well worth it. The fingerboard now plays beautifully with a low, buzz-free string height now possible. Strung with D'Addario helicore Orchestra Strings, this bass has a thunderous sound under a bow. Players who want a more versatile response may prefer Obligato or Spirocore strings. The spirit varnish on the MT-188 permits a freer response than the lacquer finished MT-185 model. With free cover.
$3250.00

Previous Offerings

Used
Mathias Thoma
MT-1
 Solid Romanian Spruce top, Solid Maple back and sides, Ebony fingerboard, nut, saddle, and tailpiece, Gold German halfplate tuners, Kolstein Adjustable bridge, Kolstein endpin, 42" string length, Panormo shape with violin corners, Top length 44", Upper bout width 20-3/4", C cavity width 15", Lower bout width 26-3/4", Side depth at tail to upper bout bend 8-1/4", Side depth at neck 7-1/4". This bass is very clean and shows few signs of play. The playing action is very easy and it has a rich, buttery tone. With original Mathias Thoma cover or TKL cover available as an upgrade.
New
Mathias Thoma
MT-1
(82356)		 Solid Romanian Spruce top, Solid Maple back and sides, Ebony fingerboard, nut, saddle, and tailpiece, Gold German halfplate tuners, Kolstein Adjustable bridge, Kolstein endpin, 42" string length, Panormo shape with violin corners, Top length 44", Upper bout width 20-3/4", C cavity width 15", Lower bout width 26-3/4", Side depth at tail to upper bout bend 8-1/4", Side depth at neck 7-1/4". This bass has a bright, incisive tone that is particularly well-suited to jazz playing. I currently have it strung with Helicore Hybrid strings. With free TKL cover.
New MT-188
New MT-188 Flatback 4-piece medium-fine grain Carpathian Spruce top, slightly flame figured Carpathian neck, sides, and 4-Piece flat back, Gold
plated Rubner halfplate tuners, Ebony fingerboard, Ebony tailpiece,Kolstein
adjustable bridge, Kolstein endpin, Lightly applied spirit varnish finish. Dimensions are: Top length 45 1/4", Upper bout width 20 1/8", Center bout width 14 1/2", Lower bout width 26 3/8", Body depth at tail 8 1/2", Body depth at upper bout bend 8 1/2", Body depth at neck 7 3/8", String length 42". These basses have a robust build style and are quite powerful sounding when played with vigor. I have it strung now with Spirocore weich for jazz playing, but it has a large voice for orchestral section playing as well. With free cover.
MT-1 3/4 Flatback (31014902)
MT-1 3/4 Flatback (31014903)
MT-1 3/4 Flatback (73760)
MT-1 3/4 Flatback (Used)
MT-20 BLD 3/4 Flatback
MT-23 EL4 3/4 Jazz Bass

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