Schecter Michael Anthony MA-4 Koa Electric Bass Prototype 0637
Description
Schecter Michael Anthony MA-4 Koa Electric Bass Prototype 0637
This MA-4 prototype captures articulate, punchy mids and defined low-end in recordings, thanks to its bolt-on swamp ash body with koa top and balanced, responsive neck profile. At approximately 8 lb 3 oz, the instrument sits comfortably during extended tracking sessions. Built to Michael Anthony's exacting standards, this bass delivers the precision and tonal consistency required for professional session recording and studio overdubs where clarity and punch through a dense mix are critical.
Playability & Construction
The maple/walnut neck with rosewood fretboard provides a smooth, fast playing surface ideal for capturing clean takes, while the 21 extra jumbo frets accommodate aggressive playing techniques without fret buzz during recording. Neck dimensions of 0.787" at the 1st fret and 0.866" at the 12th fret create a comfortable grip for both fingerstyle and pick recording styles, and the 12" fretboard radius balances flat playability with natural contouring for consistent intonation capture.
Tone & Recording Character
Dual Schecter USA MonsterTone pickups—a neck-position P and bridge-position J—deliver a versatile tonal palette selectable via 3-way switch, allowing rapid tone shaping during overdubs from warm, fat lows to bright, articulate highs. The Graph Tech XL Black Tusq nut at 1.496" width ensures clear string definition and sustain in the recording, while WSC hardware including the THD4 bass bridge and KG400 tuners provide the rock-solid intonation and tuning stability essential for multi-take sessions and punch-in recording.
Key Features
- Body: Swamp ash with koa top; bolt-on construction
- Neck: Maple/walnut with rosewood fretboard
- Frets: 21 extra jumbo
- Scale: 34"
- Nut: Graph Tech XL Black Tusq, 1.496" width
- Pickups: Schecter USA MonsterTone-J (bridge) and MonsterTone-P (neck)
- Controls: Volume, tone, and 3-way pickup selector
- Hardware: WSC KG400 tuners and WSC THD4 bass bridge
- Fretboard radius: 12"
- Neck profile: 0.787" at 1st fret, 0.866" at 12th fret
- Weight: Approximately 8 lbs 3 oz
- Strings: Ernie Ball Super Long Scale 2849 (.045-.105)
This prototype exemplifies Schecter's commitment to professional-grade construction and tonal refinement, delivering a versatile instrument capable of anchoring any serious studio rhythm section and tracking with confidence across multiple session styles.
More Information
| Dexterity | Right handed |
|---|---|
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Condition | Refurbished |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Schecter Michael Anthony MA-4 Koa is a session-ready 4-string bass that brings professional tonal refinement and recording versatility to the studio, with dual pickups offering P and J voicings to shape your tone from warm and fat to bright and articulate. The carefully voiced neck profile, 34" scale, and 12" fretboard radius provide a smooth, fast feel for laying down precise bass lines, while the swamp ash and koa body delivers articulate midrange punch and clear low-end definition that sits well in a mix. Ideal for producers and engineers tracking rhythm sections, recording funk and session work, or anyone building a serious home-studio instrument collection.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Session Work
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Funk
Not the best pick for
- – Beginner Practice
- – Fretless Playing
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is this bass designed for?
This prototype is built for intermediate, advanced, and professional players who need precision and tonal consistency. It is not recommended for beginner practice due to its professional-grade construction and playing demands.
What genres and playing styles does this bass work best for?
The MA-4 excels in session work, live performance, studio sessions, and funk. The dual pickup configuration and articulate tone make it versatile across many styles where cut and clarity are essential.
How does the dual pickup setup work?
A Schecter USA MonsterTone P pickup at the neck and a MonsterTone J at the bridge are selectable via a 3-way switch, giving you warm, fat lows from the neck position or bright, articulate highs from the bridge, plus blended tones in the middle position.
What is the neck profile and playability like?
The maple/walnut neck with rosewood fretboard measures 0.787 inches at the 1st fret and 0.866 inches at the 12th fret, with a 12-inch radius that balances flat playability with natural contouring. The 21 extra jumbo frets support aggressive playing techniques without fret buzz and work for both fingerstyle and pick players.
Why is this a prototype, and what does that mean for me as a buyer?
This is a prototype unit built to Michael Anthony's exacting professional standards. It is fully functional and road-ready; the prototype designation reflects that it is a limited edition or final development piece rather than a standard production run.
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