Schecter Michael Anthony MA-4 Electric Bass Gloss Natural
Description
Schecter Michael Anthony MA-4 Electric Bass Gloss Natural
The Michael Anthony MA-4 is engineered to capture fat, articulate bass tones in the studio with its thin "C"-shaped neck and 34" scale, enabling precise fretting and consistent note definition across sessions. The Koa top mounted on a Swamp Ash body contributes warmth and resonant low-end character that translates well through monitoring chains and mixes. This bass delivers professional-grade construction and reliability for tracking, arranging, and gigging scenarios.
Playability & Tracking Precision
The thin "C" neck shape and carefully calculated neck thickness—measuring .787" at the 1st fret and .866" at the 12th fret—enable fast position changes and accurate intonation across the full 21 extra-jumbo frets. A 12" fretboard radius and Graph Tech XL Black Tusq nut (1.496" wide) support clean articulation and balanced string response for four-string recording and live work.
Tone & Signal Path
The dual Schecter USA MonsterTone pickups—a J-style bridge and P-style neck configuration—deliver passive tone shaping through a simple volume/tone/3-way switch control setup. This straightforward electronics architecture lets the pickups and wood construction define your recorded tone, capturing the Koa and Swamp Ash resonance without active preamp processing that can muddy mix integration.
Key Features
- Body: Swamp Ash with Koa top; bolt-on construction
- Neck: Maple/Walnut multi-ply with thin "C" shape
- Fretboard: Rosewood with white pearloid dot inlays
- Scale: 34" (863.6 mm)
- Frets: 21 extra-jumbo; 12" fretboard radius
- Nut: Graph Tech XL Black Tusq; 1.496" width
- Pickups: Schecter USA MonsterTone-J (bridge) and MonsterTone-P (neck)
- Controls: Volume/tone/3-way switch (passive)
- Hardware: WSC KG400 tuners; WSC THD4 bass bridge; metal knurled knobs
- Black hardware throughout
- Includes Ernie Ball 4-string super-long strings (.045–.105)
- Weight: Approximately 8.5 lbs
The MA-4 pairs responsive ergonomics with solid hardware and authentic passive pickup character, making it an effective tool for producers, session musicians, and recording engineers.
More Information
| Dexterity | Right handed |
|---|---|
| Condition | New |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Schecter Michael Anthony MA-4 is a versatile passive 4-string bass designed for producers and engineers tracking rock, funk, and session work who need articulate definition and warm resonance without active EQ coloration. The Koa/Swamp Ash construction and dual Schecter USA MonsterTone pickups (P/J voicing) deliver a naturally balanced, woody tone that sits cleanly in dense mixes, while the simple volume/tone/3-way switch setup gives you straightforward control over pickup blending during recording. Pick this bass when you want professional construction and tone character that doesn't require complex electronics or frequent tweaking.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Folk
- – Worship
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What neck dimensions and fret specifications does the MA-4 have?
The MA-4 features a thin C-shaped neck measuring 0.787" at the 1st fret and 0.866" at the 12th fret, with 21 extra-jumbo frets, a 12" fretboard radius, and a 1.496" Graph Tech XL Black Tusq nut for smooth articulation and comfortable string spacing.
What pickup configuration does this bass use, and can I shape the tone actively?
The MA-4 uses a passive setup with dual Schecter USA MonsterTone pickups in P-style (neck) and J-style (bridge) configuration, controlled by a simple volume/tone/3-way switch; there is no active preamp, so tone shaping relies on pickup blending and passive tone control.
What woods are used in the body and neck, and how much does the bass weigh?
The body is Swamp Ash with a Koa top in a bolt-on design, the neck is a Maple/Walnut multi-ply with the thin C shape, and the bass weighs approximately 8.5 lbs, making it comfortable for extended playing sessions.
Is the MA-4 suitable for beginners, or is it aimed at experienced players?
The MA-4 is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional players; its thin neck and extra-jumbo frets favor experienced bassists who benefit from responsive hand positioning and articulate fret access.
What genres is the MA-4 best suited for?
The MA-4 excels in rock, funk, studio sessions, and live performance; its warm, articulate passive tone and P/J voicing make it less ideal for folk or worship music where different tonal characteristics are typically preferred.