I recently purchased a Mitchell MD400. Here are a few observations and a bit of playing. I am playing through a Boss Katana 50 which is mic'd with 2 SM 57s.
Nice to see these Mitchells get some much-deserved love...great job (and fabulous playing). For what it's worth, I also had the MD300 and found it every bit the instrument as the 400 - just minus the set neck/bling.
Did you like the satin neck on the 300 more than the glossy neck on the 400? I have the purple MD400 but I'm keeping an eye out for a cheap MD300 just because they sound so great and MD300s can be found for like $120 used. It's amazing the sound quality for the price.
The people have spoken, so nice to have you back, such an enjoyable video and guitar review, amazing playing as always and best of luck with your new Axe!!
I've had this guitar for about 2 years now I think, had it on my lap watching this, and I had NO IDEA ABOUT THE COIL TAP AND I IMMEDIATELY PULLED THAT SUCKER, MY MIND IS BLOWN.
Welcome back Johnny! Like a cold drink of water on a hot day. Tasty! I swear I was wondering earlier in the day if you'd ever post again and Bam! Crazy good man glad I popped you back into existence! 🤓 Nah, you da man. Love the way you play that Mitchell. Hotter than a pimps pistol!
I've been watching videos and reading reviews on this guitar. I think the thing that sold me on it, was your description of the pickups. " Hotter than a Pimps Pistol" That's what I'm looking for. Rock On
@@johnnyanderson8901 So I just watched the entire video. That Mitchell wants to give a killer artificial harmonic, but it doesn't seem to deliver. Are your amp settings the same as when you use the Strats or the Chroma Key Mitchell guitar? Does it need a bit more gain to get that squeal?
@@myusetoob thank you for watching. I am using the exact same tone that I use with the strats. I think the problem is my technique lol...well that is just missing the harmonics from time to time. The guitar is a beast and the pickups are really hot.
@@johnnyanderson8901 Yeah love the high end tone for sure. I agree the humbucker gets a little muddled on the lower strings but combined with the high strings, it gives a great full tone. Your technique is fine. Hope to see you soon!
You mentioned you checked out a Sterling Sub AX4 but you didn't like the pickups. I have the Sterling sub AX4 in black and it's a great guitar. Probably one of the best feeling necks out of all the guitars I own and have played over the last 35 years. Plus the neck on mine is flamed maple, not all of them are, I lucked out. I actually like the pickups, they're copies of the original pickups that were in the Ernie Ball Music Man EVH guitar. As you mentioned they're not hot, which I prefer these days, but it's nothing I can't overcome with my amp. Plus the five way switch gives you coil splitting. For $199 on sale it was the best money I ever spent. It plays better, has better fretwork and has a better tremolo than a $599 EVH Wolfgang Standard, which I also owned at one point. I think the pickups in the Mitchell sound muddy, just my opinion. I played a few at GC a while ago and even purchased a TD400 but they sent me a sh*tbox, twice..so I returned both and never bothered with them again. Bad fretwork, broken bridge saddle, muddy pickups. Nice playing. Johnny Malmsteen.
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. The Sterling is a great guitar I just require a hotter pickup. I have been fortunate with the Mitchells especially the MD400. it is nice and it plays great.
@@johnnyanderson8901 Yeah they do. I called Sterling years ago and talked to a guy who worked there and asked him some questions about the Sub AX4 and AX40 series. They have basically the same neck profile that was on the early 90's Ernie Ball Music Man EVH guitars. And the neck that was on the original MM EVH model was a copy of the neck that was on the famous 5150 guitar from the mid 80's. So what I'm saying is you get a EVH axe for next to nothing. And as I already mentioned the pickups are copies of the originals in the MM guitars, which were more or less copies of the pickup Ed used in the 5150 guitar. Crazy that we can get guitars like this for these prices these days when back in the day they would have cost a lot more. I wasn't kidding when I said it plays better than the EVH Wolfgang Standard, it does.
@@johnnyanderson8901 You can still buy a crappy cheap or expensive guitar these days but there's a lot more good cheap guitars than they're used to be. Back in the 80's when I started playing the majority of the cheap stuff was absolute garbage. Modern CNC machines make a big difference, lol. Even the inlay work on say an Ibanez Jem Jr is cleaner than the inlay work on the old Jems from 30 years ago. I notice this stuff, lol. Technology has really helped make things consistent with guitar manufacturing. For me at this point when I buy a guitar and I compare a lower end guitar to a higher end guitar I ask myself if there's any significant or monumental difference between the two that justifies spending an extra several hundred bucks or grand or two. In many cases there isn't, depending on the brand and model and it's purpose. Anyway, I have a few guitars from all price ranges. I'm very impressed with the Sterling. Keep playing.
you're a f*ing madman! I ran out last night and bought one of these after watching your video. The no name p\u's surprisngly sound like warm vintage PAF's depending on how you drive them.
I have the purple one. Best guitar I've ever played. Plays and sounds like a $1,000.00+ high end custom. By the way.. damn you're good lol. Such precision.
Thoroughly enjoy your talent and knowledge.... would love hearing more!
Hey man. Just wanted to say I picked up this guitar after watching your video on it because i remembered you having a few. Was NOT disappointed.
Welcome back. We need to see a little more of you in vids.
I don't even like shredding but I follow your channel since the beginning and I love it.
I really appreciate that.
Great to see you shredding in a new video. Always amazing as always. Please upload more frequently if you feel up to it.
Thanks for watching. It is a lot of work but i will surely try.
SOOO glad you are BACK! Love your vids man keep em coming!
More on the way. Promise. Thank you so much for watching.
Great video Johnny. I sure did miss you.
Thank you so very much.
Nice to see these Mitchells get some much-deserved love...great job (and fabulous playing). For what it's worth, I also had the MD300 and found it every bit the instrument as the 400 - just minus the set neck/bling.
That is interesting. Is the MD300 only available in one color?
Did you like the satin neck on the 300 more than the glossy neck on the 400? I have the purple MD400 but I'm keeping an eye out for a cheap MD300 just because they sound so great and MD300s can be found for like $120 used. It's amazing the sound quality for the price.
Nice playin' man..good to see ya again.
The people have spoken, so nice to have you back, such an enjoyable video and guitar review, amazing playing as always and best of luck with your new Axe!!
Thanks Jimmy. You rock brother!
I was wondering if u were still kicking around.good to see u back.👍...
Looks like you found the keys to the Lamborghini, too. Impressive shred and great review!
You sir are a fluid player.
Nice.
Thanks for the good review.
Good to have ya back!
I've had this guitar for about 2 years now I think, had it on my lap watching this, and I had NO IDEA ABOUT THE COIL TAP AND I IMMEDIATELY PULLED THAT SUCKER, MY MIND IS BLOWN.
Been needing my Johnny Anderson fix this is just what the doctor ordered...
Welcome back Johnny! Like a cold drink of water on a hot day. Tasty! I swear I was wondering earlier in the day if you'd ever post again and Bam! Crazy good man glad I popped you back into existence! 🤓 Nah, you da man. Love the way you play that Mitchell. Hotter than a pimps pistol!
I've been watching videos and reading reviews on this guitar. I think the thing that sold me on it, was your description of the pickups. " Hotter than a Pimps Pistol" That's what I'm looking for. Rock On
Who earth would give this a thumbs down? Johnny the master shredder!
Apparently 4 people. No biggie. Thanks for watching.
Good to see you back. Was becoming a bit concerned you were MIA for so long. I think you may have melted that pick.
Amazing playing!! And yes they’re beautiful guitars and a joy to play, I’ve got a purple md400 and love it more than my fender Strat 😅
It is good to see you Johnny!!! I see you've still got it!!! LOL....Rock On!!!!
thought you had a an expensive Marshall Amp set up, the Boss Katana 50 has really good reviews, will consider getting one
Johnny you are simply the best .
Johnny! Welcome back!
Always great to be back! Thank you for watching.
@@johnnyanderson8901 So I just watched the entire video. That Mitchell wants to give a killer artificial harmonic, but it doesn't seem to deliver. Are your amp settings the same as when you use the Strats or the Chroma Key Mitchell guitar? Does it need a bit more gain to get that squeal?
@@myusetoob thank you for watching. I am using the exact same tone that I use with the strats. I think the problem is my technique lol...well that is just missing the harmonics from time to time. The guitar is a beast and the pickups are really hot.
@@johnnyanderson8901 Yeah love the high end tone for sure. I agree the humbucker gets a little muddled on the lower strings but combined with the high strings, it gives a great full tone. Your technique is fine. Hope to see you soon!
That guys picking is clean and fantastically fast!!😳. You guys see that?!
You mentioned you checked out a Sterling Sub AX4 but you didn't like the pickups. I have the Sterling sub AX4 in black and it's a great guitar. Probably one of the best feeling necks out of all the guitars I own and have played over the last 35 years. Plus the neck on mine is flamed maple, not all of them are, I lucked out. I actually like the pickups, they're copies of the original pickups that were in the Ernie Ball Music Man EVH guitar. As you mentioned they're not hot, which I prefer these days, but it's nothing I can't overcome with my amp. Plus the five way switch gives you coil splitting. For $199 on sale it was the best money I ever spent. It plays better, has better fretwork and has a better tremolo than a $599 EVH Wolfgang Standard, which I also owned at one point.
I think the pickups in the Mitchell sound muddy, just my opinion. I played a few at GC a while ago and even purchased a TD400 but they sent me a sh*tbox, twice..so I returned both and never bothered with them again. Bad fretwork, broken bridge saddle, muddy pickups.
Nice playing. Johnny Malmsteen.
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. The Sterling is a great guitar I just require a hotter pickup. I have been fortunate with the Mitchells especially the MD400. it is nice and it plays great.
I believe the Sterlings have that tapered neck where it is thicker on the low E side and thinner on the high E side. The neck feels great.
@@johnnyanderson8901 Yeah they do. I called Sterling years ago and talked to a guy who worked there and asked him some questions about the Sub AX4 and AX40 series. They have basically the same neck profile that was on the early 90's Ernie Ball Music Man EVH guitars. And the neck that was on the original MM EVH model was a copy of the neck that was on the famous 5150 guitar from the mid 80's. So what I'm saying is you get a EVH axe for next to nothing. And as I already mentioned the pickups are copies of the originals in the MM guitars, which were more or less copies of the pickup Ed used in the 5150 guitar. Crazy that we can get guitars like this for these prices these days when back in the day they would have cost a lot more. I wasn't kidding when I said it plays better than the EVH Wolfgang Standard, it does.
That sounds awesome. I think younger players don't realize how good they have it as far as quality options at a low price.
@@johnnyanderson8901 You can still buy a crappy cheap or expensive guitar these days but there's a lot more good cheap guitars than they're used to be. Back in the 80's when I started playing the majority of the cheap stuff was absolute garbage. Modern CNC machines make a big difference, lol. Even the inlay work on say an Ibanez Jem Jr is cleaner than the inlay work on the old Jems from 30 years ago. I notice this stuff, lol. Technology has really helped make things consistent with guitar manufacturing. For me at this point when I buy a guitar and I compare a lower end guitar to a higher end guitar I ask myself if there's any significant or monumental difference between the two that justifies spending an extra several hundred bucks or grand or two. In many cases there isn't, depending on the brand and model and it's purpose. Anyway, I have a few guitars from all price ranges. I'm very impressed with the Sterling.
Keep playing.
you're a f*ing madman! I ran out last night and bought one of these after watching your video. The no name p\u's surprisngly sound like warm vintage PAF's depending on how you drive them.
It is a really nice guitar. Thanks for watching. It means a lot.
Very nice and who said you can't break the speed of light
Damn! Great playing and tone! Goes to show you don't need to spend a ton of money to play and sound great. You shred!
Nice review! You are getting a great whistle from this guitar, what amp/ effectsare you playing thru for this video?
I think I am playing through a Boss Katana 50. It is an amazing amp.
@@johnnyanderson8901 Thanks Johnny. Whatever the gear, you play it beautifully.
Its a real quilted top but its just a thin veneer of quilted maple probably like the width of a sheet of construction paper
I really appreciate that insight...I guess it would have to be, it looks great. Thanks for watching!!
Johnny the MAN! #faf
FAF
sounds good tearing it up as usual!
Inspiring as always JA!! \m/
I threw XL D'addys on mine. I love my MD400 almost as much as my Schecter 7
I have the purple one. Best guitar I've ever played. Plays and sounds like a $1,000.00+ high end custom.
By the way.. damn you're good lol. Such precision.
Johnny , the problem is that you can't really do reviews because you could play a guitar made out of a trash can lid and it is going to sound good
hasn't played his strat in almost a week, my goodness, thought he was going to say he hasn't played it in ages
It has been about seven days since I have played a strat. I need to get back to it. Thanks for watching, I really appreciate it.
All/Most of the time ;-)
What kind of @sshole gives you a thumb's down, dude? Friggin' people! Thanks for the fantastic review and demo!!!
Need more reverb...
Walter white strikes again!
Thank you for watching!
Your a hell of a player but I feel you use too much gain. No disrespect meant your technique is fantastic.
Hey! Its Walter white!
Yes sir Joe!!!!
where ya been hidib? first
Thank you for watching. Life has been pretty busy.