FS/FT: Righteous Sadowsky NYC Original P

[Il Capo]

Pains me to do this, but I just need to move back to a jazz bass and maybe raise extra cash for some much needed home repairs. Let me just say that I love this damn bass because its perfect in every way (to me). She's as clean as she looks and very light (8.05lbs). The only site where you will find some wear is on the cool-ass 5-ply pickguard, which shows basic superficial swirling and one very minor nick near the upper bout, both of which I just cannot get to show up in any light. It's all honest and normal wear. But, hey, it's just the pickguard and you can barely see it. Still, if you wanted a pristine guard, it's an easy order from Roger.

Everything else is obviously very well-cared for. The protective clear sticker is still on the back, so there are no buckle marks. The frets are level and the neck/truss are flawless, as you would expect. In terms of playability and versatility, the bass is a dream from top to bottom. It grinds and bumps in superior ways with the easy turning of knobs. The VTC is key for easy phasing from slap to thump. I just put some black beauties on it (as you can see); they sound very cool and set up every bit as well. It will ship with your choice of the BB's or the original Sadowsky steels, which I think are a much better match for this bass, believe it or not.

Sadowsky's sale page:
http://www.sadowsky.com/stock/view/4872.html

The bass has all its original paperwork, two extra black knobs (the pair you see in the original photo, I prefer the chrome knobs, which are also included) strap buttons, tools, an unopened Sadowsky polishing cloth, cool and fuzzy wrap around string mutes, and comes with the original case, which is in great shape. For an outright sale, I'm looking for a lowered price of $2350 OBO shipped in the CONUS. Will ship to Europe at buyer's cost.

For trades, I am looking for the right high end J: Sadowsky NYC's or Metros, Nordy's, AC's, or Vintage Fenders. I favor Sadowsky, FYI. We can talk about differences in value, of course, and if the bass is right I will go up or down.

If there's no interest, I don't mind keeping her around.

Thanks so much for looking.

[Il Capo]

3 and 4

[Il Capo]

NYC Headstock

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

PM coming.

[Il Capo]

Right back at you.

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Volley and serve.

[Il Capo]

Some fellow TB'ers have noted that the link to my review doesn't work, so here it is in full:

"Hey Folks,

Just got my Sadowsky original P on Friday and, since there's not a tremendous number of reviews out there, I wanted to share with you my initial impressions in case any of you were wondering what these basses are all about. I should preface my write-up by saying that this is my first NYC Sadowsky, so the wait for it to arrive was fraught with much anxiety and excitement. In recent years, I've owned two different Metros and loved them, so given everything I have read about the NYC offerings, the bar was raised high. With that being said, this bass does not disappoint. In terms of its look, it might not be for everyone, but I love the classic aesthetic. From far away, it's nothing flashy. Up close, the beautiful and complex body/neck ash/tinted maple grain becomes clearly visible and instantly communicates an instrument comprised of premium materials. The pickguard is 5-ply, very thick and very badass. As much as I love the look of some flashier basses, I just feel like the simplicity of the appearance suites my overall style. Oh, and this bass is 8.1lbs. Amazing.

Now, I should say that I had a fresh set of .105 chromes all ready to go. It arrived set up with Sadowsky Blue Label Steels and, in my mind, I was already convinced that they were the wrong strings for this bass. Nevertheless, I was so eager to hear what this bass could do, I took it for a test drive with the rounds, right out of the case. Let's just say that I was so impressed with the combo of the steels and this wood that the chromes went right back into the drawer (for now). After raising the action a smidge and adjusting the intonation, I plugged into my Walkabout 12 combo and proceeded to get blown away. The Sadowsky original P sound with the rounds is not quite as wide/broad as the standard precision tonal wavelength (to my ear). As such, the bass hits very hard in the upper mid-range but all the while maintains a good, thick bottom that is not at all muddy. The passive tone is pure 50s P, but a bit better focused, even with the D and G. Overall, my hope was that this design would give me some j-bass flavor married happily to a precision fundamental. So far, it seems to possess just that.

With the pre-amp engaged, forget about it. The high end sizzle is dangerous, but I'm a meat and potato/pocket kind of player so I probably won't use it much. Still, if I were a slapper, this bass would take someone's head off; it's just unbelievably piercing. For my sound, something about the Sadowsky preamp, the steels, and the Mesa set flat, creates this thick, but articulate, growl that becomes even more interesting when I increase the VTC treble boost, which was to my surprise not too zingy (unless, of course, I crank the non-VTC treble boost). The best part is that every note keeps its second and third dimensions or, in other words, "blossoms" proportionately from high to low.

It's always difficult to articulate what something sounds like, but trust me when I say that every note from top to bottom is exceptionally well-balanced (no dead spots or wolf notes). The notes project in such a way that I can only describe as a cutting, but dense snarl (intensified even more if I crank the gain stage on the Mesa). For hard driving tunes, this bass would be very difficult to beat. And when I need old school thump, I just roll off the treble and it's right there, never muddy, and surprisingly convincing even with the steels (I can only imagine how old school it can get with a good set of flats and I assure you that I'll be trying some later). This versatility is of particular importance to me because I play in two bands: one that is straight ahead garage while the other is along the lines of mellower Neil Young. This bass masterfully covers both bases. I don't think I even need another as I have yet to find a single ax that can do either as well as this original P can do both.

I hemmed and hawed for a long time and thanks to the wealth of critical information available here on TB, I saved my duckets and found just what I was looking for at a very reasonable, used price. If you ever wondered about the Original P, I hope that this basic evaluation helps you gain a more intimate sense of just what you're getting into: the cream of the crop!"

[Il Capo]

Superb and pristine NYC Sadowsky for around the price of a new Metro bump. Listening to offers.

[CelinderMotoMan]

Email sent

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Somebody-buy-this-so-I-don't bump.

[Il Capo]

Bump for a price drop: $2350 Shipped, paypal or MO. Trades open too.

[Limeman]

I can vouch for Il Capo. He's a great guy and extremely accurate with his listings. Somebody pick up this bad-boy for Christmas and rock into the new year with style!

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

He's also losing at least $200 on the sale. The $2500 he paid on eBay last month was a good deal. This is a killer deal.

[Il Capo]

Thanks for the kind words.. As far as the price goes, I believe this is a smokin' deal on a bass that absolutely kills.

[rayzak]

I'll also vouch for Il Capo. He's a great guy to deal with, honest and enjoys passing some great deals along to fellow TB'rs.
So Il Capo... want to trade back-----
Good luck with the sale, bro. Lord knows I wish I had something to offer for that beauty

[Il Capo]

Thanks Rayzak! In the spirit of good deals (and because I found another bass that I'd like to move on quickly) I'm dropping the price for this week only to $2250. If that doesn't bring anyone around, I'm keeping it.

That is the absolute lowest I am willing to go.

[emblymouse]

PM sir

[simongpaez]

Man that is a steal price I wish I had the money

[lefty007]

This is one of those day when I hate being lefty. This would be so mine otherwise.

[Il Capo]

ON HOLD PENDING PAYMENT