I've agonized about this, and I think I need to sell this beautiful bass... An understated classic, I've gotten nothing but compliments on its looks and sound. I'm just leaning in the direction of a more Fender-y sound, and I do need the money...
This would make a great stocking stuffer!!!
Here's the specs:
Vintage 5-string #4153 (
http://www.sadowsky.com/stock/view/4153.html)
Swamp Ash body, '59 Burst, Morado fingerboard, Tortoise pickguard, Chrome hardware
Nordstrand NJ5 pickups, VTC, active/passive
8.65 lbs
Sadowsky soft/hard case.
Not sure if it's chambered, this was during the transition period and Sadowsky didn't keep good records at the time. But it feels very light and balanced, and is very resonant.
It has one ding that has been repaired (you can see but not really feel it), from a previous owner, along the back edge of the bottom horn. You never really see it, since it's on the back of the bottom of the bass. There is a bit of discoloration on the neck, I'm not sure if it's playing wear or just the wood itself. However the neck feels awesome, (on Roger's advice I lightly sanded the finish with 320 grit sandpaper, and it feels like satin). There are a couple of tiny dings on the tip of the headstock, way too small to photograph.
The case has some wear on the outside (3 of the 4 feet are missing), but the inside is pristine and it will probably last forever.
I had the pickups replaced with Nordstrand NJ5 single coils to get a warmer sound. The neck pickup is a bit overwound to give a more articulate sound. Carey Nordstrand did the work himself, so it's top quality. While he was in there, I had the balance control reversed so it now works like all the other (non-Sadowsky) basses in the world. It still sounds like a Sadowsky, just a little fatter with a little less glass and scoop.
This bass feels alive, plays like a dream, and has a great growly presence.
Asking $2700 shipped in the continental US.
I'm looking to sell, but open to trade offers, try me...
EDIT:
Just to be clear, although I'll consider anything for trade, I'm really looking for 5-strings worth less than 1/2 of the asking price for the Sadowsky, plus cash. Especially if it's something fat and grunty like a Stingray 5 or a Roscoe Beck V.
Morado!!! 
Ding: 
Neck: 
Sadowsky NYC Vintage 5-string, 59 Burst 
