Discuss sadowsky preamp!!!

kby20763 · #1 12-20-2010, 05:10 AM

I use sadowsky preamp(Onboard Preamp Kit with Vintage Tone Control )
I use vol+vol VR(250k) but when I turn the bridge/neck knob a little bit(higher or lower)then another one the voice will completely runs away.
Be completely bridge tone or completely neck tone.
I can't fine tuning.

Because the VR that sadowsky uses is a type A?
Is this normal?

jimiwhite · #2 12-20-2010, 05:46 AM

I do not fully understand your question, but, I replaced the stock preamp on a Fender Reggie Hamilton Custom shop bass, with a Sadowsky and never looked back. It's a PJ setup, vintage tone control and PU balance, one volume control. So superior to the Fender preamp.

Jimi

basswave · #3 12-20-2010, 05:51 AM

I feel similar with my Valenti that has a Sadowsky pre.

I love my bass by I'm not the hugest fan of that pre.

basswave · #4 12-20-2010, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimiwhite

I do not fully understand your question, but, I replaced the stock preamp on a Fender Reggie Hamilton Custom shop bass, with a Sadowsky and never looked back. It's a PJ setup, vintage tone control and PU balance, one volume control. So superior to the Fender preamp.

Jimi

I had to read it twice as well...but what I believe He is saying that as soon as you start backing off with one of his volume knobs that his instrument takes on 'to much' of the pickup that is still at full volume.

AKA the volume knobs are extreme and are not being sensitive enough with Sadowsky pre.

I can see why you would like the Sadowsky over the Fender, which I cannot describe in a good way at all.

In my option have all this ability to boost does not make a great pre, its the design of the circuit in and off itself. I think the best pres are the subtle ones, like Audere and the Glockenklang.

My Sadowsy pre does not have Vol Vol but Vol Bal and I hear what you are descibing with that configuration as well.

slagbass · #5 12-20-2010, 06:14 AM

It's normal. The pickup blend is more like a switch - either on or off. If it bothers you, one option would be to have the controls rewired to volume / volume rather than volume / blend. I have a Sadowsky Tokyo wired that way and it does provide more tonal options.

PDK · #6 12-20-2010, 06:15 AM

Yeah I have the same pre in my Marcus Miller bass. The same thing happens but it doesn't bother me. I favor more of the bridge sometimes and if I feel it's lacking I boost the bass a little.

rogypop · #7 12-20-2010, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PDK

Yeah I have the same pre in my Marcus Miller bass. The same thing happens but it doesn't bother me. I favor more of the bridge sometimes and if I feel it's lacking I boost the bass a little.

same here!

basswave · #8 12-20-2010, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slagbass

It's normal. The pickup blend is more like a switch - either on or off. If it bothers you, one option would be to have the controls rewired to volume / volume rather than volume / blend. I have a Sadowsky Tokyo wired that way and it does provide more tonal options.

I have to say that I do not here 'bal acting like a switch' with other pres.

I have the Audere in few basses and never hear that.

cybersnyder · #9 12-20-2010, 06:34 AM

You're running into a limitation of passive blending. If you want to be able to blend signals between two pickups, you need an active blend like used on the Audere preamps or most East preamps.

basadam · #10 12-20-2010, 09:01 AM

I agree with cybersnyder. Technically Sadowsky pre is separate from the blend control. The pre has only one input (the blended signal). The blend control (or vol/vol controls) is passive and is before the circuit. One can argue that Roger should use better pots, but actually Roger's pots are of very good quality and OP's problem is related to the inherent design of audio-pots in general.

Another case can be made that perhaps Roger should have used active blend, but IMHO that would defeat the purpose. As I understand Roger wanted to improve the sound of passive Fenders without altering the base tonal characteristics.

One problem with the active blend occurs when you switch to passive. Suddenly your blend options are limited (there is no passive blend in J-Retro for example).

basswave · #11 12-20-2010, 11:33 AM

Interesting point...
Thanks Rich and basadam...That clarifies the 'why' a bit.

slagbass · #12 12-20-2010, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by basswave

I have to say that I do not here 'bal acting like a switch' with other pres.

I have the Audere in few basses and never hear that.

You may be right... I was only referring to the Sad pre.

Chasarms · #13 12-20-2010, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cybersnyder

You're running into a limitation of passive blending. If you want to be able to blend signals between two pickups, you need an active blend like used on the Audere preamps or most East preamps.

There are some benefits to this phenomena. One, obviously, is the fact, that you still have the functionality in passive mode. But another is the fact that if you are using single coil PUs, you are able to get the character of the bridge PU sound without introducing a great deal of noise into the signal chain.

Chasarms · #14 12-20-2010, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slagbass

It's normal. The pickup blend is more like a switch - either on or off. If it bothers you, one option would be to have the controls rewired to volume / volume rather than volume / blend. I have a Sadowsky Tokyo wired that way and it does provide more tonal options.

The OP is using V/V. It still happens. It is the nature of having the preamp behind the vol controls regardless of the design.

kby20763 · #15 12-20-2010, 07:18 PM

So...if I change stock pick up to sadowsky pick up.
Can improve the state?

Chasarms · #16 12-20-2010, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kby20763

So...if I change stock pick up to sadowsky pick up.
Can improve the state?

It would not help.

basadam · #17 12-21-2010, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kby20763

So...if I change stock pick up to sadowsky pick up.
Can improve the state?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chasarms

It would not help.

Correct. Pickups have got nothing to do with your problem. You may experiment with linear pots. I always wanted to that but never got the time.

Growly Lytes · #18 12-21-2010, 02:18 AM

The active blend is where its at !!

Chasarms · #19 12-21-2010, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Growly Lytes

The active blend is where its at !!

Functionally perhaps.

But, the beauty of the Sadowsky design (or others similar) is that you have all functionality in passive mode. Along with the VTC, it makes for a "complete" passive bass. Granted I don't fitz with the balance a great deal, but I actually prefer the design.

Growly Lytes · #20 12-21-2010, 04:28 PM

If its like that well then you might just have to go with either the P-sound or a J-sound at a time but not both mixed !
I would try to fitz the balance in there if possible.