J-Retro vs Sadowsky pre in Lakland JO5?

[chardbass]

Hi

I have a J retro dlx in my JO5 but am thinking of switching it with something else for a few reasons.
The J retro is almost too flexible, isn't transparent enough when controls are flat, and when passive the bass isn't available in all p/up configs.

I have thought about the Sadowsky as it is a simple 2 band, boost only set up.

My question is this- will I be able to run the bass in true passive mode in all p/up configs and will I truly notice a change in sound whatever I change to? Am I wasting my time?

I know the J-retro is a Lakland-recommended option but I'm guessing neither Sadowsky or Lakland would make each other's products available as factory fitted options.

Anyone got a Joe Osborne with a Sadowsky pre?

[pickles]

I used a fralin-loaded DJ5 with a sadowsky outboard and it killed.

But I also just ripped the preamp out of my USA JO5 and went passive with a series switch, and it is blowing my mind!

... thread coming on that topic as soon as I can process the photos ...

[KJung]

Originally Posted by chardbass

Hi

I have a J retro dlx in my JO5 but am thinking of switching it with something else for a few reasons.
The J retro is almost too flexible, isn't transparent enough when controls are flat, and when passive the bass isn't available in all p/up configs.

I have thought about the Sadowsky as it is a simple 2 band, boost only set up.

My question is this- will I be able to run the bass in true passive mode in all p/up configs and will I truly notice a change in sound whatever I change to? Am I wasting my time?

I know the J-retro is a Lakland-recommended option but I'm guessing neither Sadowsky or Lakland would make each other's products available as factory fitted options.

Anyone got a Joe Osborne with a Sadowsky pre?

Sadowsky all the way. The 'passive bypass' in the Sadowsky will give you pure passive operation, and the Sadowsky pre seems to keep more of the 'J' vibe with that bass than the more modern, aggressive J-Retro to my ear.

Both are great. The Sadowsky sounds reasonably transparent when set 'flat'.. with the bass and treble boost off. The J-Retro has a significant built in EQ even when flat to my ear, which is OK as long as you want to more that bass to a much more modern, active tone.

I would also recommend getting the VTC option with the Sadowsky pre, so that you have the classic passive tone control similar to the passive electronics that come standard on that very nice bass.

IMO!

Edit: I have no idea if the Sadowsky pre will fit in the JO cavity with no modification.

[CElton]

Originally Posted by chardbass

Anyone got a Joe Osborne with a Sadowsky pre?

Check with TB'er Sport88. IIRC, he purchased a JO5 here in the classifieds that had a Sad pre in it.

Check this thread. http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showth...57#post5375757 Post #363

[allexcosta]

Originally Posted by chardbass

Hi

I have a J retro dlx in my JO5 but am thinking of switching it with something else for a few reasons.
The J retro is almost too flexible, isn't transparent enough when controls are flat, and when passive the bass isn't available in all p/up configs.

I have thought about the Sadowsky as it is a simple 2 band, boost only set up.

My question is this- will I be able to run the bass in true passive mode in all p/up configs and will I truly notice a change in sound whatever I change to? Am I wasting my time?

I know the J-retro is a Lakland-recommended option but I'm guessing neither Sadowsky or Lakland would make each other's products available as factory fitted options.

Anyone got a Joe Osborne with a Sadowsky pre?

There's the J-Retro Deluxe...
I'd keep the bass passive and get a East Stomp Box.

[chardbass]

The bass already has a J retro dlx in it.

[allexcosta]

I thought the DLX would let you blend in passive.

[chardbass]

No, in passive you can have bridge solo'd or full blend.
You can wire it so you get the neck as the passive solo but there is never a passive blend which is a shame as it's a great bass in passive mode too.
The dlx feature you are thinking about is the active/passive tone control.