Club Sadowsky (Part 28)

[NOLA Bass]

This is no slight on Dean Markley Blue Steels. I still use them on my Spectors to good use. However, I had 3 "D" strings break at bridge (come unraveled basically) back in 2001 or so. I thought it might be something on my bridge, but then it happened on my backup (a Warwick at the time). Obviously, it was a bad batch or something (I'd ordered a few sets at once). I remember emailing DM but gotno response. Too bad that was before Talkbass. Anyway, no issues since then but you never know. I once had the electronics go out on that same Warwick at a gig. I won't play without a backup.

[gre107]

Originally Posted by NOLA Bass

This is no slight on Dean Markley Blue Steels. I still use them on my Spectors to good use. However, I had 3 "D" strings break at bridge (come unraveled basically) back in 2001 or so. I thought it might be something on my bridge, but then it happened on my backup (a Warwick at the time). Obviously, it was a bad batch or something (I'd ordered a few sets at once). I remember emailing DM but gotno response. Too bad that was before Talkbass. Anyway, no issues since then but you never know. I once had the electronics go out on that same Warwick at a gig. I won't play without a backup.

Ya know it's funny you mention this. I had the same problem around the same time with them. I saw that there was a problem with the string even before I put it on my bass and called the people that sold them to me and they replaced them. It was the only time I had an issue with them. I used those strings for years and they were great! However, I've been using the Sadowsky Blue Labels now for quite some time and just love 'em!

[lgrankin]

I've never had a bass fail on me at gig. A couple of broken strings 20+ years ago when I was poor student and couldn't afford to buy new strings... breakage was inevitable.

These days I like to bring 2 basses to my gigs. My Sad and my Rob Allen which are two very different voices. I suppose I have a second instrument to use as back up, but that's not really the intention. When we play on really small stages I don't hesitate to only bring my MV5...

Like some others here I'm relatively GAS free. I'd like to get my hands on a 5 string P-Bass, but that's not in the cards right now.

[Chef]

For a while there, I was bringing "JJ5 of the day," and my Lakland P5.
Really, this was to have two different voicings, rather than back up concerns.

I've sorta dropped the P5 thing.

[roadkill2309]

Originally Posted by Chef

For a while there, I was bringing "JJ5 of the day," and my Lakland P5.
Really, this was to have two different voicings, rather than back up concerns.

I've sorta dropped the P5 thing.

If I win the lottery tomorrow, I will be pleased to bring that Lakland P5 as backup to my gigs from here on in.

[Chef]

It's sold mate; sorry...

[roadkill2309]

Originally Posted by Chef

It's sold mate; sorry...

I just noticed. With the pangs of regret and the whole deal, too.

I guess I oughta go tear up this lottery ticket now. There's just no use...







congrats on the sale. You *may* regret that at some point, though. Did you sell to find another Sad?

[Chef]

You saw in the news about that lady that threw a million dollar lottery ticket, some other lady recovered it, and now they're in a big lawsuit...keep the ticket.
Or, let me know where you throw it away

[roadkill2309]

Originally Posted by Chef

You saw in the news about that lady that threw a million dollar lottery ticket, some other lady recovered it, and now they're in a big lawsuit...keep the ticket.
Or, let me know where you throw it away

Okay, I'll let you know what I end up doing...

[Modern Growl]

Originally Posted by Modern Growl

Thanks for the input guys - decided to go with an MS5 (all my other Sadowsky's have pickugards and always wanted a Standard - found one at a dealer (Gelb Music) at 8.5lbs!!! Being the single coil junky I am, I have singles on the way as well.

Just to be clear – I’m not dumping on Sadowsky or this instrument at all – my observations are strictly subjection and opinion.

So I got the MS5 in and my initial impressions were not so hot - and this would have been my 6th Sadowsky, so I’m very familiar with Rogers stuff. The once exciting spec of 8.5lbs turned into the culprit of me not “connecting” with this instrument sadly.
All of my other Metro’s have all been 9lbs-9.8lbs and I think I’m just used to the tone of a slightly heavier Sadowsky. The 8.5lbs would probably be sweet on a gig for the ultra light weight, but in tone – I found it lacking a defined, tight bottom end. It had GREAT mids and a very round & super resonant tone, but the bottom end was a bit attenuated and lacked that solid tight fundamental. This may be perfect for some - but for me it just didn't work

I tried for a few more hours to connect with it, but ultimately understood it just wasn’t going to happen. No knock on Sadowsky or the instrument itself – it was georgous. Just an observation about weight, tone, and a bit of a revelation for me personally – that an instrument can beTOO light for me personally. I never thought that would be the case, but I just learned something new.

I have an MV5 on order to replace it with that weights in my comfort range of 9.15lbs. Some may thing I’m crazy for noticing these difference, but to me - they are huge.

So sad because in person, this bass was amazing to look at.

Anyone with similar thoughts / impressions?

[Vic]

Originally Posted by Modern Growl

So I got the MS5...
...8.5lbs...
...but for me it just didn't work
...
I have an MV5 on order to replace it with that weights in my comfort range of 9.15lbs. Some may thing I’m crazy for noticing these difference, but to me - they are huge.

So sad because in person, this bass was amazing to look at.

Anyone with similar thoughts / impressions?

Yes. Choosing an instrument is HIGHLY personal, and it's not even necessarily the weight that's the culprit in cases like this... especially when only talking about 1/2 pound (though I do agree weight/density DOES matter). Thing is, wood is going to vary in tone... even within the same weight spec, and wood type. This is why the approval period is SO critical.

I've literally had cases where on paper the basses were identical, but in person, they were noticeably different, and the difference made all the difference to me.

[Chef]

^^^^^concur, 100%

[Modern Growl]

Originally Posted by Vic

Yes. Choosing an instrument is HIGHLY personal, and it's not even necessarily the weight that's the culprit in cases like this... especially when only talking about 1/2 pound (though I do agree weight/density DOES matter). Thing is, wood is going to vary in tone... even within the same weight spec, and wood type. This is why the approval period is SO critical.

I've literally had cases where on paper the basses were identical, but in person, they were noticeably different, and the difference made all the difference to me.

I hear ya totally. The weight may not of been it, but I have a strong feeling it was - but who knows... I do know all of my other 9lb + Sadowsky's hit tighter and with a more solid bottom. But your right - wood to wood, it all can vary.

Lets hope this MV5 thats "on paper" will work in person too

[roadkill2309]

I find that wooden basses are a lot like sailing: you can throw a tonne of tech and skilful construction together, but mother nature still determines the final result.

[Vic]

Originally Posted by roadkill2309

I find that wooden basses are a lot like sailing: you can throw a tonne of tech and skilful construction together, but mother nature still determines the final result.

Wow, what a GREAT analogy!!

[roadkill2309]

Originally Posted by Vic

Wow, what a GREAT analogy!!

I've spent a *lot* of time sitting in the middle of a lake during 'races.'

[Chef]

Stupid wind.

[roadkill2309]

Originally Posted by Chef

Stupid wind.

I hates it.

[Chef]

Then, what you need is a "piston engine."....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZOdVqlvys0

[thisSNsucks]

Thinking it might be time for me to add a NYC to the stable.

I'm thinking something ash/maple, single coils in 60's position.

Now the question is: Vintage or Standard style?