Well my 2 cents are, though not among your options the number 1 bass that cuts above ALL of your choices and other high end basses I have played--Smith, Tobias, Spector, Modulus Graphite, Pedulla, yes even Fodera--is the
humble Fender Custom Classic with an ash body and a maple fingerboard OR with an alder body and maple fingerboard.
Not on any bass have I noticed the pronouncement and distinction between the maple board versus the pau ferro board. The MAPLE board is the "LATHE". It cuts with a tremendous effortless slap sound and a finger tone to die for. Very very articulate
This is not only my opinion but from others, co-musicians, sound techs, and yes, even the audience themselves. I listen to recordings back of the Custom Classic against Alleva and Sadowsky and--well the CC wins every time in definition-though not quite as round as say, the Alleva.
I have 3 Alleva basses. All very fine instruments in their own right, but for "CUT"--the Fender Custom Classic is tops IMHO.
Lastly, the Custom Classic I feel is highly under-rated and too, the preamp may not be as versatile as the other basses and the Low B may not be as precise per se, BUT overall those basses smoke.....particularly when you consider their cost....somewhat rare now also as general production has ceased.
Keep on "Rollin' On A River"
If it was me in your shoes, I think I'd go with the Sadowsky, as it will cut through the way you want, while still looking very traditional, and covering the traditional sound close enough with that VTC.
