fretless Sadowsky or Pedulla ?

[asbs]

This is the picture :

I looking for a fretless bass and those two names sit on the top of my list.

Standart 24 frets Sadowsky or Penta Buzz.
P/J pick ups.

I know there is not a better bass than the other, but two differents hights end basses with differents caracters.

I already have a fretted Sadowsky and it is my favorite bass so far.
But I never tried a fretless one and never listened one also.

I like Mark Egan'sound.
Never try a Pedulla.

I live in France, and no dealers for this brand.

I play jazz at 90% of my time.

Does any one had the experience of those two basses ?
Any point of comparaison is welcome.

Thank you !

[MrDOS]

In my experience, fretless Sadowskys are not nearly as common. I loved the Pedulla buzz basses I've owned; I think that would be an easier to find (and maybe less expensive) option.

[Quackhead]

If you like Mark Egan's sound, especially his older stuff, then a Pedulla is the way to go.

[svtb15]

I like sadowskys ...and always tell folks how great they are. But when it comes to fretless. Nothing beats a Pedulla...

[Roscoe East]

That's almost one of those coin tosses where you can't possibly lose...

I have way more experience playing Pedullas (used to work for a dealer) so I'm biased, but a Buzz is one of the finest fretless basses made. The choice is almost a no-brainer.

OTOH, a Sadowsky is a Sadowsky...plus you already own one, so you're familiar with it. So it's certainly not a bad choice if you go that way. Just a different choice.

Seriously, toss a coin.

[GM60466]

Buzz basses are great.

[MysticMichael]

Originally Posted by svtb15

But when it comes to fretless. Nothing beats a Pedulla...

Yep. It's as if the Pentabuzz was designed from the ground up for fretless use. You can get some very low action on the setup. And that ebanol synthetic fingerboard is just about the best in the business....

MM

[Quackhead]

Isn't it an ebony board with a polyurethane coating?

Originally Posted by MysticMichael

Yep. It's as if the Pentabuzz was designed from the ground up for fretless use. You can get some very low action on the setup. And that ebanol synthetic fingerboard is just about the best in the business....

MM

[kesslari]

Originally Posted by Quackhead

Isn't it an ebony board with a polyurethane coating?

Yes.
And the Pentabuzz is an INCREDIBLE fretless bass.
That's how I would go, between those two.

[countrybassist]

Pedulla

[Lackey]

Not really fair for me to comment since I'm not much of a fan of Sadowskys to begin with... and I own neither, hehe..

But Pedulla rocks. I'm surprised they're not a bigger name than they are. The growly mids really work for fingerstyle playing in general, and they make a hell of a fretless.

[Baird6869]

Originally Posted by svtb15

I like sadowskys ...and always tell folks how great they are. But when it comes to fretless. Nothing beats a Pedulla...

+1 to this.

[JTE]

I wanted, no, lusted for, a Pedulla Buzz for at least a decade, probably longer. Until I played one. It's a GREAT bass, wonderfully well made, extreme attention to details, beautiful, great sounding, etc. But just not what I want when I play a bass. It just didn't speak to me. Nothing wrong with it, but it wasn't for me.

So, my advice with a purchase like this is invest in the time and energy to get your hands on one before you commit. It could be the greatest thing in the world for you, or it could be a very expensive regret.

John

[4Mal]

I'd love to try a Pedulla but.. Can't afford it. Meantime I'm in love with a fretless 'ray...

[burk48237]

I am basically a Sadowsky fan boy, and as far as I'm concerned my last MS 5 with Single coils was the one. Unfortunately I was forced due to finances to sell it. BUT, I've owned a couple of Buzzs and they were the REAL DEAL. The idea of a frettless version of one of Rogers masterpieces is intriguing if I had money to burn especially with an ebony board, and single coils. But if I had to have a Frettless tomorrow it would be a Pedula. I also see quite a few available used at decent prices. And for the record Mike Pedula (while running a smaller shop) is very much at Roger Sadowski's level when it comes to service for one of his fine basses.

[mdogs]

Having owned many Pedullas although no Buzzs, I can say they are absolutely one of the underrated basses on the market. Having said that, you can't beat a Sadowsky. Go with the Buzz, Mike has some extra mojo when it comes to fretless and lets face it, one of the big areas that set Roger apart is his fretwork...

[Jeff Scott]

Here is another vote for the Pedulla.

[joebar]

i have a buzz- i love the fingerboard and the tone-nothing beats a pedulla for fretless

[MixBass]

For fretless between those 2 I choose a Pedulla. There is something special about the Pedulla fretless. Musicman is a great affordable option, a bit woodier to my ear. And of course a Wal if you have all the cash. For fretted I absolutely prefer a Sadowsky over a Pedulla though.

[AndroWal]

Also consider a Zon 5...custom, special or TJ....wonderful fretlesses...

To hear the sounds...listen to Michael Manring....or search for zon fretless on youtube...

Bass Central has an ash-bodied Zon 5 for $2885.... http://www.basscentral.com/2003/zonbass.shtml ...just scroll-down to see it.