Sadowsky on American Idol?

Lokire · #1 05-04-2006, 12:49 AM

For years now, I've been watching American Idol. Partly because I do like hearing (some of) those people sing, but also because I love the band and especially Ricky Minor's stuff on bass. I always see little glimpses and remember him played 4/5 string Ken Smith basses, and you can hear that distinctive midrange tone too.

But tonight, he appeared to be playing a 4-string Sadowsky

Couldn't get a real good look at it, but I think it was blue. And the tone was different too, in a good way. Very deep and powerful. I might prefer his Ken Smith tone though...I'm not sure. To me, the Ken Smiths have a little more 'character' to their tone.

I'm I crazy or does anyone else notice this kinda stuff too?

BigMikeW · #2 05-04-2006, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lokire

For years now, I've been watching American Idol. Partly because I do like hearing (some of) those people sing, but also because I love the band and especially Ricky Minor's stuff on bass. I always see little glimpses and remember him played 4/5 string Ken Smith basses, and you can hear that distinctive midrange tone too.

But tonight, he appeared to be playing a 4-string Sadowsky

Couldn't get a real good look at it, but I think it was blue. And the tone was different too, in a good way. Very deep and powerful. I might prefer his Ken Smith tone though...I'm not sure. To me, the Ken Smiths have a little more 'character' to their tone.

I'm I crazy or does anyone else notice this kinda stuff too?

Rickey's been using that blue Sadowsky Standard 4 bass for a while. He used it last season a ton and I thought his tone suffered when he went to the Smiths. Just modern sounding for me.

I liked seeing and hearing him with that Sadowsky.

http://www.sadowsky.com/pages/pop_up_artists/minor.html

**MAJOR METAL** · #3 05-04-2006, 07:16 AM

I allways enjoy seeing and hearing a Sadowsky on TV.

masmasbasso · #4 05-04-2006, 08:37 AM

He does sound great. The pure musician thinks he totally overplays, but the bass geek in me loves to hear those licks so high in the mix. I think he does a good job of picking the right bass for the song.

mike sancho · #5 05-04-2006, 08:42 AM

Ricky rocks on either bass!!

Wilbyman · #6 05-04-2006, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigMikeW

Rickey's been using that blue Sadowsky Standard 4 bass for a while. He used it last season a ton and I thought his tone suffered when he went to the Smiths. Just modern sounding for me.

I liked seeing and hearing him with that Sadowsky.

http://www.sadowsky.com/pages/pop_up_artists/minor.html

I thought the Smith really killed the Sadowsky, which kind of surprised me.

jeff_bass28 · #7 05-04-2006, 08:52 AM

My wife makes fun of me for this, but every time I see anyone performing on TV, I "have to" see what gear the bass player is using. Bugs the crap out of her. Some people just don't get it!

pointbass · #8 05-04-2006, 09:07 AM

I think his tone is excellent with both the Smith and the Sadowsky, but I'm sure that has more to do with his serious skill level than the equipment itself. He's a good example someone who would sound great regardless of the axe he's got strapped on. I prefer the Smith sound myself, but either way his tone is excellent.

That said, he does significantly over-play on many of the songs. It's really my only gripe with him, some of the stuff is just gratuitous and unnecessary. I know its his band and he can (sort-of) do what he wants to do, but I can't think of another "TV" bassist that gets away with what he does ....

lefty007 · #9 05-04-2006, 09:13 AM

I also prefer it when he is playing the Smith. . . I can hear the sound of the wood combination.

The Sadowsky sounds kind of generic, modern and brittle, but more run-of-the-mill.

The Smith sound is unmistakable.

Halftooth · #10 05-04-2006, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilbyman

I thought the Smith really killed the Sadowsky, which kind of surprised me.

I concur...I was listening and noticed a change in tone, then I saw when they panned over to the band that Rickey had brought out the Sadowsky. I liked his tone last year from what I rememberred, but compared to the Smith, I thought the Smith killed it. He should go back to the Smith.

MikeBass · #11 05-04-2006, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lokire

For years now, I've been watching American Idol. Partly because I do like hearing (some of) those people sing, but also because I love the band and especially Ricky Minor's stuff on bass. I always see little glimpses and remember him played 4/5 string Ken Smith basses, and you can hear that distinctive midrange tone too.

But tonight, he appeared to be playing a 4-string Sadowsky

Couldn't get a real good look at it, but I think it was blue. And the tone was different too, in a good way. Very deep and powerful. I might prefer his Ken Smith tone though...I'm not sure. To me, the Ken Smiths have a little more 'character' to their tone.

I'm I crazy or does anyone else notice this kinda stuff too?

Ken Smith 6 and a Sadowsky 4 string have been his staple basses for years.

Alan Vorse · #12 05-04-2006, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeff_bass28

My wife makes fun of me for this, but every time I see anyone performing on TV, I "have to" see what gear the bass player is using. Bugs the crap out of her. Some people just don't get it!

+1.

MikeBass · #13 05-04-2006, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeff_bass28

My wife makes fun of me for this, but every time I see anyone performing on TV, I "have to" see what gear the bass player is using. Bugs the crap out of her. Some people just don't get it!

I do this too!!!!

And the problem I have (well, SHE thinks it's a problem-I don't really) is I identify the bass!
She'll say (sarcasticly) "OK, what kind is it?!?!?"

malicous · #14 05-04-2006, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by masmasbasso

He does sound great. The pure musician thinks he totally overplays, but the bass geek in me loves to hear those licks so high in the mix. I think he does a good job of picking the right bass for the song.

I too don't like it when he overplays. It really annoys me. Maybe I'm just envious of his chops and his job. IMHO, he has a very commercial (pop/R&B) tone with the Smiths and a more rockin' sound with the Sadowsky.

BigMikeW · #15 05-04-2006, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeff_bass28

My wife makes fun of me for this, but every time I see anyone performing on TV, I "have to" see what gear the bass player is using. Bugs the crap out of her. Some people just don't get it!

+1

Dr. PhunkyPants · #16 05-04-2006, 09:35 AM

Yep, saw the Sadowsky--amazing how we can probably nail gear brands with a 1/100th of a second clip.

Minor's overplaying this season has killed a bunch of otherwise great performances for me. He craps on Elliott's tunes especially, mainly because of the style. Did you hear the run after "cuz' I can play this here guitar" during 'On Broadway'?

It's like if you give him an inch, he'll overplay a mile...EVERY TIME. Ugh. Ease back dude, ease back. You got the pocket covered...it's not your show.

masmasbasso · #17 05-04-2006, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by malicous

I too don't like it when he overplays. It really annoys me. Maybe I'm just envious of his chops and his job. IMHO, he has a very commercial (pop/R&B) tone with the Smiths and a more rockin' sound with the Sadowsky.

It's a context sort of thing. He is playing on a show that showcases green singers that aren't used to singing in front of a band, especially one that is so powerful. Plus it's a competition so you don't want to take away the spotlight from the singer. The producers of the show don't seem to mind and they keep hiring him as MD, so good for him.

masmasbasso · #18 05-04-2006, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. PhunkyPants

Minor's overplaying this season has killed a bunch of otherwise great performances for me. He craps on Elliott's tunes especially, mainly because of the style. Did you hear the run after "cuz' I can play this here guitar" during 'On Broadway'?

It's like if you give him an inch, he'll overplay a mile...EVERY TIME. Ugh. Ease back dude, ease back. You got the pocket covered...it's not your show.

Haha..that lick really stands out as an example. Part of me was thinking...."Oh come on"

, but the other side was like "H3LL yeah."

polo515 · #19 05-04-2006, 09:44 AM

I have to admit I don't watch this show, too pop for my tastes, but I play both a Ken Smith and a Sadowsky and they are very different instruments. Both are excellent, well made and top shelf. I will add that since I got the Sadowsky, I haven't played the Smith out at all. Maybe I spend too much time reading these forums, or maybe I just LOVE the Sadowsky and only like the Smith. To each his own.

BigMikeW · #20 05-04-2006, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by masmasbasso

Haha..that lick really stands out as an example. Part of me was thinking...."Oh come on"

, but the other side was like "H3LL yeah."

It's tough for me. I prefer pocket players over flash. Especially when the song just needs support.

I like to hear some good runs but I agree that he as really done it a lot this season and at times where I thought it really took away from the vocal.