Sadowsky Metro RV4 vs Fender CS 64NOS Jazz

michricker · #1 06-01-2011, 04:01 PM

Has anyone compared the Metro RV4 to a 64 NOS Jazz? I currently have a RV4 but also have some GAS for a 64 NOS.

Thanks

One Drop · #2 06-01-2011, 08:48 PM

Quite different flavours of J IMO.

The Fender nails the passive '60s tones, the Sadowsky has the signature preamp tone and usually humcancelling PUPs. Sadowsky is generally more refined and precise, Fender rawer sounding and with more variation tonally as you move up the neck ( this is a flaw or a feature, depending on the player, of course).

If you crave the tone of a good classic Fender J a used CS '64 is one of the bargains of the bass world IMO. With patience they can be found well under 2k.

michricker · #3 06-02-2011, 08:38 PM

Thanks one drop. I'm on the lookout for a cs 64 jazz now.

bass rocks · #4 06-02-2011, 08:47 PM

cs jazz

KPO2000 · #5 06-02-2011, 08:48 PM

If you're like me, you'll search the world over for a vintage refin J bass (or two), get a CS because you're afraid to play the vintage Js out, and then end up playing your Sadowsky most of the time...because they're just the schizzle in all situations.

ReBass · #6 06-03-2011, 05:47 AM

I have both a Sadowsky NYC Vintage 4 and a Fender CS '64 Jazz. I love both of them, but they're quite different. The Fender nails the vintage tone quite well and the Sadowsky has the amazing preamp that really allows for a lot of tone-shaping. I put SC pups into the Sadowsky, which I think gives it a bit more bite. If I had to pick between the two, I'd go with the Sadowsky as it can do almost everything tone-wise and the quality is top notch, but I'd miss the Fender a lot.

B.Anderson · #7 06-03-2011, 03:12 PM

I have a Sadowsky vintage NYC and had a 64 CS NOS. Now these are both great basses but when push came to shove I kept the Sadowsky. For what I do it works better. It is so even with all of the notes, and cuts through the mix a lot better. However I do miss the Fender CS, it was perfect for playing classic rock and sounded better than any Fender I have owned which is about 10. If the Fender sound is what you want go for the CS.

G/L
B.

michricker · #8 06-03-2011, 03:41 PM

Great feedback. I'm now leaning toward looking for a Sadowsky NYC 5. I would love to try a Fender CS however. I do love my RV4 metro however, great bass.....not very old school sound though I agree

Lennard III. · #9 06-03-2011, 05:17 PM

If I were you I would buy the Fender and play it with the Sadowsky Preamp/DI Box

I do that with all my Fenders (two Custom Shops and new a great CIJ 5 String) and they all rule