Sadowsky MS5 + pickguard?

[jmain]

I've been thinking about adding a pickguard to my Sadowsky MS5. I love the look of it without the pickguard. But I just I just don't like the feel and I'm not really getting used to it.

For me, the half guard isn't gonna do it. I'm thinking about either getting a black or tort pickguard since there are some in stock now (metro vintage).

I've seen some pics and they look pretty cool.

Here's my bass


Whaddaya'll think?

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

I've seen it done and to me it looks all wrong. Imbalanced. If you can't live with the bass as it is, sell it and buy an MV5. Hell, I'll trade you my MV4 if you don't need the extra string. Just don't mess with that nice bass without it being absolutely necessary.

[ShowKing]

i like keeping it the way it was born

[EagleMoon]

Personally I think a pickguard without a control plate looks odd.

[jmain]

I hear you guys. I don't wanna gank it up. Been thinking about trying to get an MV5 instead.

This one is definitely special. I haven't removed the plastic around the pups and on back; and it weighs under 9 lbs.


I think it feels odd to me because my other 5 has a pickguard and the space between the pickguard and strings is small; so it makes the gap on this feel pronounced.

KS, thanks for the offer but I need the B.

[ashbory]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooooooooooooo!

[jmain]

Originally Posted by EagleMoon

Personally I think a pickguard without a control plate looks odd.

I kinda like the look. Helps just a bit with the weight too.

But the standard may look a bit odd b/c the angle of the knobs doesn't follow the cut out. Could go custom, maybe?

[EagleMoon]

Originally Posted by jmain

I kinda like the look. Helps just a bit with the weight too.

But the standard may look a bit odd b/c the angle of the knobs doesn't follow the cut out. Could go custom, maybe?

To me, it looks like someone wearing a tux, fancy shirt and cumber-bun but no pants.

I would say if you want a bass with a pickguard, sell this one and buy one that has one. I wouldn't put holes in that nice top.

[jmain]

Originally Posted by EagleMoon

To me, it looks like someone wearing a tux, fancy shirt and cumber-bun but no pants.

I would say if you want a bass with a pickguard, sell this one and buy one that has one. I wouldn't put holes in that nice top.

LOL!!

Guess I was kinda asking for some talking down off the ledge. I could probably get used to it if I played it all the time. Just been bonding with my other 5 string and like sticking to one bass.

Just not sure I'm ready to say our goodbyes.

[EagleMoon]

Originally Posted by jmain

LOL!!

Guess I was kinda asking for some talking down off the ledge. I could probably get used to it if I played it all the time. Just been bonding with my other 5 string and like sticking to one bass.

Just not sure I'm ready to say our goodbyes.

Okay, I'll try and help.

DON'T DO IT! THINK OF YOUR FAMILY....YOUR FRIENDS......

[warwick.hoy]

If you don't like the feel maybe consider adding a ramp.

[jmain]

Originally Posted by EagleMoon

Okay, I'll try and help.

DON'T DO IT! THINK OF YOUR FAMILY....YOUR FRIENDS......

lol Killing me!! Whew!

[jmain]

Originally Posted by warwick.hoy

If you don't like the feel maybe consider adding a ramp.

Definitely a good thought. It would help with fingers. Still have the gap when slapping.

I would consider the double sided tape thing, but would have to cut the heads off screws and glue and not really into doing all that. (What did screws ever do to me anyway?!)

Well...

[denchiq]

Make a PhotoShop mockup. You needn't buy off-the shelf stuff that you don't like so you may order a custom one. Jeannies pickguards, for instance - they make PGs for Lakland. I've ordered a custom one from them for myself when I didn't like the plain black look of my 55-94.
Then, see for yourself. The good thing is you may come to 3-4 variants that you like.
If not sure, start a poll thread.
Then make it happen.
If still not sure or fear that resale value may suffer, make one but don't screw it on, use thin double-side adhesive tape. Some guys (bamabass and GregC, IIRC) cut srews' heads and lightly glued those to the PG to retain the looks

Have fun!

[Bass Collector]

That bass is REALLY nice!

No would be my choice

[warwick.hoy]

Originally Posted by jmain

Definitely a good thought. It would help with fingers. Still have the gap when slapping.

I would consider the double sided tape thing, but would have to cut the heads off screws and glue and not really into doing all that. (What did screws ever do to me anyway?!)

Well...

I thought that might factor into it. Maybe throw a clear guard on it Bacchus style.

[jmain]

Originally Posted by warwick.hoy

I thought that might factor into it. Maybe throw a clear guard on it Bacchus style.

Clear guard may be the way to go. Or see if someone has a MV5 in mint condition under 9 lbs.

[Xray66]

I suppose you could do like a centered oval or something. At least that would be balanced. But I personally wouldn't do it. The knobs are in the wrong place for a proper one.

Unrelated... How do they handle the grain on those natural ash models? Do they completely fill it, or does it show?

[crossstick]

Originally Posted by EagleMoon

Personally I think a pickguard without a control plate looks odd.

I think they look great without the control plate, my ex-xotic was the best looking jazz i've had.

[P. Aaron]

That's such a beautiful bass...not cheap. It would only hurt the value and not improve the instrument.

Don't...do...it!