Sadowsky questions

[Zapp]

due to a reco I've been snooping Sadowsky 5-string basses and wondering which have the big bad bottom? I don't mean artificial/synthy bottom but big bottom. The moderns? The newish P/J ?
Among the vintage types, is there a range of single-coil choices or just one/two?

dimensionally I do not want more than ~45mm at the nut, 19mm spacing .

sorry to be so vague but in this case I don't want to err on the bright side again - that was my last two....

[Chasarms]

The "big, bad bottom" is pretty abiguous. It doesn't mean anything at all.

I own/have owned four different Sadowskys. All very good, low end response. As to which is big and bad, that totally depends on your taste.

I strongly prefer the low ned response of the modern. It is very focused and the even the lowest notes are punchy and "quick." The vintage style instruments tend be more rounded and pillowy. So I guess you can decide which is big and bad.

Sadowsky single coils are available as an option on the NYC basses. The Metros do not offer them, but can be retrofitted with them easily enough. The preamp, etc. is otherwise the same same. There is only one Sadowsky single coil. But, you could have the bass built with Norstrand Big Singles if you choose.

The narrow 1.75" nut is only available as an option on an NYC bass. The standard on a five string is 1.875" Or 47.6 mm.

[Zapp]

thanks Chas.
i certainly did not know that the "Metros do not offer them" as you say

[57pbass]

I have had a few Sadowsky's as well ...and they all had plenty of tone.
Lots of options to choose from at Sadowsky Gtrs...

[bikeplate]

HI

Id recommend a metro pj 5er. 19mm spacing, pj setup, killer neck, jazz body, vtc, tons of "booty"

Rob

[TXLawDawg]

I have a Metro MV5 and it has a big fat ghetto booty when it comes to bottom. Sir Mix-a-lot approves of it

I will say that, from reading - I don't own one - the PJ's are said to have a really nice and fat tone. Moreso than the JJ"s from what I've read. Standard spacing on the 5 stringers is 19mm.

Either way, you can't go wrong with a Sadowsky in any flavor IMHO

[Chasarms]

Originally Posted by Zapp

thanks Chas.
i certainly did not know that the "Metros do not offer them" as you say

Just for complete clarity:

The stock PU in the metro JJ basses is the Sadowsky Hum cancelling pickup. They sound GREAT, but don't have the true "aggression" of a single coil. If you buy a new metro from a Sadowsky dealer, it will have the hum cancelling for sure.

At one point, if you bought a new Metro directly from the Sadowsky shop, you could have the NY shop install single coils in the bass before they ship it to you. I believe it was about $200 for this service. I am not absolutely certain that they still offer this service, but I believe so.

The frames and cases, and thus the routing, for the two PUs are exactly the same, and the single coil PUs are available from Sadowsky. So, if you acquire a second-hand Metro and want SCs, it is as simple as ordering them from the shop and firing up the soldering iron or having your local tech install them.

So while they are not truly "offered," it is not particularly challenging to get them.

That doesn't address the nut width issue. If you insist on the narrow nut, a NYC is your only option until the Metro Will Lee 5 hits the market. (if/when that happens)

[gillento]

The 45mm nut width is only available on NYCs as a (free) option (or standard on the Will Lee model).
+1 to Bikeplate: PJ5 (mine is reverse btw)

http://gallery.me.com/gillesloes#100...&bgcolor=black

[anezthes]

Metro Will Lee = single coils, IIRC.

[Chasarms]

Originally Posted by anezthes

Metro Will Lee = single coils, IRC.

Yes, but there is no such animal as a Metro Will Lee 5 string currently available.

[anezthes]

Oops, didn't pay too much attention to original post. Apologies.