What makes a Sadowsky better than a Music Man or a Modulus?

Harper · #1 12-26-2011, 08:29 PM

And I'm mainly using Music Man and Modulus as my basis of comparison because they are the nicest basses I own; I know it's not totally apples to apples.

I've heard nothing but almost universal praise for Sadowsky basses over the years, but have never had a chance to play one. What exactly makes it $3000 "better" than my Stingray5?

Mastermold · #2 12-26-2011, 08:31 PM

Sadowsky builds precision instruments with a level of care larger manufactuers can't/don't give.

RedLeg · #3 12-26-2011, 08:33 PM

have you played one yet? their reputation is well deserved. lotsa big name players using them too. honestly I doubt anyone will be able to pinpoint $3000 worth of "better" for you. I believe it boils down to supply and demand.

willsellout · #4 12-26-2011, 08:34 PM

My honest opinion? Very little. There's nothing that his basses offer that would make the price jump worth it to me.

Kwesi · #5 12-26-2011, 08:34 PM

Better? Depends on what you want from an instrument.

Different? Just look at 'em.

If you can't see why it would cost $3000 more than your Music Man then there's a good chance it's not worth it - to you.

Harper · #6 12-26-2011, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mastermold

Sadowsky builds precision instruments with a level of care larger manufactuers can't/don't give.

Fair enough, but that's pretty general. I'm by no means an expert on instrument construction, but I know a thing or two and I don't see how (again, just my example) my Stingray5 could be improved upon.

eyeballkid · #7 12-26-2011, 08:40 PM

The only thing that would improve that Stingray 5 is if it was a SLO with 4 strings!!

StuartV · #8 12-26-2011, 08:42 PM

I have a Stingray 5 H and a Sadowsky Metro UV70-5. I like the cosmetics (i.e. the color scheme) better on the Sadowsky, but only by a little bit. But, if I had neither and you came along and offered them both to me and said I could pick either one to have on permanent loan, but if I ever decide to get rid of it, I have to give it back (i.e. so there's no financial consideration involved at all), I would take the Stingray.

They are both very fine instruments. I just happen to prefer the Stingray for its sound and the Sadowsky is not better in any other area enough to make up for that. If I were comparing the Sadowsky to another Jazz (e.g. Fender or G&L), I would probably take the Sadowsky because the Sadowsky pickups and the preamp with the EQ and Vintage Tone Control really do make it sound better (to me) than those other J basses.

willgroove2 · #9 12-26-2011, 08:42 PM

It's truly a individual thing,"better" is very subjective

sadowskyguy · #10 12-26-2011, 08:47 PM

I used to have a musicman and it was a great bass. The Sadowsky is just different. The Sadowsky preamp boosts 40hz on low freq compared to around 80hz on the musicman, for example. I prefer the big sound of the Sadowsky for the style of music I play. Also, its no secret that most musicman(stingrays at least) have an edgy sound that makes them recognizable. I loved it at first, but eventually grew away from it. I wanted a jazz sound as compared to a mm
humbucker sound. But to answer your original question, I opted for the metro Sadowsky, which was about twice the price of my mm. It was worth it to me, but to each their own!

the Sadowsky seems to fill the room better, but again, I can see where some would rather have the edgy mm sound. All about preferences I guess...

RedLeg · #11 12-26-2011, 08:58 PM

one really big pro to the sadowsky brand has to be their resale value along with their impeccable build quality.

Ivan M · #12 12-26-2011, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kwesi

Better? Depends on what you want from an instrument.

Different? Just look at 'em.

If you can't see why it would cost $3000 more than your Music Man then there's a good chance it's not worth it - to you.

My thoughts exactly.

pickles · #13 12-26-2011, 09:06 PM

Those are 3 of the best money can buy. All great, just different. It's not about money, it's about music and which one scratches you where you itch. I own and love all 3.

Ivan M · #14 12-26-2011, 09:19 PM

If you have 50 minutes check out one of the best Sadowsky videos you will ever see on its history and all of the features.

Behind The Notes with Roger Sadowsky - YouTube

Dr. Cheese · #15 12-26-2011, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harper

And I'm mainly using Music Man and Modulus as my basis of comparison because they are the nicest basses I own; I know it's not totally apples to apples.

I've heard nothing but almost universal praise for Sadowsky basses over the years, but have never had a chance to play one. What exactly makes it $3000 "better" than my Stingray5?

This makes me think of a friend who once talked me into getting a Ken Smith because he felt it was the best bass made. Frankly, I'm glad he talked me into buying that Ken Smith because it was a great bass, but it did not sound like a Jazz Bass, it could get close to the P-bass vibe, but not quite, and it had none of the bright clarity of a Modulus or MTD. My point is that a Sadowsky is great at what it does, but it is not a direct replacement for a Music Man or a Modulus.

**pacojas** · #16 12-26-2011, 09:30 PM

What makes a Sadowsky better than a Music Man or a Modulus?

it's just a better Fender copy than those two, IMHO.

let's be honest,... Roger learned from Leo and embellished on a theme. maybe if MM et al had a VTC button...

Harper · #17 12-26-2011, 09:56 PM

I fully realize that a Modulus or a Music Man isn't going to sound like a Sadowsky. I was only using them as examples because they are probably the best basses I own from a quality standpoint. I think RedLeg nailed it with "supply and demand."

Ivan M · #18 12-26-2011, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harper

I fully realize that a Modulus or a Music Man isn't going to sound like a Sadowsky. I was only using them as examples because they are probably the best basses I own from a quality standpoint. I think RedLeg nailed it with "supply and demand."

I guess you did not see the video, if you think it's only supply and demand.

Harper · #19 12-26-2011, 10:05 PM

I have not yet watched it, but based on your signature I don't exactly expect you to be objective on this one

Dr. Cheese · #20 12-26-2011, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harper

I have not yet watched it, but based on your signature I don't exactly expect you to be objective on this one

We talking about musical instruments, the differences are never really objective. They simply aren't better than the basses you mentioned, they are great basses, but on their own terms.