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Sadowsky or Valenti hmmmm???

mike perry

mike perry

May 6, 2005
246
6
46
Dunstable, MA
#1
Hello all, I am in the market for a new bass, I currently play and sadowsky metro p/j hybrid and I do love it but it is time for a second bass. I have always wanted a custom bass and I was planning on a NYC sadowsky built to my specs.Recently I have been reading alot about the Valenti basses and people seem to love them. Both basses and companies make top notch basses but there is a significant price difference. This may be comparing apples and oranges but any insight would be great.
 
#7
And BTW, personally I'd prolly get a Valenti, especially if I was looking for a "modern" Jazz-type bass. Plus, Nino offers far more custom options and choices that Sadowsky. You can get just about anything you want with a Valenti or two for the price of a Sadowsky. In fact, I almost bought one of the Valenti's that's up for sale, until I found a sweet deal on something else I'd been wanting for years. If I had the free cash, I'd still buy it!

To me, Sadowskys are over-priced. Or rather, I can't justify that much for a Jazz bass. A full-up custom with exotic wood choices, finish choices, and electronics options -- yes I can justify that price. Just not for a Jazz.

But that's another thread.



dcr
 
#8
I think if you want a custom, there are limitless options on who to choose. So maybe more research is in order. Sometimes the trip to a luthier is worth the money, b/c of the amount you'd lose if you don't like the bass.

IMHO if you are stuck on owning a custom jazz, Sadowsky, Zon, and Fbass are my picks. I have heard good things from Valenti owners, but I've seen Sadowskys in studios around here more often than ANY bass.
 
#9
I have noticed something about the Valenti basses that have been up for sale here on TB, that in most every picture, at the bridge, the saddles are almost all the way up to the front edge of the bridge. This observation that I have noticed, has made me kinda shy away from Valenti bassess.. I did have a true interest in product.
 
#11
I play one of each, though they are very very different types of instruments. The Sadowsky is a "built to my specs" joy to play P/J 4 string that cuts through in just the right way for everything I use it for. The neck and frets are flawless. It is strung with light gauge Sadowsky bright nickels. I never tire of playing it. P? yes! J? yes! Killer blend of the two? yes yes!

The Valenti is a fretless 5 string in EADGC tuning with an unlined ebony fingerboard, Nordy Fatstacks, and an aguilar OBP-3 with amazing tone possibilities. Strung with TI flats, it is fat, but with punchy mwha and "sustain for days," if I may use that cliche.

You can't go wrong with either builder, IMHO. If I had to choose between my two, I'd take the P/J because it is a more multi-purpose bass, and was built just how I wanted it. However, I can't imagine a fretless 5er I'd like better than the Valenti. :bassist: :bassist: :bassist:
 
#12
I've had several metros, a valenti, probably a dozen other J-type basses, and have played at least 3 NYC sadowskys. The spec I want is not available as a metro and I just can't justify spending $4000, especially since I know Nino's basses are great. I was even on the phone with Kevin at one point, but just couldn't pull the trigger ... it is so much money. So I ordered a Valenti.

Its basically a financial question. If you want to spend 4 grand, get a sadowsky you'll be stoked, if you want to spend 2 (fully pimped), call Nino, you'll be stoked. Either one will be a great bass.
 
#14
I would also chime in for Nino.. He is one heck of a nice guy to deal with and his basses are superb and I just think buck for buck your not going to beat Ninos price.

I know Sadowsky makes a great bass but there is also a huge difference in price, and being that Nino worked at Sadowsky, the same love and setup goes into his at half the cost.

Valenti for the win :)
 
#15
mike perry said:
Hello all, I am in the market for a new bass, I currently play and sadowsky metro p/j hybrid and I do love it but it is time for a second bass. I have always wanted a custom bass and I was planning on a NYC sadowsky built to my specs.Recently I have been reading alot about the Valenti basses and people seem to love them. Both basses and companies make top notch basses but there is a significant price difference. This may be comparing apples and oranges but any insight would be great.
Click to expand...

I'd agree that it is apples to oranges, but what is in common is that both will be a quality product.
My only experience with Valenti's were at NAMM at the Nordie booth for about 15 minutes. They Candy Apple Red with Matching Headstock, (is it still for sale?) is one of the finest jazz basses I have played to date. The nordies had a nice attack, and the body was very resonant. Those characteristics are what stuck out to me.
Everybody is in a different financial situation, but I definitely vouch for the "value" that you get with a Valenti bass. That being said, my two main players are NYC Sadowskys.

There is a plethora of information available on this topic via search.
 
#18
HI

Both are fine instruments, Mike. Both men I consider friends. I've never owned one of Anthony's basses but have played many. They get better every time he builds one.

Roger is without a doubt one of the finest guitar builders, period. Nothing more to say. I own 5 at the moment and I've owned 19 overall.

I urge u to contact both and talk to them. Let them know what you are after in a bass. Get some feedback. Go with the man you feel would be best to work with. Good luck, Mike

Rob
 
#20
syciprider said:
Nino himself doesn't hide this fact. If nothing else it gives him extra "cred" in my eyes.
Click to expand...

What I'm trying to say that his basses are so good that he doesn't need the "extra 'cred.'" I thought my post was pretty clear.

While at the same time, I don't think that the fact he works at Sadowsky means one will get a "Sadowsky" type instrument from him..... He does his own thing.
 

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