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Sadowsky Strings - good or bad?

Margus Alviste

Margus Alviste

May 4, 2005
1,223
167
60
Tallinn, Estonia, Europe
www.myspace.com
#1
Hi friends!
I am confused... I ordered a half year ago Sadowsky RV5 bass and a few sets of strings - SS and Nickels. I used the Sad SS strings on my RV5 and was so disappointed about their sound and playability. Then I changed the strings to DR HiBeams and my Sad started to sing. As I wasn't crazy about the RV5 I traded it for Celinder Update 5 and couldn't be happier with the trade. I really like Celinder, although it's too heavy for a long session.
I thought that Sad Nickel strings should sound better than SS, so I tried a set on my Celinder. No, they're not better than SS, maybe even worse. I can't believe that my Celinder can make such a bad sound!!!

So my question is - does anybody like Sadowsky strings? Or do they sound good on a certain instrument that I haven't tried yet?
Thanks a lot!
Margus :confused:
 
#5
Margus Alviste said:
Hi friends!
I am confused... I ordered a half year ago Sadowsky RV5 bass and a few sets of strings - SS and Nickels. I used the Sad SS strings on my RV5 and was so disappointed about their sound and playability. Then I changed the strings to DR HiBeams and my Sad started to sing. As I wasn't crazy about the RV5 I traded it for Celinder Update 5 and couldn't be happier with the trade. I really like Celinder, although it's too heavy for a long session.
I thought that Sad Nickel strings should sound better than SS, so I tried a set on my Celinder. No, they're not better than SS, maybe even worse. I can't believe that my Celinder can make such a bad sound!!!

So my question is - does anybody like Sadowsky strings? Or do they sound good on a certain instrument that I haven't tried yet?
Thanks a lot!
Margus :confused:
Click to expand...

I had a very similar experience as you. To me, the Sadowsky SS sound very clanky. I too use Hi Beams on my RV5 and it sounds and feels wonderful.

This is personal taste though. I don't think the Sadowsky SS are 'bad', but they seem to be very upper mid present, which doesn't seem the best for a J bass. They remind me a lot of the Lakland SS... tight tension and a strong mid response, but in that 1K 'clank' area. Many love the Sadowsky Nickels on the J's... not my thing either.

Actually, I liked the Sadowsky SS strings on the more modern sounding and low mid present Modern 24 a lot... so again, mix and match:D

So, IMO, you aren't nuts, and if the Hi Beams work for you, all is good. I LOVE the Hi Beams on the Update, and also have good luck with them on my Alleva.... nice smooth 'funk' sort of feel and tone, and they last A LONG time!

K
 
#9
pstyle said:
From my understanding.. and I might be completely wrong, the Sadowsky SS string are just repackaged LaBella Hardrockin' Steels.. please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm not a big fan of them as they are hex-core and feel to tight.. I go with D'addarion ProSteels or DR Hi Beams.
Click to expand...

I'm almost positive LaBella makes the Sadowsky strings, but I don't think they are just repackaged regular LaBella brands. All Sadowsky 5 string sets come with a taper B.

Just more evidence that it's different strokes for different folks. I like the Sad Nickels, I like most types of DR I've tried, and I HATE the ProSteels. Those sound like FiElDy in a box to me. All clanky highs and boomy lows and absolutely no midrange.
 
#11
I am always sad to hear whenever anyone is disappointed with one of my products. Margus, you are welcome to return the unused sets for a refund. However, I would like to send you a new set of stainless and nickel to evaluate, along with samples of a new string I am working on. Please email me with your address info (including telephone).

Regarding the other posts, Sadowsky strings are made for me by LaBella, but they are not repackaged "Hard Rocking Steels" or any other LaBella string. They are a unique string that does not exist in the LaBella lineup. I recently completed a reformulation/redesign of my strings and Eric Cocco did an amazing job of executing this for me. LaBella is owned by Richard Cocco Jr.. Eric Cocco is his son. R.Cocco was Richard's father who passed away several years ago. He had no connection to the LaBella company for at least 20 years.

The D'Addario Pro Steel are hex core also. I would never make a string with a round core due to problems with loose wrap windings.


Roger
 
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#14
Sadowsky said:
I am always sad to hear whenever anyone is disappointed with one of my products. Margus, you are welcome to return the unused sets for a refund. However, I would like to send you a new set of stainless and nickel to evaluate, along with samples of a new string I am working on. Please email me with your address info (including telephone).

Regarding the other posts, Sadowsky strings are made for me by LaBella, but they are not repackaged "Hard Rocking Steels" or any other LaBella string. They are a unique string that does not exist in the LaBella lineup. I recently completed a reformulation/redesign of my strings and Eric Cocco did an amazing job of executing this for me. LaBella is owned by Richard Cocco Jr.. Eric Cocco is his son. R.Cocco was Richard's father who passed away several years ago. He had no connection to the LaBella company for at least 20 years.

The D'Addario Pro Steel are hex core also. I would never make a string with a round core due to problems with loose wrap windings.


Roger
Click to expand...

Wow! Hearing from the man himself - incredible. If I ever decide I have a need for a "J" sound in the band I play in (SR5-H, Sterling-H), and if I have the scratch for it, I'm trying Sadowsky. It simply makes me feel confident in any product when "the man" of the company has his finger on the pulse like this (much like EB's "man").
 
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#15
I have been using Sadowsky strings for many years..
SS 45 - 105..they came on a few of the basses I purchased from Sadowsky over the years.. they work very well for me.
I also have a set of Sadowsky flatwounds on a P bass..
they are my favorite flatwounds...
very warm, mellow, smooth finish with excellent top end..
I did try the nickel Sadowsky strings and the were not for me...

Hard Rocking Steels are also a very good string..
 
#16
Here we go - this thread is about to become a TB thread of the following variety:

1. The OP exhibits some kind of dissatisfaction with a Sadwosky product.

2. There are enthusiastic replies on both sides of the issue, some better informed than others.

3. Roger Sadowsky personally weighs in, always very graciously.

4. Suddenly everybody, and usually even the OP, loves Sadowsky the man, the company, and all the products, and posts accordingly.

I suppose this is solid proof that an owner's personal involvement with his customers is an extremely strong force.
 
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#19
Sadowsky said:
I am always sad to hear whenever anyone is disappointed with one of my products. Margus, you are welcome to return the unused sets for a refund. However, I would like to send you a new set of stainless and nickel to evaluate, along with samples of a new string I am working on. Please email me with your address info (including telephone).

Regarding the other posts, Sadowsky strings are made for me by LaBella, but they are not repackaged "Hard Rocking Steels" or any other LaBella string. They are a unique string that does not exist in the LaBella lineup. I recently completed a reformulation/redesign of my strings and Eric Cocco did an amazing job of executing this for me. LaBella is owned by Richard Cocco Jr.. Eric Cocco is his son. R.Cocco was Richard's father who passed away several years ago. He had no connection to the LaBella company for at least 20 years.

The D'Addario Pro Steel are hex core also. I would never make a string with a round core due to problems with loose wrap windings.


Roger
Click to expand...

Hey, thanks!
I really appreciate when the owner of a company cares about his customers needs and expectations. And I say that as a management consultant and trainer. So, thanks a lot, Roger!
As a bassplayer I always try to find the best possible gear and combination of instrument's wood, electronics and strings. I think there's nothing new to TB'ers.
That means also that I am as critical as one can be but always ready for cooperation, especially with a company like this. Roger, I'll send you all my contacts by e-mail. :)

PS! I already gave the unused sets of strings to my fellow bass player as a gift. I hope he'll like them. But I am interested in trying the new sets of your strings.

PS! PS! I would like to thank all my fellow bassplayers here in TB! You're such an amazing community!!! :)

Margus
(Hm, there's too big gap between Margus and Marcus - maybe in my next life?) ;)
 
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