5 String Jazz with "BEEF" ... Is a Sadowsky P/J my answer?

[IotaNet]

Folks -

I have been tweaking/refining/changing/updating my collection lately and have been largely successful but there is a sound/tone that i hear in my head that I cannot find.

My single favorite bass is my Reggie Hamilton Signature 4-string. Something about that tone is "right" ... Jazz growl but the P pickup allws me to dial in a certain "thickness" (someone else described it as BEEF) that I love the sound of. I want this same sound in a 5-string but haven't been able to find it.

Don't get me wrong - I love my 55-02 (w/Barts). That bass has a unique tone that works for me. I also enjoy my 55-63 with Fralins -- a passive Jazz that sounds like a passive jazz. Cool Beans.

On the other hand, my 55-01, while a great bass is not delivering what I want -- even with the Audere. (Even though she's about a month old, she'll be offered for sale soon.) I want that thick, punchy, tone that's not boomy/thuddy. I've come to the (perhaps incorrect) conclusion that the P/J configuration is what makes this possible.

Trying to find an active 5-string P/J is turning out to be a chore. I know that the Yamaha BB615 offers this but truthfully, I've gotten spoiled by the higher build quality of my Laklands. I also know that the Yamaha preamp, while good, is not the best of breed and I am looking for a no-compromise gift for myself.

The only basses that I know of that fit what I want from a tone and quality standpoint are a Fender Reggie Hamilton V and a Sadowsky P/J 5. The Fender is an option but I don't particularly care for the Fender 5-string neck.

I'm interested in the thoughts of the Sadowsky-ites as well as those who may have other suggestions. I won't say that this is a "cost-no-object" scenario, but I am prepared to sell some basses -- including the 55-63 <GASP!> -- to partially fund this particular aquisition.

Talk to me, folks.

 

[Bernie Connors]

The Nordy line from Nordstrand Guitars is something to check out as well. I love mine and I've heard nothing but great comments from other owners. You can have any of Carey's great pickups installed.

 

[Jim Carr]

Consider a Sadowsky vintage 5-string P/J with a chambered alder body and a brazilian rosewood fingerboard. My alder/rosewood Sadowsky 4-string P/J's got lot's of beefy "P-ness" (can I say that here?).

 

[tombowlus]

Well, the Sadowsky P/J 5 is certainly the place to start. I'd get one with the universal route, so that you can try it in reverse-P and regular-P configuration. You of course need to go with a pickguard if you opt for this route. The P/J 5 really is probably just the ticket for you. But, if you want another option, you might want to consider one of the "classic style insprired" Lion's Pride basses from Pete Skjold. He is just beginning to offer these, but based upon my prior experience with his basses, I would expect these "Fenderish" looking basses to be extremely flexible, tonally.

Tom.

 

[Headroom]

...P/J's got lot's of beefy "P-ness" (can I say that here?).

Probably not without having your words immortalized in some TB member&#8217;s signature line.

I wonder if a double-P pickup Sadowsky has ever been produced. Now that would be beefy.

 

[BartmanPDX]

You could get Nino Valenti to make you one to your specs.

I love this one:

He's made some mighty nice 5-string P/Js in the past -- sometimes they come up for sale used, too. I've seen them done with different pickup combinations, so there is some flexibility in that respect.

This one is nice, too:

 

[JRB]

Well, my Sadowsky P/J 4 has the growl but I was wondering why you don't go with the Reggie Hamilton P/J 5 String, you already know you like the bass and it has the sound that you want.

 

[pickles]

Try a Fender RBV. It doesn't sound exactly like a PJ, but it does sound incredibly beefy (in fact, I used that exact word when posting a thread about the one I had), and they have great low Bs.

The Fender Precision Deluxe 5 is another distinct possibility, as is a G&L L2500. Any of these will have more beef and less of a lean/clear J-bass tone than your laklands.

I like the laklands, myself.

Edit: that silver valenti is the bomb. I'd love to try one of those.

 

[Obese Chess]

Valenti. Pensa. Fernandes.

 

[Steve]

I can honestly say I have not regretted one penny of the cost of my PJ5 for one second of the three or so years I've owned and gigged it.

If you want "beef" without "boom and mud", it's the best I've ever heard.

 

[bikeplate]

HI

Yea, Sadowsky PJ is a great idea. I have a PJ4 and its almost too beefy for my taste. Ive offered it for sale a couple times, might sell it this week. Im a JJ guy. Valenti makes a great bass. There are others out there. Sadowsky basses are very consistant. I know Mike Winnen loves both his PJ 5's. Couldnt live without them.

Rob

 

[ibz]

Besides Sadowsky I would take a good look at Valenti, Lull, and the Fender Roscoe Beck V for what you're describing.

I really dig my Valenti btw, suites my needs quite well.

 

[BartmanPDX]

Edit: that silver valenti is the bomb. I'd love to try one of those.

The most amazing thing is that it sold (not to me) on the TB classifieds for $1250.

That was a supid good deal for the buyer, IMO.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Iota, if you go for a Sadowsky, wait until after NAMM. I have heard that Metro P/Js will be available after the show. I think I know you well enough to imagine that you would prefer spending $2,500 to $3,600.

 

[Alistair R]

I'd take the Valenti or Sadowsky route, if your wallet allows you to.

I think the up and coming P/J Metro's would be the go.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Is it just me or is there considerably less sonic difference between a Sadowsky PJ versus a JJ Sadowsky than a Fender Precision / Fender Jazz? Admittedly, I'm only going from recordings of Sadowsky basses so in person there could be more difference. Maybe the preamp adds to the definition of the Sadowsky sound more than the pickups. Just wondering.

 

[bikeplate]

HI

No. A Sadowsky PJ, to my ears, sounds much more P bass than a JJ. I own a PJ and have had another one. I've owned about 10 JJ's.

Rob

 

[DrSmaggs]

I'd like to add another thing about the Sadowsky basses. You can seriously easily dial in a nice fat sound with the preamp. Sure... you might "only" have a bass and treble knob, but they are so crispy and smooth. I spent the first couple hours with each Sadowsky I own just messing with the preamp... NICE!

I'd love to hear a Sadowsky PJ 5... I have two JJ 5's...

One thing about Sadowsky guitars, you don't have to worry about trying before you buy, they sound awesome

Valenti basses are killer, too. But I think you have to wait until February/March to put in an order. I want a couple Valenti basses, too!

 

[BassMorpheus]

Let's See,

Not quite a Jamerson-phile because you really like the old Earth, Wind and Fire J-bass sound of Verdine's bass...Well what to do, what to do!

Option 1) If you really dig Lakland, convince Lakland to build you a DJ 5 with the Fralin P/J combination. Why? Gotta be little cheaper than a Sadowsky Metro brand-new.

Option 2) Buy a sight unseen Metro P/J 5 after NAMM or before and know that the chances of wanting to return it will be slim to none. None died yesterday!

Option 3) Look/play the Lull, Valenti, or some other hyper-P/J bass and go with your ears.

Good luck to you Mr. Iotanet. May the Force be with you

 

[jokerjkny]

IME,

its tough to say, cause i've actually had very little face time w/ a lakland 55 series.

but a sadowsky pj-5 w/ the p reversed will give you a tight, fat burly sound. couple that w/ an alder body and a brazilian neck, and you'll have one heckuva thunderthighs worthy bass.