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Alleva-Coppolo?

GregoryPlays

GregoryPlays

Apr 19, 2008
103
42
Austin TX
#1
Hey friends,

I'm in the market for a high-end, American-made P-J 4-string with a vintage vibe, modern practicality, and a sound that bridges the gap. Ultimately, I want something that is worth the dollars. And I don't want the neck to do the ole Fender trick of unreasonable warping.

I've been investigating Lakland US, Mike Lull, Sadowsky and more recently Alleva-Coppolo.

Lakland and Lull have graphite reinforcement in the neck, which is appealing to me because I'm currently dealing with a bummer S-curve in my MIJ Fender Jazz. Also, both companies are super-reputable.

Alleva-Coppolo has the vintage-vibe thing down to a mastery with their wood selection and finishes. And I'm sure their instruments offer a lot more than just that.

So, how does everybody compare Alleva-Coppolo to the reputable Lakland-Lull-Sadowski arena?
 
#2
Well, I have a LG-5 and a 55-94 and used to have a Sadowsky 5-24. I think that the shape of the AC and Sadowsky necks are similar - at least for my hands. Very comfortable! I like the 55-94 but wish it were just a hair wider at the nut - the tone is to die for...

Of my bolt on basses, the AC has been my favorite - comfortable, reliable, sounds fantastic, great build quality... I like them enough that I now have a KPB-5 also. However, the Sadowsky basses are REALLY nice but a bit more modern sounding.

For my tastes, I like the vintage sound a bit more right now, so I have an AC. If I wanted the same type of feel with a more modern jazz sound, I would go with a different AC model (RA-5) or a Sadowsky.

You REALLY can't go wrong with either, it is just differing shades of fantastic!

Dan K.
 
#3
Well, I have to say off the bat that the A-C headstock is a complete travesty, as is the weird pickguard cutoff with no control plate, but their Pres don't make the axes sound über modern the way they can on Sadowskys or Laklands. And I've heard absolutely nothing bad about their quality. If you can get with the looks, you'd likely end up with an axe to love.

A Lakland J or P style without a Pre will also do you more than fine. The Sadowskys are exquisitely made, but to my ear, have a unique sound. I really want one, but to sit next to my Fender, not to replace it.

I know I'm being next to useless here, but any of those would make you weak in the knees. I suggest you try a bunch out and spend on the one that you connect with the most.
 
#9
I can't really add all that much. I've only owned a Sadowsky Metro MV4(J-style bass), and currently own a US Lakland BG and JO.

I will say that all of the makers you're looking at will assure you get the bass YOU want. All have customer service that is second to none.

To me, a HUGE part of the Sadowsky sound comes from his stellar Pre. I've never heard one with his single coils, perhaps that gives it more of a vintage vibe, but with his humcancelling pu's, it's a more modern sound. The Vintage Tone Control(VTC) is fantastic though. It'll fit any genre of music, and sit in the pocket, or out front "in your face". It can do it all..... and well. Not to mention amazing build quality(but you'll get that from any of these makers.).

My Laklands..... I love. I'd get rid of my Musicman Stingray and my Ric before giving up my Laklands. They are the most comfortable basses i've ever played. The necks are awesome. I will add that both have the 1.5" J-style necks... even my Glaub. They both sound very vintage to my ears.... although both have the Lindy Fralin pu's.... I have not had the pleasure of hearing the newer Lakland/Hanson pu's. Laklands are built to resemble classics with modern enhancements(Graphite rod, string-thru body, etc.).

I'd love to play a Lull and an AC. I'm sure they are fantastic as well. Like others have said... i'm not crazy about the AC headstock, but many aren't crazy about the Lakland bridge, either. Not crazy about the Lull headstock either, for that matter. But it's all preference. You are going to get a world class instrument no matter which you decide.

Good luck!!! And have fun figuring this out!
 
#11
Xotic !!!!!!!!!!

Seriously, barely gets a mention. I've had US Laklands, Sadowskys LEJ's and Custom Fenders and the Xotic XJ's have easily been the best for me. The pre-amp is so versatile and the passive tone is the real thing, it's not an afterthought it sounds full and rich like a true passive bass. But the active pre is just as good, it acts like a boost in a way, it doesn't change or colour the characteristics of the instrument. It almost sounds passive but with more bite and gives you the option of bass, mid and treble EQ.

It's a very honest sounding instrument.

The build quality is perfect, they feel so comfortable to sit with, i know it's a personal thing but they fit me like a glove. They are all built in the US. I've got a XJ-4 and XJ-5 and have a fretless XJ-4 on the way, hopefully finished in November.

Oh and i should add these basses sound FAT !!!!! They're not aggressive bright modern J's, they're basses first and foremost.

 
#13
As everyone else has said all of those are terrific basses. I have Lakland, Lull, and Sadowsky basses that are keepers. I haven't found an AC that is right for me yet. You really need to try them in person to find out which is right for you, the sounds and ergonomics aren't drastically different but they certainly aren't the same.

Neck dimensions: Lakland < Lull < Sadowsky
Body contouring for comfort: Lull = Sadowsky, Laklands are least comfortable IMO
 
#14
Xotic's and Sadowsky's are totally different beasts, Sadowsky are brighter with stronger mids, the Xotic are more bottom heavy, thicker sounding. It depends on what you're after, obviously there is some middle ground between both brands and they both have very versatile pre's. But yeah by default i'd say Sadowsky's brighter, Xotic's thicker.

For me the deal breaker was the passive tone. To have active and passive on level peggings in the one bass did it for me.

But i love Sadowsky's as well, there is something very exciting about the sound, it's very lively and engaging.
 
#15
Don't discount the new US Fenders. They really stepped up they're game! Necks also have graphite rods, IIRC. I love my Lakland JO5 but I'm seriously contemplating coming back to Fender or other 34" scale necked basses. Check out Atkinson basses. He'll sell you a custom body and separate neck for not too much more than $1k. Invalid Link Removed
 
#17
Got myself an AC recently. I'm staggered by it's sheer power. From my experience(38yrs PLAYING bass 35 gigging) I think it's the way he matches the woods, uses OLD woods & then puts it all together (DUH-stating the obvious huh??) that makes these AC's SING.
Mine just had a 'solidity' that I just hadn't felt from ANY other bass. Now- I hadn't tried a Sadowsky, but have -Laklands & a few other "boutique" basses... none came close to the AC.
Mine's a EUT5 by the way. With 70's pup placement, Primavera body wood, Maple/maple neck/board. SUPERB!
 
#18
If your looking for a vintage tone you should really check out a Nordy as well. The classic series really nails it, IMO and they are beautiful playing instruments. Carey can do a PJ no problem.
 
#19
While I would agree that AC has the Vintage thing down, especially their 60's model. But to me the Sadowsky "bridges the gap" between modern and Fender vintage. The other one I'd look at would be a USA Lakland Joe Osborn. I played a LPB alder/rosewood 4 string at the NAMM show that was a revelation in the punchiness and quality of a good passive J-style bass.
 

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