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Are they really that different?

SteveC

SteveC

Supporting Member
Nov 12, 2004
31,664
46,798
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NE ND
#1
Looking for a 5 string.

Sadowsky M5-24, Yamaha Nathan East, G&L L2500 all have similar placements - humbuckers close to the bridge. I play a Nathan East and thing it sounds nice. I play a Sadowsky and it seems really modern to my ear. I haven't played a G&L for a while, but I don't recall it being particularly modern like the Sadowsky. What is it I'm hearing - or think I'm hearing? Are the pickups/preamps really that much different?

I'm trying to decide what 34" scale 5 string to go with for church and smooth jazz gigs and these are top contenders.

Any thoughts?
 
#3
SteveC said:
Looking for a 5 string.

Sadowsky M5-24, Yamaha Nathan East, G&L L2500 all have similar placements - humbuckers close to the bridge. I play a Nathan East and thing it sounds nice. I play a Sadowsky and it seems really modern to my ear. I haven't played a G&L for a while, but I don't recall it being particularly modern like the Sadowsky. What is it I'm hearing - or think I'm hearing? Are the pickups/preamps really that much different?

I'm trying to decide what 34" scale 5 string to go with for church and smooth jazz gigs and these are top contenders.

Any thoughts?
Click to expand...

It really doesn't matter what bass you use for any specific gig.(as in...you can do any gig with any bass and you'll be one of a very select few to notice any difference at all apart from the body colour)
It's all down to what you like , what feels good to you and if it is something modern you want...what is it you consider modern.
 
#4
The difference you're hearing is how the electronics are voiced. The Sadowsky, although 2 band, is voiced to be more modern. The G&L does not have a modern voice, IMO. The Yamaha I would think would be more modern than the G&L.

My SR5 HH has a 3 band pre, but I wouldn't describe it as a "modern" tone.
 
#5
madbassplaya said:
The difference you're hearing is how the electronics are voiced. The Sadowsky, although 2 band, is voiced to be more modern. The G&L does not have a modern voice, IMO. The Yamaha I would think would be more modern than the G&L.

My SR5 HH has a 3 band pre, but I wouldn't describe it as a "modern" tone.
Click to expand...

I guess that's what I hear as well. As far as the SR5, I wouldn't call it modern, either. I guess the preamps have a lot to do with it.

I'm just surprised I don't care for the tone (love the feel) of the Sadowsky M5-24 as say the Yamaha as the East pups are as close to the bridge as the Sadowsky.

I'd love to have 24 frets but there aren't as many options for that on a 34" scale.
 
#7
nostatic said:
M5-24 has a distinct voice. The G&L has a broader palette imho.

How is the PJ working out?
Click to expand...

Yeah, I've tried the M5-24 a couple times so I won't go back there. The G&L is very tempting - especially the new M line coming out. 3 band EQ, blend knob, slimmer neck front to back, etc.

I am also curious about the Carvin SB5000. Seems like a nice jazz alternative.

I'll PM about the PJ...
 
#11
The G&L is a much more raw sounding bass than either the Sad or Yammie.
It's very much it's own thing, and while they have several voicings, it is what it is.

The new G&L M-Line is going to move it back into more to more conventional, and more capable, really, with the boost and cut preamp, and mid control. The M line will be very different from the L line; and probably a pretty decent choice for modern/church stuff.

The Yammie might still be the best choice out of the three, but I haven't played a Yammie in a long time, and I haven't laid hands on a new G&L.
 
#12
I thought I had a trade in the works for a Yamaha Nathan East BBEast 2. Maybe I need to hold out until I can find one of those foe a reasonable price. Might be the best compromise. I'm tempted by G&L, but just not sure. Sadowsky (I'd go with a jazz type, not the modern this time) is a "known" commodity, but maybe more than I want to spend.
 
#13
LowBstring said:
Does a Sadowski "feel" like a Fender Jazz?

I didn't like the Fender 5 string Jazz, neck felt bulky. So would I not like the Sadowski, either? (Never tried one.)
Click to expand...

Which Fender Jazz 5 did you try? The neck on my '08 is very thin front-to-back. It's relatively wide, but "bulky" is not a word I'd use to describe it. The necks on my Spector and older G&L L2500 were much more bulky, despite narrower string spacing. The older Fender necks were not as nice.

I can't speak to the Sadowsky, but the width is about the same, or a little wider than the Fender. If it was the width that bothered you, the Sadowsky may not be right.
 
#14
With the Sadowsky:
You don't need an NYC unless you 'need' fancy wood.
Metro's are cost competitive with any really good JJ-even high end Fender CS; and used are an even better value.
 
#15
Chef said:
With the Sadowsky:
You don't need an NYC unless you 'need' fancy wood.
Metro's are cost competitive with any really good JJ-even high end Fender CS; and used are an even better value.
Click to expand...

I'd definitely go Metro - and used. There's a beautiful 24 fret J/J for sale right now, but I don't have $2,100 until I sell my basses.
 
#18
I think the main difference between the G&L and the others is the MFD pickups. The preamp doesn't change the tone that much, it is mainly a passive bass and I don't think of it as a modern tone. It is much more like a blend between a Jazz and a Precision for me than something hi-fi sounding...
 
#20
Yeah, I was referring to the L series on my post, should have clarified that.

I hope I could try one of the new M basses at some point in the near future, but I don't think it is going to happen any time soon since it will take a while until I can spot one of these here in Brazil =[

I think its approach is so different compared to the L series that it could be something that I don't like as much.
 

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