Building a USACG --> Sadowsky clone

I looked into doing this at one point, and once I had priced everything out, I decided that Nino Valenti wasn't all that expensive -- in other words -- I'd just get him to build me one, and it wouldn't be that much more than the cost of the parts. Plus, I'd have the knowledge that it was put together by someone who worked for Sadowsky at one point and really knew what he was doing.

Valenti offers great work at great prices. If I were looking to get a well-made Sadowsky-type bass at a discount, I'd be looking his way.

You could do it yourself, but it would be REALLY, REALLY tough to do it as well as Nino, and I think his expertise would be most definitely worth the extra bucks. You'd also have a little better resale down the road.

 

+1 Valenti all the way, unless you just want the fun of building it yourself.

 

will you make it chambered like the sads?

 

IMO, you will end up with a great bass that sounds awesome. I've built a bunch of basses with Sadowsky pu's and electronics and my customers love their basses.

Will the bass sound like a Sadowsky? IMO, yes.

On the other hand, I have 2 Sadowsky basses that I will probaby never get rid of.

 

USACG does chambering, but not like Sadowsky. Warmoth chambers more like Sadowsky.

 

If you haven't seen them yet, Check out the videos from Sadowsky's shop on the Dimarzio website:
http://www.dimarzio.com/magazine/#/interviews/roger_01/
and:
http://www.dimarzio.com/magazine/#/interviews/roger_02/

There are a couple clues there about his build techniques, including the labor intensive neck pocket fitting process. A number of subtle things like that can have a great multiplier effect on the finished product and would explain why a self-built parts bass with dimarzios and a sadowsky pre might not sound quite like a sadowsky.

Of course after I've said all that I say go for it. You will gain a ton of experience. Just go slow and have a good backup plan if you need someone to finish it for you Definitely a bummer when you can't play the thing cause you wired the preamp wrong or whatever (I speak from experience)

Good luck and be sure to show us the finished product.

 

As a quick aside, Nino, do you prefer the chambered body?
Why or why not? I'm planning a fretless j bass build, and I'm just wondering...


thanks


shawn

 

+ 2 and fixed

I've played Nino's basses years ago. They were damn good then so I assume his acquired experience makes them a smokin' bass now, regardless of price.

 

I started just building basses from various parts for myself (Warmoth, AllParts, Mighty Mite) and selling them to fund the next project. People liked the basses I was building so I decided to try and build a bass. I guess I am the Poor man's Sadowsky (even though my basses average at about $1900) because I consider myself a Sadowsky nut.

 

HI

Nino's basses kill!! That being said, I'm sure after buying all the parts you'll almost spend the same amount you would if you found a nice used Sadowsky Metro. Also, your bass will have nearly no resale. The metro will. I built one myself about 5 years ago. Took a bath and the woods were less than resonant. My 2 cents and good luck

Rob

 

I don't offer chambering. When I used to use Warmoth, I believe I built one chambered bass and not that I'm using USACG, they off 2 hollow chambers. I have not used the USACG body yet so I have an opinion on the sound.

As for the chambering that Sadowsky offers (which is similar to Warmoth;s chambering), I'm not a fan, personally. I like the sound of a solid body better. The solid body is brighter with a faster attack. The chambered is fuller, warmer, mellower (to me) when compared to a solid body. Both of my Sadowsky basses have solid Swamp Ash Bodies.

 

I had tried one of Nino's basses, and I have to say it was very close to a NYC Sadowsky in terms of sound and quality. Although this particular bass that I tried had EMG/Aguilar, which are not exactly the current Sadowsky formula, it had much of the clarity and punch Sadowskys are known for. The neck profile was quite difference, though.

So, I think you are definitely on the right track if that's the vibe you are looking for.

Oh, BTW, regarding chambering, I'm not a fan either. It kinda kills the attack of the bass, more noticeable when slapping. I wouldn't lose sleep over not having that option.

 

HI

When I sold it I lost alot of money. Not to mention the bass was acoustically sorta dead compared to any of the 20 Sadowsky's Ive owned, wisea$$

Rob

 

HI

Used Warmoth. Best stuff they had at that time. No Lam. top. Had it painted a vintage Fender color. Neck was maple with maple board. Didnt think it sounded dead, it did sound dead! LOL. Used Rogers pre and pickups, too

Ever wonder why these builders charge big money for their product? They spend big money on their bodies and necks from their suppliers. Lightweight, resonant wood isnt cheap. Also, tough to put a price on someones 20 or 30 years of expertise.

That being said, was pretty fun putting together my own bass. If I wasnt comparing it to a couple of Sadowsky's I owned at the time, might have made the cut. I hope you get some good wood and the build goes well. Post pics

Rob