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Club Sadowsky!!!

#24,101
MikeBass said:
I've owned/used both Metro's and NYC's. And both IME have the same complex mid-content that I feel helps it sit well.
Hmm, stumped as I had a T-Funk as well and ran it just as you do for the most part.
Guess depending on your gig situation, you may need to bump the mids then.
Click to expand...

Hey Mike. Since we hung so much over the last 5 years or so, while you dig in a little harder than me, we both play pretty closer to the bridge when playing our Sadowsky basses (at least as the standard starting point, typical playing position). That, combined with a nice moderate to strong plucking technique really makes Sadowsky J's sing and punch and growl and grind. If you watch Tal's video's, she also plays in a similar way.

However, I do hear the Sadowsky J's, even with single coils, having a touch of a dip in the lower mids, which can be a problem with some players' right hand technique. I've heard many players at GTG's that make my Sadowsky sound a bit 'hollow' due to technique and approach.

IMO, and like you, I've never had an issue with my Sadowsky J's growling and burping nicely, with the pre basically flat (maybe 5% bass boost) and both pickups balanced.
 
#24,102
MikeBass said:
Wow! Really?
I wouldn't say my Sadowsky is lacking in the mids at all. In fact, I think that's where a Sadowsky shines in a live mix.
It has the "right" mid content in it's sound to cuddle up nicely in the mix. Almost regardless of wood combos.

Don't know how you run your amp or setting on your bass, but if you want more mids, don't turn them up, turn things around them down.
Seems counter-intuitive I know. But "cut before you boost" EQ wise. That's FOH live sound 101 right there. (Even though the on-board is boost only).
And it hasn't been said in a while, a little bit of EQ on a Sadowsky goes a LONG LONG way.

I would re-visit you amp and bass settings. and give it a shot.
Will Lee had an awesome poster from his early Hartke/Sadowsky days.
The EQ on his amp was a frown and not the typical smile pretty much most bass players would do. And his live tone is always killin' .
attachment.jpg
Click to expand...

The frown (huge mid boost) on Will's Hartke amp, and also the fact that Will had Roger build him a sig model with mid boost circuit, don't exactly support the argument that Sadowsky basses are always strong in the mids... :ninja: :p

FWIW I have NEVER had a problem with mids on my Sadowskys! However two are P-basses and the other has a single MM pickup. IME, Jazz-style basses (regardless of manufacturer) with both pups dimed tend to sound scooped in comparison to P-basses and Rays. If I ever get a J-style Sadowsky it would probably be the Will Lee fiver, precisely so I could have mid boost if I wanted it.
 
#24,103
My new NYC arrived at work!! I took it out for a sec, amazing. Plays even better than my other two if that is possible!!!!

Can't wait to gig it next Tuesday.

Tough part is I am leaving town after work for the weekend!!! I won't even get a chance to plug it in until Sunday night.

Of note, the color is a little different from the pics. A little more coppery (looks kund of silvery in pics). Stunning!!!
 
#24,105
And:
When you look at that pic, look how boingy Will is!
That's big air;)

I'll have to mess with that eq curve on my M9...

Fuzzbass said:
The frown (huge mid boost) on Will's Hartke amp, and also the fact that Will had Roger build him a sig model with mid boost circuit, don't exactly support the argument that Sadowsky basses are always strong in the mids... :ninja: :p

FWIW I have NEVER had a problem with mids on my Sadowskys! However two are P-basses and the other has a single MM pickup. IME, Jazz-style basses (regardless of manufacturer) with both pups dimed tend to sound scooped in comparison to P-basses and Rays. If I ever get a J-style Sadowsky it would probably be the Will Lee fiver, precisely so I could have mid boost if I wanted it.
Click to expand...
 
#24,106
NOLA Bass said:
My new NYC arrived at work!! I took it out for a sec, amazing. Plays even better than my other two if that is possible!!!!

Can't wait to gig it next Tuesday.

Tough part is I am leaving town after work for the weekend!!! I won't even get a chance to plug it in until Sunday night.

Of note, the color is a little different from the pics. A little more coppery (looks kund of silvery in pics). Stunning!!!
Click to expand...

Awesome, congrats. I know you'll be busy, but please post pics when you can!
 
#24,107
KJung said:
Hey Mike. Since we hung so much over the last 5 years or so, while you dig in a little harder than me, we both play pretty closer to the bridge when playing our Sadowsky basses (at least as the standard starting point, typical playing position). That, combined with a nice moderate to strong plucking technique really makes Sadowsky J's sing and punch and growl and grind. If you watch Tal's video's, she also plays in a similar way.

However, I do hear the Sadowsky J's, even with single coils, having a touch of a dip in the lower mids, which can be a problem with some players' right hand technique. I've heard many players at GTG's that make my Sadowsky sound a bit 'hollow' due to technique and approach.

IMO, and like you, I've never had an issue with my Sadowsky J's growling and burping nicely, with the pre basically flat (maybe 5% bass boost) and both pickups balanced.
Click to expand...

Kjung, that is exactly it. It does sound a bit "hollow". I've had chambered basses before and the hollowness is prevalent in this bass as well. This is why I asked Mike if he has played both metros and NYC's, because I wanted to know his opinion of the solid body basses compared to the chambered, NYC basses. Thank you Mike for your input about that. I was thinking of trading this bass in for an ultra vintage NYC with pups in 70's location, that way I get both a full sized body and a solid piece of ash.

Fuzz bass, you make an excellent point. I thought the same thing when I felt I needed more mids in my bass. It's no wonder Will added a mid boost", is what I thought. Maybe P basses do have more mids and bite than J basses do but comparing to what I'm use to (J basses), this jazz has less mids that gives it a scooped tone. Still sounds good, just different for a jazz bass I guess IMO.

Also, my technique is the same as you describe Kjung. I predominantly play over the bridge pickup and dig in when the song calls for it. I'm not saying there isn't any mids, just not what I'm use to. I thought the chambered body and weight had more to do with it than technique or amps.
 
#24,118
Congrats, Rob! The bass looks fantastic!
Did you get your PK5 yet? Let me know when your ready for that project!

Until then, enjoy your PJ!

Joey


NOLA Bass said:
My new NYC arrived at work!! I took it out for a sec, amazing. Plays even better than my other two if that is possible!!!!

Can't wait to gig it next Tuesday.

Tough part is I am leaving town after work for the weekend!!! I won't even get a chance to plug it in until Sunday night.

Of note, the color is a little different from the pics. A little more coppery (looks kund of silvery in pics). Stunning!!!
Click to expand...
 
#24,120
Joeykun said:
Congrats, Rob! The bass looks fantastic!
Did you get your PK5 yet? Let me know when your ready for that project!

Until then, enjoy your PJ!

Joey
Click to expand...

The PK5 was backorded but I just got a shipping notice. I am def calling you when it gets here!!
 

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