Club Sadowsky!!!

[roadkill2309]

Its true. In almost the 10 years I have been playing Sadowsky basses, I have found that less boosting in favor of a more nuanced approach to the preamp consistently delivers a sweeter tone.

Hm. I've found myself fighting the...uh, scoopedness of the HB pups by pumping the lows. It's weird because the bass sounds amazing coming from certain Amps, but scooped as hell coming from my Ashdown setup and some PAs.

Anyone got any tips on keeping the scoop out when going through a PA? I know it's just about bumping some frequencies and minimising others, but I'm a newb at running a mixing board and the guitarist doesn't know what the problem is.

 

[Firesalt]

Nope. I could settle with a 4.
This...

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

OR, I don't spend any money and just carry the PJ5 everywhere.

Some women buy shoes, etc. I buy Sadowsky's.

I see nothing wrong with this. Please send more money Roger's way, twist his arm to take it, lol. As long as you're not just gonna "settle with a 4".
You should get what you really want.

 

[Vic]

Hm. I've found myself fighting the...uh, scoopedness of the HB pups by pumping the lows. It's weird because the bass sounds amazing coming from certain Amps, but scooped as hell coming from my Ashdown setup and some PAs.

Anyone got any tips on keeping the scoop out Shen going through a PA? I know it's just about bumping some frequencies and minimising others, but I'm a newb at running a mixing board and the guitarist doesn't know what the problem is.

IMHO, this clearly indicates a problem that can't, and shouldn't, be approached at the bass.

This is an Amp/PA issue. Bass amps, and certainly PAs, have MUCH more EQ on them, and that's for a good reason.

Since you can only boost lows and highs on these basses (not counting the WL models of course), clearly that's going to add more "scoop" relatively speaking. If some amps give you a scooped stage sound, EQ the amp different, and focus on mids... adding them... not taking them out (essentially) by adding lows and/or highs.

Same thing with the PA. If the PA sound is bad, it can only be fixed at the PA. You don't want your stage tone to suck just to compensate for a badly EQ'd PA, do you? PAs with outboard racks typically have OODLES of EQ... like multiple 31 band EQs. Even if they aren't using outboard gear, a lot of PAs still have at least decent enough EQ to handle this problem well.

It ain't the bass.

At least IMHO/IME.

 

[Firesalt]

Hm. I've found myself fighting the...uh, scoopedness of the HB pups by pumping the lows. It's weird because the bass sounds amazing coming from certain Amps, but scooped as hell coming from my Ashdown setup and some PAs.

Anyone got any tips on keeping the scoop out Shen going through a PA? I know it's just about bumping some frequencies and minimising others, but I'm a newb at running a mixing board and the guitarist doesn't know what the problem is.

Are you not getting enough mids or low mids? Is cutting thru an issue? Is it only certain notes that are an issue? More data is needed to make an accurate diagnosis.

 

[Firesalt]

IMHO, this clearly indicates a problem that can't, and shouldn't, be approached at the bass.

This is an Amp/PA issue. Bass amps, and certainly PAs, have MUCH more EQ on them, and that's for a good reason.

Since you can only boost lows and highs on these basses (not counting the WL models of course), clearly that's going to add more "scoop" relatively speaking. If some amps give you a scooped stage sound, EQ the amp different, and focus on mids... adding them... not taking them out (essentially) by adding lows and/or highs.

Same thing with the PA. If the PA sound is bad, it can only be fixed at the PA. You don't want your stage tone to suck just to compensate for a badly EQ'd PA, do you? PAs with outboard racks typically have OODLES of EQ... like multiple 31 band EQs. Even if they aren't using outboard gear, a lot of PAs still have at least decent enough EQ to handle this problem well.

It ain't the bass.

At least IMHO/IME.

+1

It should at least have a 4 band on the channel that can be addressed.
Usually 31 bands are saved for main feeds.
Usually I would boost a little around 400 with a med Q when bass was too muddy/boomy and cut a little (like 2db max) on the low end on the bass channel to address the issue. YMMV due to speaker selection and room design.

 

[Dan Knowlton]

I plan to sell off my Fender P-bass Active Deluxe Special....and replace with a Sadowsky. It will be more of a carry anywhere / practice bass. I don't like taking my NYC's out of the house!

I have a 2010 Metro PJ-5 that I used this past weekend. It sounded really good in the mix.

I went from a RV-5 and an Alleva Coppolo KPB-5 to a NYC Standard 5 and a Metro PJ-5 - I'm not sure which combination I like better but it was time for a change in basses.

Dan K.

 

[lowB_2277]

Awesome info!!! I hate you btw! NOW I WANTTTT!!!!! It's looks sooo cool!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!

you are very welcome. I have some light to dark vision issues so with the venues (er, uh dives) I play it's kinda function over form for my sorry behind. I really like 'em. Are you thinking about having them installed?

 

[lowB_2277]

This might be good info for all. Please share!

Hard to get good pic's of neck edge led's w/lousy phone camera, but have a look

The red LED's are on Vint 5 string from 1999 and 2009 PJ-5. I did the installation on the vint 5 w/ the help of a local luthier. We sent the neck to Sims Custom and I had it back in less than 2 weeks. We made a jig and drilled from the neck pocket to the neck PU cavity to run wires to a separate 9V battery. Body was routed out and a 2nd flip box was installed.

Roger and the crew sent the neck of the PJ 5 to Sims in the UK and wired it up to a separate battery that lives in the control cavity. The vint5 is operated by push/pull switch for treble control. PJ 5 has a separate toggle switch

The blue bass and lights i no longer own and would not recommend the bright blue lights as they are very bright. We installed an in line resistor to try to tame them and they were still really bright.

Tom R.[/QUOTE]

Sims has a real nice shade of purple...btw I ABSOLUTELY love your new bass.

 

[kulit17]

you are very welcome. I have some light to dark vision issues so with the venues (er, uh dives) I play it's kinda function over form for my sorry behind. I really like 'em. Are you thinking about having them installed?

I am now! Got to admit, it does look cool! For me its kinda sad coz Roger and crew informed me that the material I want my neck and fingerboard to be is not available and doesn't look like they have any orders coming in but hopes to get replenished within the next 60 days. So adding LEDs would push my build even longer

When i went with the order it was estimated for Dec/Jan.

**sigh** decisions!! LEDs on a roasted bird's eye maple neck and fingerboard what do u guys think?

 

[Jerry Ziarko]

Nope.

Some women buy shoes, etc. I buy Sadowsky's.

Lee, First off that should be the signature at the bottom of your posts. Secondly, I wish my wife felt that way.............

 

[roadkill2309]

IMHO, this clearly indicates a problem that can't, and shouldn't, be approached at the bass.

This is an Amp/PA issue. Bass amps, and certainly PAs, have MUCH more EQ on them, and that's for a good reason.

Since you can only boost lows and highs on these basses (not counting the WL models of course), clearly that's going to add more "scoop" relatively speaking. If some amps give you a scooped stage sound, EQ the amp different, and focus on mids... adding them... not taking them out (essentially) by adding lows and/or highs.

Same thing with the PA. If the PA sound is bad, it can only be fixed at the PA. You don't want your stage tone to suck just to compensate for a badly EQ'd PA, do you? PAs with outboard racks typically have OODLES of EQ... like multiple 31 band EQs. Even if they aren't using outboard gear, a lot of PAs still have at least decent enough EQ to handle this problem well.

It ain't the bass.

At least IMHO/IME.

I agree that the bass isn't where to fix it. Especially as it sounded meaty and brazen coming from bass12's Ampeg/Berg kit. I've made an open appointment with him to bring my amp and cab over soon to mess with the settings and get a wicked tone going. I was more wondering if anyone's got a lot of experience with a mixing board and could tell me which frequencies to bump up a little to mitigate things a little.

I think that maybe I should take a more active role in the band's interface with the mixing board when we're gigging. I should probably know how to set things so that I'll get the tone I want...

 

[roadkill2309]

Are you not getting enough mids or low mids? Is cutting thru an issue? Is it only certain notes that are an issue? More data is needed to make an accurate diagnosis.

Nope. I cut through just fine. In fact, the missus once said that it's a whole new world; I can be heard just fine without turning up too loud in the mix. Since I don't sound all scooped on all systems/amps/PAs, I know it's not something I'm going to have to change pups over.

The thing is, with my Lakland and my P, I've literally never had a scooped sound issue, so I don't even know how to describe it in terms of mids/low mids. I know that the mids (of some sort) are dropping out, though.

This is my first jazz bass, so I really have no experience with EQing a jj bass.

+1
Usually I would boost a little around 400 with a med Q when bass was too muddy/boomy and cut a little (like 2db max) on the low end on the bass channel to address the issue. YMMV due to speaker selection and room design.

Now *that's* what I'm talking about. I'll give that a try to start. Thanks!

 

[Firesalt]

Nope. I cut through just fine. In fact, the missus once said that it's a whole new world; I can be heard just fine without turning up too loud in the mix. Since I don't sound all scooped on all systems/amps/PAs, I know it's not something I'm going to have to change pups over.

The thing is, with my Lakland and my P, I've literally never had a scooped sound issue, so I don't even know how to describe it in terms of mids/low mids. I know that the mids (of some sort) are dropping out, though.

This is my first jazz bass, so I really have no experience with EQing a jj bass.

Now *that's* what I'm talking about. I'll give that a try to start. Thanks!

Oh, I understand where you're coming from now... I thought you were playing a Sad PJ (doesn't everyone?). You will probably be better at 250hz then instead of 400, it will give you a little more filler (fatter) without stomping over everything else. The 400 will give you more mids push if you have trouble getting heard without making it sound all treble-y.
It sounds like one of those "my low E is fantastic but my A string feels a little... lacking" sort of thing. If your sound tech knows what he's doing it shouldn't take a minute to iron out.
At lest that's been my experience from when I used to run sound professionally.

 

[Firesalt]

I think that maybe I should take a more active role in the band's interface with the mixing board when we're gigging. I should probably know how to set things so that I'll get the tone I want...

Yes, yes you should.

 

[rastap]

I am now! Got to admit, it does look cool! For me its kinda sad coz Roger and crew informed me that the material I want my neck and fingerboard to be is not available and doesn't look like they have any orders coming in but hopes to get replenished within the next 60 days. So adding LEDs would push my build even longer

When i went with the order it was estimated for Dec/Jan.

**sigh** decisions!! LEDs on a roasted bird's eye maple neck and fingerboard what do u guys think?

That's exactly what I have on order. Will Lee 4 in Candy Apple Red with a parchment pick guard. ORDER UP!

 

[MAJOR METAL]

Hm. I've found myself fighting the...uh, scoopedness of the HB pups by pumping the lows. It's weird because the bass sounds amazing coming from certain Amps, but scooped as hell coming from my Ashdown setup and some PAs.

Anyone got any tips on keeping the scoop out when going through a PA? I know it's just about bumping some frequencies and minimising others, but I'm a newb at running a mixing board and the guitarist doesn't know what the problem is.

Ohhh, I switched to single coils after my bass was built. Just a little tweaking on the amp, all is good.

 

[Chef]

I'll second the single coils.
I didn't like the HB's in my RV5JJ so much.

 

[roadkill2309]

Ohhh, I switched to single coils after my bass was built. Just a little tweaking on the amp, all is good.

I'll second the single coils.
I didn't like the HB's in my RV5JJ so much.

I fear the hum.

 

[johndough247]

Quick question (I'll call the shop during daylight whenever it is I remember to do so): Is the Sadowsky onboard Preamp (not DI outboard) still available to the public for sale? I see all of them as out of stock in the Sadowsky store and not sure if it's gonna be restocked anytime soon, if ever.

 

[Montanamike]

I fear the hum.

Fear not, Roger has really got the shielding thing figured out. He's been known for it since the 70's.

I received my first Sadowsky with singles a couple of years back and I thought the same thing. I was amazed at how little hum was present when I panned, and I live in the worlds noisiest house; short of strapping a beer sign around my neck.

I'm a true believer in the single, go for it!