Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
In with my Number 1 (maybe I should just start calling it "Riker" 
):
Quick question though: Cleaning the polepieces...what do you recommend...I've slacked off on cleaning those for awhile now, wondering what's the safest approach:
):Quick question though: Cleaning the polepieces...what do you recommend...I've slacked off on cleaning those for awhile now, wondering what's the safest approach:
Thanks for all the responses; I just have the stock strings on, which I believe are the blue label 45-130T. It sounded like a string issue at first, so sadowsky was nice enough to send me another b string- but I had the same issue. I also tried an old R. Cocco string.
The main characteristics of the b string is a lower volume, unfocused sound, and a bit of a worbal/overtones (just very anemic sounding). I thought at first it must either be the string or the pickup. After I pretty much determined that it is not the string, I though maybe the pickups are too close to the string- causing some magnetic weirdness, so I lowered the pick ups, and still had the same issue - low volume (compared to the other strings) and worbal. You can hear this difference when the bass is unplugged as well. The string just sounds wrong. Maybe a frequency anomaly? or a bridge issue? Who knows? All the other 4 strings sound great, it will just be my faux 5 string for now
Where are you located? If you're nowhere near the Sadowsky shop it might be worth taking the bass to a reputable tech to have it looked at.
Quick question though: Cleaning the polepieces...what do you recommend...I've slacked off on cleaning those for awhile now, wondering what's the safest approach:
These look pretty rusty !
I have had success with several methods.
1. Some ball-point pens come with an ink eraser on the end. It's just abrasive enough to remove light surface rust with a twisting twirling motion applied to the top of the polepiece.
2. A rubberized or silicone abrasive wheel on a Dremel tool
does a great job but requires extra care because if it slips you can mar the pickup cover.
3. Electronics shops sell a contact cleaning brush that works on light rust. Just twist or twirl making contact with the top of the polepiece.
4. You can glue a fine sandpaper dot to the end of a dowel
and it will do a great job.
Caution: Go slowly and keep a small vacuum handy to pick up the filings as you go along (a keyboard vacuum works great for this) OR you can use tape to "blot up" the filings.
When you're done, I've heard some people coat the top surface of the polepiece with a dot of clear paint, nail polish, lacquer, etc, to "seal" the surface and protect it from future rust. (I have never done this to mine but I have heard that some do.)
Hope this helps
I have also had success with cymbal cleaner with a Q-tip. But a caution that it is acid and will eat stuff, including calluses off our fingers if not careful.
Seeing some good suggestions here... I'd just add that if this is going to be a recurring issue, you might consider coating them with clear fingernail polish once they're clean.Quick question though: Cleaning the polepieces...what do you recommend...I've slacked off on cleaning those for awhile now, wondering what's the safest approach:
These look pretty rusty !
I have had success with several methods.
1. Some ball-point pens come with an ink eraser on the end. It's just abrasive enough to remove light surface rust with a twisting twirling motion applied to the top of the polepiece.
2. A rubberized or silicone abrasive wheel on a Dremel tool
does a great job but requires extra care because if it slips you can mar the pickup cover.
3. Electronics shops sell a contact cleaning brush that works on light rust. Just twist or twirl making contact with the top of the polepiece.
4. You can glue a fine sandpaper dot to the end of a dowel
and it will do a great job.
Caution: Go slowly and keep a small vacuum handy to pick up the filings as you go along (a keyboard vacuum works great for this) OR you can use tape to "blot up" the filings.
When you're done, I've heard some people coat the top surface of the polepiece with a dot of clear paint, nail polish, lacquer, etc, to "seal" the surface and protect it from future rust. (I have never done this to mine but I have heard that some do.)
Hope this helps
Thanks for all the responses...I actually had a go at it with those blue scotchbrite pads earlier on Sunday morning (the non-abrasive ones) and it's a LITTLE better but still lots of rust on a couple. I forgot I have a contact cleaning brush so I'll give that a go tomorrow. Was a little nervous about sandpaper (thinking about when people say 'don't use steel wool near pickups) but I guess I'll try that if all else fails...and good call on sealing it afterwards.
It's pretty hot and humid down here, so combine that with long, sweaty shows and it's rusted up pretty fast (going on my 3rd year anniversary with this bass next month, but they've been rusty since year 2).
Here is my new and first for me Sadowsky. RV5 P/J Alder/Morado. I had them put on a black perloid guard though, so I will have to get a photo of that. Can I get a number?
you are #462. Welcome to the club.
Wondered if I could get a number...
My Metro Will Lee that I received in a trade a few months back has thrilled me so much that it's been my primary bass since I've gotten her
My Metro Will Lee that I received in a trade a few months back has thrilled me so much that it's been my primary bass since I've gotten her
Thanks for the compliments!!!! Im loving the way this bass plays and looks
Thanks for the number...happy to be in the Sadowsky club
Thanks for the number...happy to be in the Sadowsky club
...the eagle has landed today...ordered from Japan
my 1st Sadowsky #M7001
RV5 Limeted Editition Shoreline Gold, roasted maple neck
I love it!
and here is how it sounds quick Garage band wankin´
my 1st Sadowsky #M7001
RV5 Limeted Editition Shoreline Gold, roasted maple neck
I love it!
and here is how it sounds quick Garage band wankin´
Last edited by a moderator:
- Feb 3, 2005
- 7,331
- 10,198
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Bergantino Audio Systems and GHS Strings
...the eagle has landed today...ordered from Japan
my 1st Sadowsky #M7001
RV5 Limeted Editition Shoreline Gold, roasted maple neck
I love it!
and here is how it sounds quick Garage band wankin´
That is one great looking bass!
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks NOLA Bass.
Yes I am happy. I´m confident that I made the right decision to finally own a Sadowsky. Currently I have 2 gigs, which require a 5er and I could never find a convincing 5 string. My 4 string needs are covered with several Jazz Basses and the Sadowsky Outboard Pre...but my 5er needs always left something to be desired.
This one was an impulse buy because of the visual pleasing and limited features. I am just a sucker for metalics and especially rare. As soon as I saw this shoreline Gold LE that was it. Exactly what I needed....add the roasted neck...I was curious what all the fuzz about the roasting was anyway....
Chef
In Memoriam
Zeb: cool bass man.
I like the gold in the shot of the back better than the front shot, but that's probably flash over-lighting the front.
Nice garage band track
I like the gold in the shot of the back better than the front shot, but that's probably flash over-lighting the front.
Nice garage band track
