A Sadowsky pre amp & pickups would definitely be an improvement. However, uneven volume between strings as well as other sound issues might be a result of low quality bridge and nut, bad fret work, poor uneven contact between neck & back fingerboard surface... Many reasons are possible. So, expect an improvement in tone but any basic issue you might have will remain.
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Thanks for all the responses I will start with the pups and pre till I can get the money for a real Sadowsky. Thanks Ronen may have to investigate other reasons for uneven volume if this doesn't cure it.
My Sadowsky was 1.875" at the nut and my Lakland was 1.81 - I could feel the difference easily. The weird part is 34 or 35" scale length does not matter to me.
Dan k
I wanted a "leave in the case" spare for an emergency back up. I picked up a cheap ($200) Squier Deluxe Active 5 with 19mm spacing here on TB. I installed Sadowsky J pickups that were an exact drop in, since they were both the same size. I believe the Fender J's are two different sizes. I changed the noisy active circuit that came with the bass, to a Sadowsky pre. While I was at it, I got a great deal on some Hipshot Ultralites, so those ended up on it as well. I ended up with a relatively inexpensive bass, that is an absolute tone monster. Is it as good as my Sadowskys, obviously not, but with those electronics, I would have no problem giging or recording with it. Basic sound of a Sadowsky, while not identical, no doubt related. Keep an eye in the TB classifides. Sadowsky pre's and pickups although not an everyday occurrence, are there quite regularly and for pretty good prices as well.
Just seen the latest addition to the stock update. 6623 looks just brilliant! Shame it's for sale in the US only. 
Hi, I have been reading off and on for a few years, but this is my first post. Can I join the club with my RV4, #M164. My trusted companion for 10 years. Love this bass.
Interesting. Are you sure neck profile wasn't part of the difference you felt?
Note: I don't doubt you, I'm just curious. We all have our preferences. F'r instance I prefer 19mm bridge spacing... anything less, even 18mm, bugs me.
That said, I too have never noticed a difference in playability between 34" and 35" (on similar basses). However I did notice a slight difference in timbre, which is why I'm back to playing 34".
Been enjoying my Metro RV5 for quite a while now, and thinking it'd be nice to try a Will Lee... (GAS, the gift that keeps on giving...)
Is the Will Lee 5 available in the Metroline? I've seen them in TB classifieds and on Bass Central's page, but only 4s were shown on the Sadowsky page the last time I checked.
Is the Will Lee 5 available in the Metroline? I've seen them in TB classifieds and on Bass Central's page, but only 4s were shown on the Sadowsky page the last time I checked.
Been gone a long time, busy on a side project. Still loving my two NYCs:
Hope everyone is doing well.
Hope everyone is doing well.
Great pair of basses Bartman. And welcome back too! I have been looking to get a Sadowsky with a P Bass pickup recently and as a long term J Bass player I wondered which of your two gets the most action?
GAS sure is the gift that keeps on giving...
I've been enjoying my Metro rosewood/alder Vintage 5 for a while--so naturally I've started gassing for another Sadowsky!
Gotta be outta my mind to think about this NYC Will Lee: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
I'd be interested in any comments anyone might have to offer, as to its tone. (Yeah, it's hard to describe the fine points of an instrument's voice, but I'd appreciate whatever you have to say.) And any observations about neck shape, balance, other ergonomics, whatever.
I'm familiar with (and like) my unchambered Metro, which is rosewood/alder/stock humcanceler pups. And this is Brazilian rosewood/ash/soapbars, with a chambered body.
I've been enjoying my Metro rosewood/alder Vintage 5 for a while--so naturally I've started gassing for another Sadowsky!
Gotta be outta my mind to think about this NYC Will Lee: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
I'd be interested in any comments anyone might have to offer, as to its tone. (Yeah, it's hard to describe the fine points of an instrument's voice, but I'd appreciate whatever you have to say.) And any observations about neck shape, balance, other ergonomics, whatever.
I'm familiar with (and like) my unchambered Metro, which is rosewood/alder/stock humcanceler pups. And this is Brazilian rosewood/ash/soapbars, with a chambered body.
Nope, I just feel uncomfortable on basses with a wider or narrower spacing. Having Bass Alone and now, Bass San Diego in town has allowed me to try out a bunch of different basses and I can immediately tell the difference in spacing.
Yea! First TalkBass post on my new computer!
Dan K
Thanks! I used to play the PJ all the time but the WL was/is my custom 'dream bass.' The PJ hasn't gotten played much since the WL arrived a few years ago. BTW, the PJ actually has a dual rout and can be transformed into a regular Jazz (has a second J pickup with quick connects and a second pickguard), but I think it works best as a PJ and that's how I've kept it.
I added a Metro into my family today! I took a drive to Hollyweird and went to Mesa Boogie Hollywood store and brought home a Metro PJ4.
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Thanks. I have a NYC RV4 that is almost the twin of your PJ but without the dual rout. The WL you have certainly looks like a 'dream bass'.
