Club Sadowsky!!!

[inazone]

Hi, I don't own a Sad yet but I'm considering it after trying a MV5 last weekend. But before finally acquiring one
I'd like to know the tonal differences between a Metro MV5-24 and a Metro Modern M5-24?

My main axes since "forever" are my two Fender American Deluxe V. One from 2000 the other one from 2002. But since I tried the Sad, I feel like those basses switched from fantastic to just nice stuff

As a fellow Titan user and without going into a lot of detail, you can get both basses to sound close to each other and have the same tones. The biggest difference to me is the M5-25 is tighter and the attack hits instant is a busy and drop tuned stage mix. It is also more revealing to technique.
The MV5-24 is a bit rounder and forgiving.

JMO, but its hard to get a Sadowsky bass to not work at least better than average at any gig or setting. Add to that, Sadowsky into Mesa amps is pure awesomeness.

 

[baxter_x]

Titan fellow user, I remember!
That picture made me drop my jaw.............

 

[pickles]

I used to play a titan with my MS4 in drop D with a pick ... one of the best sounds ever for aggressive music.

 

[bass12]

I've had several Sadowsky Jazzes and currently own a Modern. The Modern is definitely a "tighter" sounding bass than the Jazz. Last year I recorded a couple of tracks with a Sadowsky Jazz. Afterwards, I decided that I wanted a bit more space between the notes (if that makes sense) and re-tracked using the Modern. That did the trick (it also showed up any sloppiness in my playing ). To me the B string on the Modern is hard to beat - even on a 35" scale. It's much more usable, in my opinion, than the B on any Sadowsky Jazz I've played. Someone else mentioned that the slap sound of the Moderns is thinner than with the Jazzes and I'd agree. More Mark King than Marcus Miller (part of that is probably the 24 frets but a big part is the pickups and pickup placement). My Modern possibly has the most sonic consitency string to string and fret to fret of any bass I've owned, though I'm not sure if that's a typical character trait of the Moderns. It's probably not the most "versatile' bass but I've used the Modern to play all kinds of stuff, from standards to 60s R&B to current top 40. It might not give me a vintage tone, but it gets the job done. Most recently, I had it out on a reggae gig. I'd never used it for reggae before but it worked out perfectly. Big, fat, but clean and precise.

 

[baxter_x]

I used to play a titan with my MS4 in drop D with a pick ... one of the best sounds ever for aggressive music.

Even better than an all tube amp?

 

[CDweller]

Did you ship the bass to Pat or are you located close enough to him? I'm considering having a bass refinished at some point.

Shipped to him.

 

[Ewo]

Even better than an all tube amp?

I'm a solid state guy--although I ran tube amps in the ancient times (Sunn 200S and Fender Dual Showman)--and these days I'm luvvin' what I get with my Will Lee 5 through a Subway rig.

 

[ceerod]

Just listed this beauty for sale in case anyone is in the market for an NYC 24-5 Modern with a sweet roasted maple neck and fretboard.

For Sale - Sadowsky NYC 24-5 Ash / Roasted Maple / Soapbars

 

[DaveAceofBass]

Shipped to him.

I'll bet that was expensive endeavor.

 

[DaveAceofBass]

I've had several Sadowsky Jazzes and currently own a Modern. The Modern is definitely a "tighter" sounding bass than the Jazz. Last year I recorded a couple of tracks with a Sadowsky Jazz. Afterwards, I decided that I wanted a bit more space between the notes (if that makes sense) and re-tracked using the Modern. That did the trick (it also showed up any sloppiness in my playing ). To me the B string on the Modern is hard to beat - even on a 35" scale. It's much more usable, in my opinion, than the B on any Sadowsky Jazz I've played. Someone else mentioned that the slap sound of the Moderns is thinner than with the Jazzes and I'd agree. More Mark King than Marcus Miller (part of that is probably the 24 frets but a big part is the pickups and pickup placement). My Modern possibly has the most sonic consitency string to string and fret to fret of any bass I've owned, though I'm not sure if that's a typical character trait of the Moderns. It's probably not the most "versatile' bass but I've used the Modern to play all kinds of stuff, from standards to 60s R&B to current top 40. It might not give me a vintage tone, but it gets the job done. Most recently, I had it out on a reggae gig. I'd never used it for reggae before but it worked out perfectly. Big, fat, but clean and precise.

I'd have to agree. I have swapped out the pickups on mine, but I'm happy with the results.

 

[MattB88]

Just listed this beauty for sale in case anyone is in the market for an NYC 24-5 Modern with a sweet roasted maple neck and fretboard.

For Sale - Sadowsky NYC 24-5 Ash / Roasted Maple / Soapbars

drooldrooldrool

 

[Matt23]

Think it's time to give flats a go...
I've always had flats on P basses but never J's.
My MV5 has such a useable range of sounds, I'm curious to see how it fares with flats. Plus, I'm playing more country style stuff and am hoping the thump of flats and clarity and precise tone of the Sadowsky might make for a great sound.

 

[ale29]

Hey Matt, check this out then:


My MV5 is now gone though (!), but I still qualify as a member of the club since i've replaced it with something else...more on this later

 

[Matt23]

My MV5 is now gone though (!), but I still qualify as a member of the club since i've replaced it with something else...more on this later

That's awesome! Thanks for posting. Same finish as my MV5 too.

Really like the sound of that. Still had loads of clarity and highs. Sounds spot on. I was thinking about trying Black Labels or La Bella.

 

[ale29]

Those are 45-130 Black Labels. They were around 4 months old, so they were fully broken in. Lowish action, straight neck.
Most people were confused when they tried it, expecting that "Sadowsky thing" which really happens when using roundwounds.
With flats, the treble control along with the VTC become even more useful.

 

[jondiener]

Think it's time to give flats a go...
I've always had flats on P basses but never J's.
My MV5 has such a useable range of sounds, I'm curious to see how it fares with flats. Plus, I'm playing more country style stuff and am hoping the thump of flats and clarity and precise tone of the Sadowsky might make for a great sound.

I just bought a set of Chromes for my MV5PJ but haven't put them on yet - waiting until I'm done with the show this weekend. I've always been a roundwound guy on my Sadowskys, but curious to try flats.

 

[Scott McArron]

modern:
24-JJ:

Crazy! I literally just bought 2 Sadowskys in these exact configs down to the transparent black on the MV5!!

 

[MMiller28]

I have a major dilemma and I’d love some insight from those of you who are already official Club members.

I put my deposit down for a 21-fret, JJ single coil model in late December, so I probably have at least a month until they start building it.

I’ve always leaned towards the Jazz bass over the Precision, so the decision was easy for me. Lately, though, I’ve really been digging my American Standard Precision. The sound, at least. I’ll prefer a Jazz neck until the day I die, that I’m sure of.

Basically, I am completely TORN between keeping my bass JJ as I ordered and switching to PJ (on a J body and neck). Living in Wisconsin, I can’t really try them out side-by-side without another trip (read: flight) to the shop (I placed my order in person…the demo room is VERY dangerous for wallets). The next best thing I can do is a side-by-side with an American Elite Jazz and Precision (actually a PJ). I have done that in the past, and definitely preferred the PJ setup. But is it smart to determine my pickup configuration based on my preference with another brand’s basses/pickups?

I guess I’m just looking for any insight or advice on the major differences between the two configurations. I only have one shot to get it right, as my next major purchase is a house and then a truckload of diapers.

I play funk, disco, jamband-type stuff (Grateful Dead, Phish, etc), and sometimes a little heavier stuff like Alice in Chains, Tool, RATM, etc.

 

[ale29]

Both configurations are very versatile, neither will 100% nail that FENDER P tone though.
I personally don't like much the sound of a PJ when both pickups are mixed, it gives more of a scooped sound compared to a JJ.
On the other hand, and especially so if you are ordering it with HC pickups instead of true single coils, I think that the neck pickup alone gives a passable impression of the P sound. But, if having that P tone is extremely important to you, definitely consider the PJ!


To sum it up, IMO:
If you want the jack of all trades: JJ with HC pickups.
If you want to get closer to a Fender Jazz: JJ with single coils
If you need that P neck pickup tone (and/or want the scooped PJ sound): PJ.

 

[bucephylus]

I have a major dilemma and I’d love some insight from those of you who are already official Club members.

I put my deposit down for a 21-fret, JJ single coil model in late December, so I probably have at least a month until they start building it.

I’ve always leaned towards the Jazz bass over the Precision, so the decision was easy for me. Lately, though, I’ve really been digging my American Standard Precision. The sound, at least. I’ll prefer a Jazz neck until the day I die, that I’m sure of.

Basically, I am completely TORN between keeping my bass JJ as I ordered and switching to PJ (on a J body and neck). Living in Wisconsin, I can’t really try them out side-by-side without another trip (read: flight) to the shop (I placed my order in person…the demo room is VERY dangerous for wallets). The next best thing I can do is a side-by-side with an American Elite Jazz and Precision (actually a PJ). I have done that in the past, and definitely preferred the PJ setup. But is it smart to determine my pickup configuration based on my preference with another brand’s basses/pickups?

I guess I’m just looking for any insight or advice on the major differences between the two configurations. I only have one shot to get it right, as my next major purchase is a house and then a truckload of diapers.

I play funk, disco, jamband-type stuff (Grateful Dead, Phish, etc), and sometimes a little heavier stuff like Alice in Chains, Tool, RATM, etc.

If it's any consolation, you are in good company with your concerns. Very normal. There is no perfect bass that does everything. So, when we commission an instrument, there is that lingering question as to whether the right decisions/trade offs were made.

Did you order a 4 or 5? Reason for asking is that the 4 JJ has a stock pickup size that lets you refit virtually any J footprint pickup, of which there are lots. I also have a build going in the shop. Mine is a 4 JJ due in May or so. Mine will be slightly different from many because it will have Delano JMVC4 pickups. One of the great characteristics of the JMVC is that the neck pickup produces a VERY credible P tone. Even if it looks nothing alike. If you ordered a 5, then you would be "limited" to the Sadowsky pickups, because the footprint is just a little different. But, as @ale29 posted, the humbuckers will get you very close anyhow. IMO, close enough for cover band gigging purposes.

If you are keeping your P, I would suggest just staying with your first choice.

In either case, you will end up with a fine instrument to keep in (and take out of) that house with your family, which is a much bigger deal.