Club Sadowsky!!!

[VJP]

Don't you have Big Singles in your Modern 24F5?
Do you think they's be better in the J location?
Did you prefer the Soapbars in the 24f position ?

Thanks for your repsonse to this.

I prefer the Sadowsky Soapbars in the 24F5 position. It's a tighter, more focused sound. The big singles are wide, open and almost airy in that bass. I really do like both but just like the soapbars more.

"Better" in the J location is highly subjective. Totally different sounds.

 

[ted burik]

Nice! I love that model, and really dig the MV with the Sadowksy single coils (even more than the very nice HC's.. they add more mid punch and 'grind' with that model). I also swapped the HC's with singles in my RV, but the jury is still out on that switch. Something about the stock HC's and the more mellow vibe of the RV model really works well. I may put the HC's back in that bass... not sure!

I use Hi Beams on my RV5. They really work well (for me anyway) in giving me a bright, present articulate tone, but also vibing nicely with the more mellow and soft attack of the RV model... that combination gives you that sort of 'creamy bright' tone.

On my MV, I use the Sadowsky Blue Label steels that you are getting ready to try out. Nice tight tension, and a bunch going on in the upper mids which REALLY brings out the aggressive grind that ash/maple J's (and especially the more modern and aggressive sounding Sadowsky execution) are known for. I really like them a lot on the MV.

Let us know how it goes when you get them!

I'm strongly considering joining the Sadowsky Club. I've spoken with Kevin at Sadowsky about ordering a NYC Standard 5 with a 24 fret Ebony board on Ash body with either HC or SC pickups. I've read here what KJung and others think about the SC and they sound very interesting. I"ve also listened to Craig Garfinkle's YouTube video demos of his Sadowsky NYC 5 with SC pups and was very impressed.

I'm torn, however, between which pickups to use and what pickup placement to implement (e.g., 60's or 70's jazz placement). Yesterday I played a Metro MS5 and a Metro UV70MB5 at Bass Northwest. Both have HC pups, but the UV had them placed in the 70's jazz position. The UV sounded wonderful-punchy, focused, articulate, but with a very present bottom end if neeeded. Kevin at Sadowsky suggested going with SC pups in the 70's position, with the option of switching out to HC pups if I find the sound too aggressive for my tastes (I play mostly jazz, funk, and some R&B in small clubs in the Seattle Area). Also, I'm somewhat concerned that the 24 fret board might reduce space needed for slapping.

Taking the plunge for a NYC Sadowsky is no laughing matter, so I figured I better consult the TB experts on this subject! Any additional thoughts on my ideas for a custom Sadowsky?

Cheers,

Ted

 

[ClassicJazz]

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

 

[tombowlus]

Ted:

I think that you will be very happy with the ash body, ebony board route. Ebony really sounds 'right' on a Sadowsky, to my ears. But of course this is highly subjective, and YMMV.

Tom.

 

[Vic]

Ted:

I think that you will be very happy with the ash body, ebony board route. Ebony really sounds 'right' on a Sadowsky, to my ears. But of course this is highly subjective, and YMMV.

Tom.

+1

I know it's not as traditional of a sound, having that extra "ping" up high compared to, say, maple, but man, Tom's PJ5 with the ebony board just freekin' haunts me. That bass is amazing. I'm not sure I like it better than Maple, tho I don't have the same model with both to compare, but definitely no problem with ebony... very worthy option. I wouldn't hesitate on that if that's something you want, and Roger gets GREAT (very stable) ebony, which is VERY hard to do these days.

 

[ted burik]

+1

I know it's not as traditional of a sound, having that extra "ping" up high compared to, say, maple, but man, Tom's PJ5 with the ebony board just freekin' haunts me. That bass is amazing. I'm not sure I like it better than Maple, tho I don't have the same model with both to compare, but definitely no problem with ebony... very worthy option. I wouldn't hesitate on that if that's something you want, and Roger gets GREAT (very stable) ebony, which is VERY hard to do these days.

Thanks Vic and Tom. I've seen both of your Sadowsky's on this and earlier threads, and they are spectacular (including those pictures of you playing one of your basses, Vic!)Any thoughts on the SC versus HC pickup issue and the pickup placement quandry?

 

[CliffD]

I'm strongly considering joining the Sadowsky Club. I've spoken with Kevin at Sadowsky about ordering a NYC Standard 5 with a 24 fret Ebony board on Ash body with either HC or SC pickups. I've read here what KJung and others think about the SC and they sound very interesting. I"ve also listened to Craig Garfinkle's YouTube video demos of his Sadowsky NYC 5 with SC pups and was very impressed.

I'm torn, however, between which pickups to use and what pickup placement to implement (e.g., 60's or 70's jazz placement). Yesterday I played a Metro MS5 and a Metro UV70MB5 at Bass Northwest. Both have HC pups, but the UV had them placed in the 70's jazz position. The UV sounded wonderful-punchy, focused, articulate, but with a very present bottom end if neeeded. Kevin at Sadowsky suggested going with SC pups in the 70's position, with the option of switching out to HC pups if I find the sound too aggressive for my tastes (I play mostly jazz, funk, and some R&B in small clubs in the Seattle Area). Also, I'm somewhat concerned that the 24 fret board might reduce space needed for slapping.

Taking the plunge for a NYC Sadowsky is no laughing matter, so I figured I better consult the TB experts on this subject! Any additional thoughts on my ideas for a custom Sadowsky?



Cheers,

Ted

I completely understand your position, NYCs are a very expensive bass considering they're essentially just a J or a P bass with a fancy top wood. I originally ordered an NYC 5 in 2005, then cancelled my order, then played a few more and wound up ordering the bass again. Bottom line I think is that they are worth the price and are amazing J and P basses.

After playing a few metros and one NYC I went with an ash/maple NYC JJ with SCs in 70s positioning. That and I kept the body routing because I loved the weight of the NYC I played. If there is to much hum I'll just throw in the HCs. Hope that helps!

Edit: just to show it again, here's the top for my NYC JJ 5:

 

[Vic]

Kevin at Sadowsky suggested going with SC pups in the 70's position, with the option of switching out to HC pups if I find the sound too aggressive for my tastes (I play mostly jazz, funk, and some R&B in small clubs in the Seattle Area).

Sounds like good advice to me.

Also, I'm somewhat concerned that the 24 fret board might reduce space needed for slapping.

A very valid concern. Here's some pics that show that pretty well.

Usual NYC J...
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

J 24-Fret...
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

And just for fun... with big singles...
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I know they're great sounding pickups, but I've never ever dug the look of those big singles in a J style bass. Very much IMHO on that tho.

 

[ted burik]

I completely understand your position, NYCs are a very expensive bass considering they're essentially just a J or a P bass with a fancy top wood. I originally ordered an NYC 5 in 2005, then cancelled my order, then played a few more and wound up ordering the bass again. Bottom line I think is that they are worth the price and are amazing J and P basses.

After playing a few metros and one NYC I went with an ash/maple NYC JJ with SCs in 70s positioning. That and I kept the body routing because I loved the weight of the NYC I played. If there is to much hum I'll just throw in the HCs. Hope that helps!

Edit: just to show it again, here's the top for my NYC JJ 5:

Thanks, CliffD. Sounds like you ordered a NYC very close to what I am considering ordering, except for the Maple board. Did you have any concern that the SC pickups in the 70's position will be too punchy or aggressive, if that's even possible?

I will also go with a routed/chambered body to reduce weight. From the research I've done, it appears that the chambered body does not lose much in terms of tone, and I'm not getting any younger!

When do you expect your bass to be completed?

 

[Vic]

Thanks Vic and Tom. I've seen both of your Sadowsky's on this and earlier threads, and they are spectacular (including those pictures of you playing one of your basses, Vic!)Any thoughts on the SC versus HC pickup issue and the pickup placement quandry?

IMHO (as usual)...

First, SC all the way, no doubt, no question, no hesitation... unless you just have some horrid venues that you play and you can't live with the fully blended tone there.

On the placement, not long ago, I'd have gone for the 70's placement myself, as I really dig aggression... however... lately I've learned to appreciate having a slightly fatter sounding bridge pickup. You only lose just a touch of the edge in the slap tone, but IMHO what you gain is a fuller sweeter tone with still plenty of grind and growl, and a more "useful" bridge pickup solo tone with less EQ. That said, I know the 70's position would also sound great if that really calls to you... to be very honest, I'd think it wouldn't be a night/day thing anyway, and if that little bit of extra edge is what you're looking for, that's a good way to get it.

My MV5 is as generic as they come... standard pickup position (SC's), no figured woods or hardware options. Blows me away every time I play it. Kills in a live mix and records extremely well. It just needs nothing tonally. Nothing.

 

[ted burik]

Sounds like good advice to me.

A very valid concern. Here's some pics that show that pretty well.

Usual NYC J...
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

J 24-Fret...
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

And just for fun... with big singles...
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I know they're great sounding pickups, but I've never ever dug the look of those big singles in a J style bass. Very much IMHO on that tho.

Thanks, Vic. When I saw #5149 and #4694 on the Sadowsky website, I got to thinking that the 24 fret thing would be doable and leave enough room for slapping. The good news is that Kevin at Sadowsky indicated that moving to a 24 fret board on the NYC Standard J5 would not cost any more than the 21 fret board.

Those SC's sound awfully tempting.

 

[Vic]

From the research I've done, it appears that the chambered body does not lose much in terms of tone...

Correct, and if I recall correctly, most folks felt it made the basses sound even better once he started doing it.

 

[Vic]

Those SC's sound awfully tempting.

If you choose to go with the standard J style package (as opposed to the Nords), I strongly urge you to at least start with the SC's. It's a TRIVIAL swap for the HC's, and the SC's they use are shielded particularly well, so while all SC's hum when favored or especially solo'd, these are among the quietest I've ever heard. Not a problem for me, and I'm particularly annoyed by a lot of buzz in a bass.

 

[ted burik]

IMHO (as usual)...

First, SC all the way, no doubt, no question, no hesitation... unless you just have some horrid venues that you play and you can't live with the fully blended tone there.

On the placement, not long ago, I'd have gone for the 70's placement myself, as I really dig aggression... however... lately I've learned to appreciate having a slightly fatter sounding bridge pickup. You only lose just a touch of the edge in the slap tone, but IMHO what you gain is a fuller sweeter tone with still plenty of grind and growl, and a more "useful" bridge pickup solo tone with less EQ. That said, I know the 70's position would also sound great if that really calls to you... to be very honest, I'd think it wouldn't be a night/day thing anyway, and if that little bit of extra edge is what you're looking for, that's a good way to get it.

My MV5 is as generic as they come... standard pickup position (SC's), no figured woods or hardware options. Blows me away every time I play it. Kills in a live mix and records extremely well. It just needs nothing tonally. Nothing.

This was my impression playing the 2 Metros yesterday at BassNW. Albeit with HC pups, the 60's positioning providing a fuller, sweeter tone, while the 70's was complete focus and punch, with a bit less bottom.

I haven't played an SC pup in quite a while. I've read on TB that the Sadowsky SC pups are pretty quiet. Has this been your experience?

 

[jonno1707]

One thing to keep in mind is on a 21 fret neck your slapping over a different harmonic than on a 24 fret,,,that is if you slam your thumb over the last fret like most..
I find the sound at the 21st to be warmer...

 

[ted burik]

If you choose to go with the standard J style package (as opposed to the Nords), I strongly urge you to at least start with the SC's. It's a TRIVIAL swap for the HC's, and the SC's they use are shielded particularly well, so while all SC's hum when favored or especially solo'd, these are among the quietest I've ever heard. Not a problem for me, and I'm particularly annoyed by a lot of buzz in a bass.

Of course, you're one step ahead of me. I think you make a great and convincing point on the SC, which is what I will likely do. I'm still torn about the pup positioning, but I'm sure more info over the next few days will help me with my decision.

 

[ted burik]

One thing to keep in mind is on a 21 fret neck your slapping over a different harmonic than on a 24 fret,,,that is if you slam your thumb over the last fret like most..
I find the sound at the 21st to be warmer...

Great point! I definitely a difference slapping on my MTD (24 fret) versus my Lakland (22 fret), although there are many variables at work in the comparison.

 

[Vic]

One thing to keep in mind is on a 21 fret neck your slapping over a different harmonic than on a 24 fret,,,that is if you slam your thumb over the last fret like most..
I find the sound at the 21st to be warmer...

+1

 

[CliffD]

Thanks, CliffD. Sounds like you ordered a NYC very close to what I am considering ordering, except for the Maple board. Did you have any concern that the SC pickups in the 70's position will be too punchy or aggressive, if that's even possible?

I will also go with a routed/chambered body to reduce weight. From the research I've done, it appears that the chambered body does not lose much in terms of tone, and I'm not getting any younger!

When do you expect your bass to be completed?

Well that's why I went with them, I wanted a punchy and aggressive active J-bass tone. But with the Sad EQ, I think I certainly be able to smooth it out when I want to.

I should have my bass within two weeks! Kevin gave me the 30 day notice on December 4th!!! I plan on posting sound clips when I've had her long enough to get comfortable on her.

 

[Big String]

I've pm'd Vic, Ken with this question:

If you have played a 24F5 and Vintage 5 do you notice any difference in the neck girth around the back side? Apperently the necks are the same except of course for the extra frets on the 24F. But... Vic and Ken noticed a little more thickness in the "C" area on the back of the neck of the VJ5's.

I've also talked to the Sadowsky guys so I'm just fishin' for some more user/player feed back. I am aware that a custom neck can be ordered for a VJ5 too. I'm just uncertain if I want a 24F5 or VJ5 and possibly a Metro at some point.

I did own a Metro MV4 for a bit and while it was one of thee fastest necks I've ever played the neck was in fact slightly smaller than my NYC VJ4. Also the headstock was not as thick.

Also... any action shots of a 24F5 ??? bring it.