I will be doing the same. I would like to change the HC in my Metro to SC.
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I will be doing the same. I would like to change the HC in my Metro to SC.
I'm not completely clear on the difference between the two, other than when I favor either pu my Satin is quiet. I do like that.
I'm in the process of placing an order for a UV70. Wondering If anybody has done a Sadowsky HC vs SC comparison. I've only heard the HC pickups at this point.
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I found that one video by Soong—quite a difference—but I can't tell if they are the Duncan ones or the interim Nord ones.
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I found that one video by Soong—quite a difference—but I can't tell if they are the Duncan ones or the interim Nord ones.
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I'm a big fan of the Sadowsky SC's. I have the newer Duncans in my Satin 5 and the Nordy version in my RV5. If you are a single coil fan - the newer Duncans won't disappoint.
(My RV5 is up for trade in the classifieds, looking for a Modern 5, Metro or Satin.. pm me..
)
(My RV5 is up for trade in the classifieds, looking for a Modern 5, Metro or Satin.. pm me..
)
I'm, in general, a big SC fan (even on guitar) and not much of a fan of noiseless o HC versions because they never alone the same.
I haven't tried the sadowsky SC, my UV70 is loaded with HC and man they deliver...
I'm sure in a side by side comparison the difference might be big but, honestly, the HC and amazing and give me everything I need. The key, for me, is on the VTC. It would let you dial what you are looking for in terms of a more modern or vintage sound.
As a matter of fact I'm considering swapping the SC on a Lakland 5 strings that I bought recently for a set of Sadowsky HC because those pickups sound to modern for me.
I think you'll be satisfied with the HC, I would give them a try if I was you (in fact I was and I did
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On the subject of PJs, I had my WL5 modded to one by a great friend & talented luthier in Tokyo during a recent trip there. Picked up an Aguilar 60P-CL on TB to match the 18mm bridge & he cut out a new pickguard, routed the body & wired it up. We kept the stock SC bridge pickup in there for a try out & it was surprisingly balanced - Pickups soloed had punchy low-mids.
Just out of curiosity, which one of the 3 was the one that had the pickups replaced?
I'm, in general, a big SC fan (even on guitar) and not much of a fan of noiseless o HC versions because they never alone the same.
I haven't tried the sadowsky SC, my UV70 is loaded with HC and man they deliver...
I'm sure in a side by side comparison the difference might be big but, honestly, the HC and amazing and give me everything I need. The key, for me, is on the VTC. It would let you dial what you are looking for in terms of a more modern or vintage sound.
As a matter of fact I'm considering swapping the SC on a Lakland 5 strings that I bought recently for a set of Sadowsky HC because those pickups sound to modern for me.
I think you'll be satisfied with the HC, I would give them a try if I was you (in fact I was and I did
I had an RV5 for a hot minute, but returned it cause I wanted a four string instead (the me of the 90's would never have expected that) and I wanted more of a 70's bass, hence the UV70 on order. So I have heard the HCs, recorded them in tests and got to terms with their kinda high-end sound. Also, my friend's UV70, which I had for a week, sounded terrific with HC pups. I did find that, in order to achieve a more "typical" jazz bass tone, you had to really work the VTC to get away from the high-endiness. Soong's video comparison sounded to me like there was drastically more mids in the SC pups as to sound like polar opposites. I'll probably start with the HCs, but getting a vintage tone is more work. That said, I didn't really love the SC tone in the video, so I was wondering which edition of the SC those were. Also, context matters; would love to hear the comparison in a track or two.
Funny how that works. Also nice to know you can bring an instrument back from the edge with a pickup swap.
I think the VTC is keystone of the Sadowsky pre, the range it has is amazingly wide. And yes, as you said, tone wide open it can be too bright and modern sounding but as soon as you dial it down it moves you to a more vintage realm, and the pickups always deliver.
Another important thing is that the bass, with those pickups, sounds amazing on Passive mode as well, moving you one step closer to that classic J vintage tone.
Personally, I never use it on passive just because I can always find my sound with the VTC, but do not discard that as well.
Again, I can't compare with the SC versions, but I cannot say enough good things about the sound I get from the HC, plus, no Hum!
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Dont get me wrong the bass sounded great with the original hc. Just not as great as the other two..the sc. Just took it to a level that Imho. Sounded more raw .closer to a jazz bass...the hc. Is what I would go with if I only could have one
I'm gonna go with the standard HCs and see how I go. This is a recording-only bass so noise control is important. As for the VTC, I always disliked the tone control knobs on basses, but I kinda loved the VTC. You didn't lose articulation with it rolled off, you just lost string/fret clack, which I thought was a great trade. Sort of, just, "nicer" than the usual brute-force filter.
No, not at all. I think most of the "dissatisfaction" most of us experience about tone is, in reality, 5-10% away from subjective perfection and it often takes something minor to make a big difference. Having played music for a long time, I realize that chasing tone is a kind of insanity, but one that brings dopamine hits and smiles (and even tears) when the stars align just right. I wouldn't trade it for the world.
So this may be a noob question but is there a difference between the 3 knob version and the 4 knob version of the Sadowsky onboard bass preamps.
