Very fun gig Friday night. Playing a Sadowsky made it all the better!
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Every time I play the Metro Express, I'm amazed at the dynamics I can get compared with some of my other basses. It puts out what you put in. Very happy with it to say rhe least.
This split/stacked pickup conversation has been very educational.
Continuing my education, does this mean that in a 5 string PJ configuration, the split P pickup would be susceptible to induced hum?
Continuing my education, does this mean that in a 5 string PJ configuration, the split P pickup would be susceptible to induced hum?
It's possible. If you look at Fender's version of a 5 string P Bass pickup, the split that covers the D and G string is like a regular 4 string P bass pickup that has 4 pole pieces. The split that covers the B, E, and A strings has 6 pole pieces and is physically longer. This could easily cause an unbalanced output between each half which could cause hum. I've played many Fender P5's and have never had any issues or heard any noise, though. If you look at other brands of P5 pickups, the split that covers the D and G string is the same length as the split for the B, E, and A strings. The treble split usually has non-magnetized poles inside the cover under the A string that you don't see to create a situation where both splits are equal in size and have the same number of winds. This is probably the best way to make a 5 string P pickup. Though, again, in practice I've never had a problem with Fender's version and I think it sounds quite good.
Nicely said.
I would just add to your comments, even tho his question was about the P pickup, since we are talking PJ, there are configurations out there where the J pickup is a single coil, which means when you solo the P/neck, it's HC and nicely quiet, but if you mix or solo the J/bridge pickup, you get the single coil non-HC noise from it. Older instruments/configs are notorious for this. Modern configs use HC (split/stacked) pickups to solve this problem. That used to be my pet peeve with that config.
Happy Friday! The new bass arrived today, thought I would share a few pictures. Guess I'm eligible for a club number!
I first got to play it at the shop last week, Ellis and Elena made a few adjustments, Carl, JR and all provided the info and hospitality (Thank you all!) First impressions: Perfect setup, amazing tone and playability (but you knew that already). I'll report back after the first real-world experience. So far, I'm thrilled!
I first got to play it at the shop last week, Ellis and Elena made a few adjustments, Carl, JR and all provided the info and hospitality (Thank you all!) First impressions: Perfect setup, amazing tone and playability (but you knew that already). I'll report back after the first real-world experience. So far, I'm thrilled!
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deepestend
Commercial User
- Feb 21, 2003
- 6,249
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- Website and Social Media at Sadowsky
I love the humble yet elegant simplicity of it. I bet it totally kills. Congrats!!!
Nice bass!
But the shipping label on the box is slightly off-center in relation to the Signature Require sticker. 
Hopefully that won't affect the tone. 
Seriously though, love the grain on the body. Gorgeous!
Todd...lovely bass, congratulations! But...I gotta ask:
What the heck is that thing on the wall above the piano???
Inquiring minds want to know, lol!
What the heck is that thing on the wall above the piano???
Inquiring minds want to know, lol!
Let me add my 2 cents to the stacked vs side by side pickup design.
I have always been happy with our side by side coil designs for 4 string basses. Even though I don't make them, the same would apply to 6 string basses. The problem arises with 5 string basses. In this case, you have one coil for two strings and one coil for 3 strings. Unlike symmetrical coils, the assymetrical design does not humcancel as completely. It works fine in most situations, but under certain lighting or AC conditions, it produces more hum than I can accept. As I result, we switched all of our NYC production to the stacked design during this current year, including the Satin Series. The stacked design, is IMHO, the only effective way to make a professional quality 5 string J style pickup. Unfortunately, the cost factor prevents us from using these on our MetroExpress and MetroLine basses, except as an upgrade through our workshop.
On our 5 string P basses, each coil is wound as a 6 string bass would be....three strings per coil. There are no magnets where the overlapping A string poles would be in the treble coil. The result is complete humcancelling in a side by side 5 string design.
Let me know if there are any more questions.
Roger
I have always been happy with our side by side coil designs for 4 string basses. Even though I don't make them, the same would apply to 6 string basses. The problem arises with 5 string basses. In this case, you have one coil for two strings and one coil for 3 strings. Unlike symmetrical coils, the assymetrical design does not humcancel as completely. It works fine in most situations, but under certain lighting or AC conditions, it produces more hum than I can accept. As I result, we switched all of our NYC production to the stacked design during this current year, including the Satin Series. The stacked design, is IMHO, the only effective way to make a professional quality 5 string J style pickup. Unfortunately, the cost factor prevents us from using these on our MetroExpress and MetroLine basses, except as an upgrade through our workshop.
On our 5 string P basses, each coil is wound as a 6 string bass would be....three strings per coil. There are no magnets where the overlapping A string poles would be in the treble coil. The result is complete humcancelling in a side by side 5 string design.
Let me know if there are any more questions.
Roger
Thanks! So far I haven't noticed any detrimental sound issues with the box. It's chambered, of course, and I believe it's made from the finest tone wood pulp from the Sadowsky shop floor. ;-)Nice bass!
Seriously though, love the grain on the body. Gorgeous!
The wood grain on the bass body is to die for! One piece swamp ash AFAIK.
Thanks!!! Good question! The 'sculpture' on the wall is actually a WWII leg splint from 1943. Designed by Charles and Ray Eames for the Navy. It was one of their early experiments in molded plywood. I'm a fan of good design and beautiful wood (hence the Sadowsky!). More info on Eames designs here:Invalid Link Removed
Doug Parent
Supporting Member
Thanks Roger, as a future Sadowsky Modern 5-24 owner I was wondering if the soapbar pickups you use are also stacked coils like your J basses? Thanks for your time.
Thank you Roger and my education on pickup design continues. When your shop switched out my Satin 5 string pickups to the stacked coil variant, the induced hum problems were completely resolved with our large lighting system.
