Hey everyone,
I was wondering if you all may be able to help me out? I'm not currently a Sadowsky owner, but plan on making a purchase within the next month or so. I visited the shop on a trip to NYC back in 2016, can't say enough how nice everyone was when I was there, and how they treated me incredibly well! It was my second time to the city, I'm from Ohio so I don't know the city super well, they even made some awesome suggestions for things to check out when I was there, and even helped plan my non-music related activities to make the trip way better than what it would have been had we not stopped in! My brother, who's not even a musician, still talks about going back there and doing another visit with the team, because he was impressed so much by them.
Since then, I've basically kept coming back to the idea that I think a Sadowsky is for me. Not just because of their quality, but because it's nice to also really believe in the people behind a product. They also have a sound that just works! It's taken me a few years to put the funds together, but I think it's time! I'm really stuck between two basses though. I really need a bass soon, and can't wait to have one made or else I totally would! One of the problems is that I can't remember tons about how the instruments felt after a few years.
I'm mainly looking for an ash/maple bass. My current main gigging bass is a Fender Custom Shop Custom Classic 4 string. It's a good instrument, and is no slouch, but the thing that gets me about it is the neck shape, mainly in the first position. I've had a lot of sessions this year sitting down, transcribing music, and doing longer rehearsals, and something about the neck shape near the nut just doesn't feel right about this bass. I've played it since 2017, and do most of my own repair/maintenance work. I've put new electronics in it, and refinished the neck, but it still feels clunky in that part of the neck. It's a seriously nice instrument, the sound is great, but I don't like the way it feels in first position. I'm at the point that I just want a bass that feels like "home", and I've always been a J bass guy. The neck shape on paper is supposed to be a classic jazz bass profile, but it feels more like a skinnier P bass than a true J bass to me near to the nut.
Obviously, that has me considering the Will Lee models, and I've heard the neck shape is great. Recently I've played one of the new American Ultra Jazz basses, some Geddy Lee basses, and I honestly walked away from both not really impressed with the necks. I know that they're some of the most loved (especially the Geddy Lee model) Fender shapes out there, when it comes to necks, but they almost felt too small. I have owned two 70's basses with a bit thicker necks, and they both felt great. I realized that the depth of the neck to me was almost more important than the width. Something about modern Fender interpretations really leave behind something of the vintage instruments they were designed from. For all the improvements they try to make, sometimes they forget the little things. Roger and his team really seem to be the team to beat when it comes to refined jazz basses. What I kind of realize is that I still need some substance to the neck in the right places, but I'm looking for something that just feels great to play for long periods of time. Skinny and thin aren't always a better option.
Could any of you give me feedback on your experience with the more standard 4-21 models vs. the Will Lee basses, especially in the first position? I know a lot of bass players play these basses out there who are supportive/side men. I'm just trying to find the right feel now that I'm making a pretty considerable purchase. Another thing to throw out there, is that I actually really like playing with a neck pickup cover on. I know Will Lee himself plays with one too, but if any of you have experience with this, does it feel any more cramped than a 21 fret bass? I think he has his placed a little farther back also to help with this.
Thank you, and sorry for the wordy post!
