Club Sadowsky!!!

[Fuzzbass]

Thanks! That’s the one. I like that design in principle. I don’t like the look of the string construction near the end ball being in the field of play. But, I confess, I’d have to try it to see whether that matters or not.

Now that I think of it, the full tension of the string should provide all the necessary coupling -- no set screw (or whatever) necessary.

Same as you, I think the Ross design is clever. Even so, I won't run out and replace the bridges on most of my basses -- definitely not my Sadowskys, they don't need fixin'.

That said: I happen to own a bass built for me by a local guy. Sounds great, plays great, but I've never liked the bridge because it's thru-body only. So, that would be the perfect place to experiment with a Ross bridge. Won't happen anytime soon, but I'll think about it.

 

[Vic]

Vic, I believe you have accurately stated what most think, as a first perception. The reality is that the interaction between the string and the bridge on a monolithic bridge including the tailpiece produces a rotation moment in the bridge, into the body at the front of the bridge...

I believe that a straight through design should have a similar rotational moment, since the net forces between the strings and the bridge are the same...

i agree. i didn't think of that.

 

[Fuzzbass]

Oh... just thought of something else. Given that the ball end is right against the saddle, that might guarantee that the fattest part of the B and E strings will wrap around the tuning peg. Not a deal killer, but it's nice when you only have to wrap the tapered section of those strings around the peg.

 

[bucephylus]

Strings are complicated. Maybe better not to overthink it.

 

[MattLplaysBass]

Strings are complicated. Maybe better not to overthink it.

A)this is TB, and B)this is TB during quarantine...

 

[Fuzzbass]

A)this is TB, and B)this is TB during quarantine...

Allow me to present my dissertation on the coupling efficiency of bridge mounting screws in alder versus mahogany versus swamp ash.

Wait, scratch that: all I meant to say was "Guilty as charged!"

 

[soflbass]

Thanks! That’s the one. I like that design in principle. I don’t like the look of the string construction near the end ball being in the field of play. But, I confess, I’d have to try it to see whether that matters or not.

Unfortunately, the chrome is out of stock. The brass is $140 and they have a 15% off spring sale going on. I'm not affiliated with this company, just be exporative due to quarantine. Well, at least I have something to blame it on!

 

[kevk]

Time on my hands—quarantine (5-21 JJ Blue Flats) pic...

 

[Saluki]

Vic, I believe you have accurately stated what most think, as a first perception. The reality is that the interaction between the string and the bridge on a monolithic bridge including the tailpiece produces a rotation moment in the bridge, into the body at the front of the bridge, and away from the body at the screws. Which is obviously partly down force and partly up force. Anyhow, it’s just a bit complex. But, I believe that a straight through design should have a similar rotational moment, since the net forces between the strings and the bridge are the same. In other words, the free body diagram for both cases is the same, from a Mechanics perspective.

Having a separate tailpiece, as in the Alembic design or on an upright does produce the simple downforce into the body you are referencing. FWIW.

Can I get the free body diagram on that ?

 

[Holdsg]

beautiful Kev

 

[AMJBASS]

I was bored so I put a set of DR Black Beauties on the MV5. They don’t look out of place, but I still need to break them in before I judge them sonically. The B is great though!

 

[AngelCrusher]

For you all using Cobalts on your Sadowskys are you still liking them? I have had them on my G&L 25000 and love them so much on that bass that I want to put them on my Verdine White. The thing that stood out is that I had a slap part I recorded on the 2500 with them and it sounded alive like rounds would and not dead like with flats. But when I play finger style that big tubby low mid punch is there as well. Hoping that translates to the Sadowsky P/J.

 

[Fuzzbass]

My alder/Brazilian NYC P5 is my flats bass. It's had Cobalt flats on it for months now. I definitely prefer TI flats, but the Cobalts have pretty good tone, very good string-to-string tonal balance (and much lower price).

But I assume you're asking about rounds. I own a set of Cobalt rounds, but haven't yet tried them.

 

[AngelCrusher]

My alder/Brazilian NYC P5 is my flats bass. It's had Cobalt flats on it for months now. I definitely prefer TI flats, but the Cobalts have pretty good tone, very good string-to-string tonal balance (and much lower price).

But I assume you're asking about rounds. I own a set of Cobalt rounds, but haven't yet tried them.

Sorry no, I mean Cobalt flats. Im not really a fan of TIs, I did have a set. I like more tension and a bit different tone.

 

[Fuzzbass]

Sorry no, I mean Cobalt flats. Im not really a fan of TIs, I did have a set. I like more tension and a bit different tone.

Oops, you did mention flats. IMO Cobalts have more tension but less presence than TIs.

 

[KenMoore05]

New Sadowsky Day! Got this bad boy two days ago and am just getting around to letting you fine bassists tell me how much you like it. Lol. '98 modern with stock EMGs and a pope pre. The sound is absolutely fantastic. Had a Fodera Monarch for a minute before this one, and I just didn't jive with it. Traded it for this bad boy and am much happier! Plays great.

It was described as mint condition, but upon receiving it I noticed some very small cracks(?) in the fingerboard. My finger nail doesn't catch any of them, but wanted to run them by you cats and see if you have encountered this before.

 

[Todd Larson]

I've not seen this happen on a Sadowsky. In my experience, finish cracks in nitro lacquer can happen over time with temperature changes, and the lacquer drying out.

 

[Spidey2112]

How was it packaged? It's beautiful, nonetheless.

 

[KenMoore05]

How was it packaged? It's beautiful, nonetheless.

It was in the Sadowsky case, and then your typical box with some bubble wrap. It's over 21 years old, so wasn't sure if it was a shipping issue, or a lacquer drying out like Todd mentioned.

 

[Todd Larson]

It was in the Sadowsky case, and then your typical box with some bubble wrap. It's over 21 years old, so wasn't sure if it was a shipping issue, or a lacquer drying out like Todd mentioned.

Very sweet bass you have there - I don't mind the weather-checking at all. Adds character!