Club Sadowsky!!!

[phillipkregg]

Got a question about neck dimensions that some of you may be able to answer for me.

Is there a large difference in the thickness of the neck between Sadowskys that are 21 fret, versus the 24 fret models? (both the Modern and the 24 fret Jazz model).

The reason I ask is because I played a new German metro, Will Lee 5 the other day, and the neck felt great and surprisingly slim - although it could just be in my head.

But I've owned both a 5-24 and a metro Modern 5 before, and the neck on the Modern was a little thicker than the 5-24.

So, was that just a fluke, or are the Modern necks typically a little thicker while the other basses are slimmer feeling?

Also, could there be additional variation with the metro lines from Germany vs the ones from Japan?

I just haven't been able to get my hands on enough of the different models to know, and the only Modern I've ever played was the Japanese Metro that I owned a few years ago.

 

[BassmusM6674]

Got a question about neck dimensions that some of you may be able to answer for me.

Is there a large difference in the thickness of the neck between Sadowskys that are 21 fret, versus the 24 fret models? (both the Modern and the 24 fret Jazz model).

The reason I ask is because I played a new German metro, Will Lee 5 the other day, and the neck felt great and surprisingly slim - although it could just be in my head.

But I've owned both a 5-24 and a metro Modern 5 before, and the neck on the Modern was a little thicker than the 5-24.

So, was that just a fluke, or are the Modern necks typically a little thicker while the other basses are slimmer feeling?

Also, could there be additional variation with the metro lines from Germany vs the ones from Japan?

I just haven't been able to get my hands on enough of the different models to know, and the only Modern I've ever played was the Japanese Metro that I owned a few years ago.

I think it's because it's a Will Lee model. I'm pretty sure the necks are narrower on those.

 

[pickups]

I think it's because it's a Will Lee model. I'm pretty sure the necks are narrower on those.

If the Will Lee models have slimmer necks do they have closer string spacing than standard Sadowsky's?

 

[marchone]

If the Will Lee models have slimmer necks do they have closer string spacing than standard Sadowsky's?

The Will Lee 4-string has a 1.45” narrower nut than the Jazz Bass standard 1.5” nut. String spacing at the bridge is 20mm.

 

[Tieiririyi]

Got a question about neck dimensions that some of you may be able to answer for me.

Is there a large difference in the thickness of the neck between Sadowskys that are 21 fret, versus the 24 fret models? (both the Modern and the 24 fret Jazz model).

The reason I ask is because I played a new German metro, Will Lee 5 the other day, and the neck felt great and surprisingly slim - although it could just be in my head.

But I've owned both a 5-24 and a metro Modern 5 before, and the neck on the Modern was a little thicker than the 5-24.

So, was that just a fluke, or are the Modern necks typically a little thicker while the other basses are slimmer feeling?

Also, could there be additional variation with the metro lines from Germany vs the ones from Japan?

I just haven't been able to get my hands on enough of the different models to know, and the only Modern I've ever played was the Japanese Metro that I owned a few years ago.

You are not imagining things. The neck on my German metro is slimmer than my NYC and my Japanese Metro neck is thicker than my NYC neck.

I think @TimothyGroovy can confirm that is the case in general.

 

[Joeykun]

Nut width is the difference.
S, V & 24 fret Model 5 stings have 1 3/4″ nut width
WL 5 Models have 1 7/8”

 

[pickups]

The Will Lee 4-string has a 1.45” narrower nut than the Jazz Bass standard 1.5” nut. String spacing at the bridge is 20mm.

Thanks! I wish Sadowsky came with the Fender string spacing which I believe is 19mm for the 4 string? I love my Sadowsky 5 but just wish the string spacing was a little closer. I know Roger sells the narrower bridge but I'm not sure how that would feel with the width of the 5 string neck.

 

[Adam Wright]

Anyone with a NYC Will Lee 5 they’re wanting to part with? Pm me.

 

[bucephylus]

Thanks! I wish Sadowsky came with the Fender string spacing which I believe is 19mm for the 4 string? I love my Sadowsky 5 but just wish the string spacing was a little closer. I know Roger sells the narrower bridge but I'm not sure how that would feel with the width of the 5 string neck.

I’ve never had issues with any of the string spacings, but respect cats’ prefs either way.

OTOH, the girth of the 19mm necks, especially near the heel, just feels P Bass more than J Bass to me; if that makes any sense. I’ve gigged several of Roger’s 5’s; adored the sound, detested the feel. So, I sadly don’t play them anymore. My 5’s all have 18mm tapers; and their necks just feel like a Jazz Bass. BTW, the Fender 5’s are 18mm.

These days, Roger seems much more focused on his jazz guitars than any further options on basses. And, different neck tapers cost tooling money that probably doesn’t justify from his end. I certainly respect that barrier. So, my Sadowsky is a 4; and I’m pretty happy with that.

 

[Dave Hill]

Anyone try Dimarzio Relentless or 60s P pickups in their Sadowsky?
The exterior design is very cool. I wonder it they'd play nice with the Sadowsky pre(?).

 

[Joeykun]

I wouldn’t even consider changing my Sadowsky pickups.

 

[KaseOfBass]

Nut width is the difference.
S, V & 24 fret Model 5 stings have 1 3/4″ nut width
WL 5 Models have 1 7/8”

You got that one backwards - standard nut width on five strings is 1 ⅞; Will Lee five strings are 1 ¾ as standard. The 1 ¾ nut width of the Will Lee makes all the difference in the world to me.

To the original question, I noticed the Japanese-made Metros were thicker front to back than the NYC basses I’ve had. From what I recall reading, the German-made basses and MetroExpress models are supposed to represent the NYC dimensions more closely, but I haven’t played either and couldn’t personally attest to it.

 

[Joeykun]

You got that one backwards -

My info was taken directly from the Sadowsky site.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[projectapollo]

Maybe some apples and orange discussions, here. By 'thickness', I think the OP may have meant neck profile, not nut width. I too would be interested in knowing a bit more about the various Sadowsky model and maker neck profiles.

 

[KaseOfBass]

My info was taken directly from the Sadowsky site.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Correct, as did I (in addition to owning a Will Lee 5 and just knowing the specs). I think we’re likely trying to convey the same information, but your post I originally quoted had the specs backwards (and different from the link you provided).

 

[Joeykun]

Correct, as did I (in addition to owning a Will Lee 5 and just knowing the specs). I think we’re likely trying to convey the same information, but your post I originally quoted had the specs backwards (and different from the link you provided).

You are right….my bad. What do I know…..I haven’t played a 5 String in over 11 years.

 

[Vic]

All, it's a sad day in Sadowsky-land... today, our VERY good friend and also team member for some of us, sadly lost his courageous battle with cancer. TB'er Chef has passed. For those of you so inclined, sending a prayer his and his family's way would be good.

Peace.

 

[kobass]

Oh no-terrible news! So sorry to hear this. RIP Chef, you'll be missed...

 

[danclaro]

RIP Chef - you'll be missed.

 

[Holdsg]

Such a great resource for this forum