Sometimes ju got a lota splaining to do.
And other times you don't !
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And other times you don't !
. This warrants a descant response...wait for it, echoing in the distance...pfffttsplisschit!
Thought about this a bit more, and decided to descant a bottle of red wine...
Pre-Warwick, Roger always used to say that he stood by all of his products, and the top-tier NYC line was primarily there for those who needed custom options (e.g. fancier woods, P body shape) not available in the lower price ranges. The product lines have changed a bit post-Warwick -- I imagine the same principle applies, but I'm not certain.
I believe @TimothyGroovy has experience with the Masterbuilt-level Sadowsky’s (of course, Roger might also weigh in)…
TimothyGroovy
Commercial User
- Aug 3, 2000
- 2,374
- 2,097
- Disclosures
- Owner: Uni•Sound Endorsing Artist: Sadowsky Guitars, Olinto Bass, LaBella Strings
I'm not sure where you located and budget, but a masterbuitl level Sadowsky should definitely put into your purchase considersation. I play my Warwick masterbuilt/customshop Sadowsky almost exclsuively lately and I don't really found any problem with it.
I'm probably talking obvious things here, but I've almost always played finger style. As such, my four strings always sound much more lively and clearer in the mix than any five string I've owned. Probably operator error but that's just my experience. The last couple of weeks, I've committed to playing my Sadowsky NYC satin VW-5-21 with a slightly palm muted style with a pick. Got my right hand trained and my gosh, the Sadowsky fiver played that way is awesome - sits-in-the-mix nicely with improved note definition without being overly aggressive. Not missing the four stings at all!
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I don't think that sitting-in-the-mix thing is depends on number of strings... Unfortunately I've worked few times with folks who perfectly blurred(?) and castrated my bass' sound during the mixing... I keep try to avoid these things/people since then...
If I'm in the UK and I buy an NYC Sadowsky, I pay 20% VAT plus any duty plus shipping.
In addition, I'm subjected to a fluctuating exchange rate and charges which increase the landed cost further.
If I'm in Australia, I have a similar experience but a GST of 10% instead of 20% VAT.
It's expensive when you compare to the US buyers who live a similar lifestyle with a similar cost of living.
Could be an extra 50% with a bad exchange rate.
The US v Aus rate now is around $1US = $0.70A
Luckily, when I bought one NYC some years ago the rate was approx. 1:1.
I don't know how the Warwick Masterbuilt costs work out yet.
I can only guess that in Australia I'll get the maximum hit again whichever I choose.
In the UK it may be less expensive (note i didn't say 'cheaper') to purchase a German Masterbuilt than the NYC equivalent.
In the US I can't see why you'd buy a German model.
The way things are going, I reckon my 2006 'Lisa Hahn' signed and dated cavity plate will be worth more than a used Fender in a few years.
National treasure. I find Roger signatures are more common!
In addition, I'm subjected to a fluctuating exchange rate and charges which increase the landed cost further.
If I'm in Australia, I have a similar experience but a GST of 10% instead of 20% VAT.
It's expensive when you compare to the US buyers who live a similar lifestyle with a similar cost of living.
Could be an extra 50% with a bad exchange rate.
The US v Aus rate now is around $1US = $0.70A
Luckily, when I bought one NYC some years ago the rate was approx. 1:1.
I don't know how the Warwick Masterbuilt costs work out yet.
I can only guess that in Australia I'll get the maximum hit again whichever I choose.
In the UK it may be less expensive (note i didn't say 'cheaper') to purchase a German Masterbuilt than the NYC equivalent.
In the US I can't see why you'd buy a German model.
The way things are going, I reckon my 2006 'Lisa Hahn' signed and dated cavity plate will be worth more than a used Fender in a few years.
National treasure. I find Roger signatures are more common!
TimothyGroovy
Commercial User
- Aug 3, 2000
- 2,374
- 2,097
- Disclosures
- Owner: Uni•Sound Endorsing Artist: Sadowsky Guitars, Olinto Bass, LaBella Strings
Besides costs and buyer location, options / leadtime is another factors that put into consideration for potential buyer as of the moment, Germany customshop offering some options that NYC don't and have more resources to accommodate different requests, also faster leadtime compared to NYC workshop as well, To me, both workshops put out incredible instruments, totally up to buyer's personal needs and decision.
When I was kid, we couldn't buy ANYTHING from the west side of the world, with or without VAT...
It's up to the world's political and economical leaders, what we have to pay for any purchase. I'm glad about European manufacturing by Warwick - however can't afford neither customshop, not depends on taxes... I think the goal was extending the brand availability for more people around the world, for less tax paying... much respect for this.
It's up to the world's political and economical leaders, what we have to pay for any purchase. I'm glad about European manufacturing by Warwick - however can't afford neither customshop, not depends on taxes... I think the goal was extending the brand availability for more people around the world, for less tax paying... much respect for this.
Sadowsky is a smart guy. His preamp and eq concept is brilliant.
Yes, I agree, but the main thing is always the wood. I occasionally use the pre in active mode, but without bass/tr tweakin, the bass has so much lows and highs, normally I don't feel to increase it.
Except just for boosting a litl bit sometimes, or when using some crap cabinet somewhere. Then it is a big help the preamp abilities..
Also agree here. It's interesting, that for me Sadowsky signature sound was always connected with preamp. But now I see on my basses, that Sadowsky sounds like Sadowsky even in passive mode, interesting.
I've always run my Sadowsky's in passive about 90% of the time. Only when I need to hear myself a little better do I use the Active mode or sometimes if I'm slapping. Occasionally I use active if the sound guy doesn't have enough signal, so I'll give it a little boost but that's really about the only times I use active.
I'm glad you guys are saying this stuff. I was wondering that myself about the preamp. I just got my Sadowsky a few months ago and I find myself running in passive mode when I'm at home practicing. And lately at gigs I've been putting it in active mode but no bass or treble boost. Seems like the mid-range really comes through.
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