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Club Sadowsky!!!

There is one thing I was a little disappointed in I must add - the bag that they come with is a tremendous downgrade from what I've normally had with the Japanese Metros, or the NYC Satin models. It's super cheap and doesn't really offer much protection at all. Which is kinda ridiculous considering this bass costs over 4 grand. I would not want to drop any bass I owned while it was in this bag...I won't be using this bag to take my bass to gigs, and will be upgrading it ASAP. But the bass itself is pure freakin magic.

FYI, the very heavy duty Sadowsky-branded bag that came with my NYC Deluxe Satin appears to be comparable to this Access Stage Five bag. ACCESS Stage Five Electric Bass Bag - the Ultimate Hybrid Bag for your Bass
 
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Holy crap! :eek: The “sale” price is as much as an entry-level bass! You’re right, it does look identical to the Sadowsky case though. Glad a couple of my TYOs came with their own Porta-Bags.

Yeah, it's expensive, but if you're buying a bass that costs over 4 grand, that should be the level of quality you get in the bag that comes with it... imho.
 
Just FYI... took my German Modern 5 to band rehearsal tonight.

It absolutely SLAYED! Amazing sound. The low B was monstrous compared to any other bass I've used. Playability was amazing - the bass almost plays itself. The thinner, roasted maple neck feels so great and doesn't cause my tendonitis to flare up.

This German model sounds more like the original Sadowsky Modern basses that had the EMG pickups. Well, at least to me it does. The last Modern I had didn't have that buttery, sweet, punchy tone that they are famous for. This one has it in spades. Initially I was thinking about putting Nordstrand FatStacks into it like I did my previous Sadowsky modern. But I'm thinking twice now. These pickups are killers and I'm loving the tone.

I've been on a bass buying binge lately, but I'm about to put some stuff up for sale I believe, because I've found a keeper in this instrument.
 
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That's super helpful, @TimothyGroovy . Thanks for that. By the way, did you ever sell the sparkle 5'er with the LEDs?

yes, I believe the bass sold another few times after I sold it and its now belonged to one of my bass buddies in the States.
 
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Yeah, it's expensive, but if you're buying a bass that costs over 4 grand, that should be the level of quality you get in the bag that comes with it... imho.
Yes indeed, similar to the automotive principle that a luxury car calls for premium gas. Speaking of GAS, were I to purchase $400+ cases for all my basses, it would seriously cramp my style! :laugh:
 
Yes indeed, similar to the automotive principle that a luxury car calls for premium gas. Speaking of GAS, were I to purchase $400+ cases for all my basses, it would seriously cramp my style! :laugh:

I didn't say that I should spend an additional $400 bucks for the bag. I said that if I'm purchasing an expensive, high quality bass, then the bag that comes with it should be of the same high quality standards.

And some cars actually do run better on premium fuel - depends on the make and the engine.
 
Mine also , I forgot to check the box for the upgrade [ 100.00 ] to the Sadowsky case, no big deal.
I have a Mono Vertigo, which to me is the finest case out there.

I also have a Gator double if need be.

I have yet to take my NYC out of the house, and if I do, the MONO will be up for the challenge.
 
The Protec bags are great! I got mine years ago from a post in the TB hot deals when they were going for $75. I also really like my Sadowsky Portabag (made by Access) - lots of storage and built like a tank, but definitely the heaviest of any gig bag I've had.

I don't use the Protec or Sadowsky bags much anymore as I'm typically carrying two basses so I have a backup. I've had the Mono M80 dual bag that I use 99% of the time since March 2011 and though it's showing some age nowadays (including a rip at one of the seams that happened last year - Mono said was not covered under their warranty), it has held up great for over 10 years. That Mono bag has had its fair share of rides in trailers, under busses, in truck beds, etc. and has been a very impressive piece of gear. My only complaint if I had one would be wishing it had a bit more storage space.
 
The Portabag is easily my favorite for durability/protection, and it has nice storage. I have a Reunion Blues Continental that seems to be as good, but it's the "longneck" shape rather than teardrop, so the case warps when opened: not a major problem, but it is awkward. The RB has far less storage space than the Portabag.

Protec Contego is next on my list. It also has the Martin Keith seal of approval, thanks to my suggestion. :cool: Not as sturdy or padded as the Portabag, but also a lot less expensive, and as someone mentioned it's lighter weight and less bulky.

The Mono M80 gets raves... maybe I got a bad one, because I found it to be a spendy bag that was not remotely as good as the Portabag. Seemed OK at first, but eventually became floppy, so I'd rate it lower than the Contego. Also the velcro on the neck tie-down ("headlock") became useless pretty quickly. Not sure if it's still being made, Sweetwater doesn't carry it.

I haven't tried other Mono bags, or many others aside from what I mentioned above.
 

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