Club Sadowsky!!!

[scubaduba]

Yeah the I Tone control is the best feature ever for a bass guitar. I won’t have a bass without one now.

Bart, Nordstrand, John East, Pope and others offer a passive tone control but I was specifically referring to the Sadowsky implementation. From my perspective, how it responds is unique.

 

[Saluki]

Yeah the I Tone control is the best feature ever for a bass guitar. I won’t have a bass without one now.

All mine have them. Lakland, MTD, Alleva, Skjold and Sadowsky.

 

[Bassworship1]

Bart, Nordstrand, John East, Pope and others offer a passive tone control but I was specifically referring to the Sadowsky implementation. From my perspective, how it responds is unique.

I knew that’s what you meant. I’ve played Sadowsky and others. I like them all.

 

[Kevan Campbell]

The raw feel of the Metroline is pretty cool. Sort of reminds me of a Warwick in a way. The Masterbuilt with gloss finish is what you would expect if you have experience with gloss finished Sadowsky's.

I just left The Guitar Sanctuary in McKinney (a suburb of Dallas, TX) and was able to play one of these German Metros in “whaleburst” (I guess that’s what it’s called) and REALLY dug the raw feel that you’re talking about! I’d love to get that on an NYC Custom but I’m a bit hesitant to ask Roger as I think I’m already pushing my luck with some of the crazy ideas I’ve asked of him that he and his crew have brought to life so well.

 

[Vic]

I just left The Guitar Sanctuary in McKinney (a suburb of Dallas, TX) and was able to play one of these German Metros in “whaleburst” (I guess that’s what it’s called) and REALLY dug the raw feel that you’re talking about! I’d love to get that on an NYC Custom but I’m a bit hesitant to ask Roger as I think I’m already pushing my luck with some of the crazy ideas I’ve asked of him that he and his crew have brought to life so well.

Given we're talking about a Custom...
If you're talking about a satin finish on the body, Roger already offers that. And if you're talking about a oil vs gloss nitro finish on the neck, I'm pretty sure he already offers that, too. Or, are you talking about something else?

 

[scubaduba]

The German LTD Metrolines are unlike the NYC Satins.

 

[ShawnG]

True that! I veered into the Lakland camp for several years, and as far as 3-band preamps go, I find the John East and Xotic circuits - which also use a passive tone control - to be quite good. But the Sadowsky is a whole 'nother thing - and it's that preamp circuit that pulled me back into the fold.

Bart, Nordstrand, John East, Pope and others offer a passive tone control but I was specifically referring to the Sadowsky implementation. From my perspective, how it responds is unique.

For those that have tried John East and Sadowsky pre-amps, could you compare and contrast. I’ve got a John East 4-knob Uni-Pre in a box awaiting install. I love the Sadowsky pre, the John East looks to be great, with more tone-shaping options available. Any comparison between the two. Thoughts re: John East Retro vs. flat voicing in comparison to the Sadowsky?
Thx!

 

[Vic]

For those that have tried John East and Sadowsky pre-amps, could you compare and contrast. I’ve got a John East 4-knob Uni-Pre in a box awaiting install. I love the Sadowsky pre, the John East looks to be great, with more tone-shaping options available. Any comparison between the two. Thoughts re: John East Retro vs. flat voicing in comparison to the Sadowsky?
Thx!

I don't know how helpful this will be, but the best way I can describe it is the Sadowsky preamp is one of the best on the market for providing a strong defining classic tone, whereas the East is more of a modern/hifi tone. I love the East preamp for what it is, and would never consider changing it out on the bass I have it on, but on a Fender inspired instrument, between these two, I'd take the Sadowsky.

IMHO/IME of course

 

[ShawnG]

I don't know how helpful this will be, but the best way I can describe it is the Sadowsky preamp is one of the best on the market for providing a strong defining classic tone, whereas the East is more of a modern/hifi tone. I love the East preamp for what it is, and would never consider changing it out on the bass I have it on, but on a Fender inspired instrument, between these two, I'd take the Sadowsky.

IMHO/IME of course

Thx, Vic. The Uni-Pre i have is for an MTD Kingston Heir (J/MM), so it sounds like it should be a good fit.
My Sadowsky is a forever instrument, so it’s not going anywhere. Love that bass, sounds perfect every time I plug it in.

 

[scubaduba]

I don't know how helpful this will be, but the best way I can describe it is the Sadowsky preamp is one of the best on the market for providing a strong defining classic tone, whereas the East is more of a modern/hifi tone. I love the East preamp for what it is, and would never consider changing it out on the bass I have it on, but on a Fender inspired instrument, between these two, I'd take the Sadowsky.

IMHO/IME of course

+1 to this.

 

[number six]

This. About the only thing I do with the preamp is bump the bass a touch when favoring/soloing the bridge. That's pretty much it. I was considering getting the mid module added to my new build, but then I thought... why... I'll never use it.

I've seen a lot of posts about this over the years.
Very common to see the treble unused and bass +10% on occasion.
And VTC a lot (except for those who use the VTC down and treble up).
Hearing Roger explain about why the preamp is 'gain-only' is also worthwhile.

 

[Kevan Campbell]

Given we're talking about a Custom...
If you're talking about a satin finish on the body, Roger already offers that. And if you're talking about a oil vs gloss nitro finish on the neck, I'm pretty sure he already offers that, too. Or, are you talking about something else?

Something about the German Metro’s “raw” finish feels different than the satin finishes I’ve felt on other Sadowsky basses, but I’ve only played the Verdine White models with a satin finish so I don’t have a ton of experience with satin-finished basses yet.

I can’t quite put my finger on what it is though.

 

[Vic]

Something about the German Metro’s “raw” finish feels different than the satin finishes I’ve felt on other Sadowsky basses, but I’ve only played the Verdine White models with a satin finish so I don’t have a ton of experience with satin-finished basses yet.

I can’t quite put my finger on what it is though.

OH... they have that open grain texture thing going on, right? A lot of Warwicks have those... yeah, if that's what you're talking about, Roger doesn't have that.

 

[Kevan Campbell]

OH... they have that open grain texture thing going on, right? A lot of Warwicks have those... yeah, if that's what you're talking about, Roger doesn't have that.

I’m not sure if it’s what Warwicks generally have, it’s been quite a while since I played any Warwicks other than my Star Bass II and that has a very glossy finish.

The best way I could describe it would be to compare it to the Gibson Les Paul Standard Faded model that was released back in 2005. This had a VERY different feel and vibe than the typical glossy-nitro coated Gibson Les Paul Standards, but not so much that I’d say one was better than the other (just different).

 

[Vic]

I’m not sure if it’s what Warwicks generally have, it’s been quite a while since I played any Warwicks other than my Star Bass II and that has a very glossy finish.

The best way I could describe it would be to compare it to the Gibson Les Paul Standard Faded model that was released back in 2005. This had a VERY different feel and vibe than the typical glossy-nitro coated Gibson Les Paul Standards, but not so much that I’d say one was better than the other (just different).

Sounds cool... I hope to check one out someday... that'd be a new thing to me.

 

[The_Owl]

OK. Here's some pics. The neck is noticeably flatter/thinner top to bottom than my 2021 Modern. This one weighs 8 lbs too.

Jason at Fretnation shipped super fast. Came from California to Michigan already.

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I should've bought one of those when I had the chance. Instead, I went on a wild goose chase, losing about $1000 in the process...

Sigh...misfortune is the story of my life. Now that I see in "in person", it looks even better than expected. How does it sound, any clips? Congrats on the bass, BTW.

 

[The_Owl]

New Bass Day. This is #19 / 100.
When I love something, I usually love two of them with slightly different flavor. Sold my 4003W to help with this purchase.

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Sounds amazing, the craftsmanship is what you'd expect, I like the ebony more than I expected, love the walnut top and finish...but it is really humming in active mode. The VTC turns the hum up and down (or completely off, passive), so I need the shop to look at it. I don't really know electronics at all. I'm hoping it is a simple ground or something, because I really like this!

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Oh, and obligatory family shot.

This one is definitely on my "to try" list. Can we hear how it sounds anywhere?

 

[JoshS]

This one is definitely on my "to try" list. Can we hear how it sounds anywhere?

I had wanted to A/B it with my Ash/Maple, and will one day, but this is a much better vid than I could do!

Sadowsky Releases MetroLine and MasterBuilt Limited Edition 2021 Basses

 

[gustobassman]

Got the new USA Ultralites installed on the Verdine 5 today! Tomorrow I throw on a new set of the light gauge Blue Label Flats. Actually looking forward to a Monday for once, lol.

Thanks @Sadowsky for shipping so quickly!

 

[DJDanny]

My setup on Sunday. Really enjoyed it!!