Not really. He's just using a capacitor like every tone control out there. In fact, I don't like the stock capacitor on the Sadowsky, which I believe is .047 or .05, and change it to my preference.
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you're both right. lol
I think the main point is, without that VTC, you really lack some of the magic of the total solution... and even if that VTC is not specifically tuned to a Sadowsky in particular, I still think it's safe to say it's definitely more closely coupled to the instrument end of things, which I think is best.
Absolutely. If I have a choice to have a VTC or not, I'd choose to have one every time. It's especially important as I tend to play in passive mode a lot with my Sadowsky. I know I'm in the very small minority but, while I think the Sadowsky pre is fine, it's not my favorite by a long shot.
One of the beautiful things about the bass community is our willingness to try everything and accept each other’s subjective tastes.
Personally, on my Satin Vintage 5-21, I dime my volume and VTC and get JUST enough flavor from the preamp alone in the circuit, with both bass and treble set to zero. Sounds great passive as well, but just having the preamp on gives that little extra.
On my M5-24, I dime volume and VTC and boost the treble about 33% and the bass about 10% - or not at all, depending on the room, but most of (95%) of my EQ preference comes from amp EQ and/or tweeter adjustments on my cab.
I’m mostly a set-it-and-forget-it kind of guy.
Joeykun
pronounced ジョーイくん
- Jun 22, 2007
- 4,200
- 16,150
- Disclosures
- Endorsing: LAKLAND SADOWSKY GENZLER DARKGLASS NORDSTRAND TEMPLEBOARD KIRLIN DRSTRINGS ACCESS
Don’t worry….It’s not happening!
Don’t worry….It’s not happening!
I can relate to this sentiment in general. Nothing gives me more pleasure and musical inspiration than playing my NYC 4, but for practical reasons, 95% of the time, the 5ers get the gigs.
Amen, brother.
I guess I’ve been using 5 string basses since 1989 or so. Been through so many of them I’ve lost count. The closest I ever had to feeling “right” was a Fender Marcus Miller V; which had other issues - notably the preamp was pathetic and Roger was in between offering the preamp for sale at that time.
Anyhow, it always seems like it is the most innocent tune on the playlist that makes me need the 5. Most recently, that was “Stuck in the Middle” transposed down a step. The HipShot on the 4 has all the notes; but, I just can’t phrase them the way I need, due to the fingering on that tune. Very frustrating.
My NYC 4 is one of the most fantastic bass guitars I’ve ever played. But, try as I have, I just can’t get with the way the 19mm bridge spacing on Roger’s 5’s causes the neck taper to feel like a truck at the neck joint. Sigh.
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One that gets me is Aretha's "Respect"; my "mini big band" plays it a full step down, so the verse bounces between F and Eb. I'd hate to play that on a 4, Hipshot or not. (FWIW Hipshots are great devices, had 'em on all my fours... but I no longer own any fours.
)
+1One that gets me is Aretha's "Respect"; my "mini big band" plays it a full step down, so the verse bounces between F and Eb. I'd hate to play that on a 4, Hipshot or not. (FWIW Hipshots are great devices, had 'em on all my fours... but I no longer own any fours.
The Motown tunes are another made difficult / impossible on the dropped D, due to Jamerson’s signature root-lower fifth toggle. Ran into that one trying to play Can’t Hurry Love in G. Same deal, notes are all there, but the fingering disallows the correct feel.
Of course, one can always just change the line; but, I’ve become more reticent towards doing that with parts that even the audience recognizes.
Tewbs + Sadowsky + Berg = sonic earball bliss
A little pre-gig photo from Gilley’s in Durant, OK last night.
A little pre-gig photo from Gilley’s in Durant, OK last night.
Just lookin at that stage let me know you had some good fun last night. This thing of ours will keep us young and happy till the end. Gotta love it.
I received a few late 2021 MetroLines in December. I am 100% pleased with the improvements and the overall
quality.
I have since given the OK for using the Super J on Masterbuilt and CustomShop basses.
"All constants are variable"
It does do all coils as well. Huge tone from that setting!
I made NYC basses for many years without the VTC. The MetroExpress is an entry level bass. Please do not expect it to be something it is not.
Took the words right outta my mouth.
I did some quick-and-dirty photoshopping and lined up a Super P/J over top of a 5-24, making sure that the bridge and the frets were matched. Although it isn't perfect, this answers my question for me. Red (M24) and green (Super P/J) lines added to enhance the pickup shells.
Looks like the bridge pickup on the modern is lined up along the back edge, with the pole pieces for the 70's position of the Super J centered perfectly where the Modern 5-24 bridge pickup is placed, however, the rest of the alignment simply wouldn't work.
Oh, well - just means I'll have to order another bass.
...and the Super P? Still available only on NYC basses?I have since given the OK for using the Super J on Masterbuilt and CustomShop basses.
"All constants are variable"
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Nice! Would love to plug in and lean into that beast.
