Club Sadowsky!!!

[Tim1]

Thought my wl4 was just missing a little focus, for want of a better word. Battery was reading 8.8 volts which I assumed should be fine, but since I had the back plate screws off I replaced it anyway. New battery read 9,57 volts. Anyway, might be my imagination but the magic returned. Supposing it wasn't all in my head (and it could be), does anyone know how low a battery can go before it makes a noticeable difference to the preamp.

 

[rmayer]

Just purchased this gem from projectapollo and waiting for it to arrive. Has a Drop D tuner (not a fan). Are the standard tuners available from Sadowsky or does anyone know if "the man" uses 3/8" or 1/2 " Hipshot Ultralites?

 

[HeavyJazz]

View attachment 4552323 Just purchased this gem from projectapollo and waiting for it to arrive. Has a Drop D tuner (not a fan). Are the standard tuners available from Sadowsky or does anyone know if "the man" uses 3/8" or 1/2 " Hipshot Ultralites?

One guy's opinion... Keep the drop tuner. It comes to no harm and you may be surprised how often you wind up using it.

 

[Joeykun]

View attachment 4552323 Just purchased this gem from projectapollo and waiting for it to arrive. Has a Drop D tuner (not a fan). Are the standard tuners available from Sadowsky or does anyone know if "the man" uses 3/8" or 1/2 " Hipshot Ultralites?

1/2” Hipshot Ultralites. However, keep the D-Tuner! I have been using them since the mid 80’s. A very useful tool to extend the range of your 4 banger!!

 

[rmayer]

1/2” Hipshot Ultralites. However, keep the D-Tuner! I have been using them since the mid 80’s. A very useful tool to extend the range of your 4 banger!!

Thanks for the info. I intend to keep the D-Tuner.

 

[mmbass21]

Thanks for the info. I intend to keep the D-Tuner.

I don't know what you call it but you need a different nut that screws around the post. Sadowsky headstocks are thicker than a standard Fender. When I ordered a D tuner from hipshot I specified it in the order and they included the right piece. I'd assume you have to do the same for a standard tuner as well.

 

[baddarryl]

Just added this beauty yesterday! '09 MV4!

 

[Kai Sanchez]

Thought my wl4 was just missing a little focus, for want of a better word. Battery was reading 8.8 volts which I assumed should be fine, but since I had the back plate screws off I replaced it anyway. New battery read 9,57 volts. Anyway, might be my imagination but the magic returned. Supposing it wasn't all in my head (and it could be), does anyone know how low a battery can go before it makes a noticeable difference to the preamp.

Bottom right says to change the battery when it gets to 7 volts.
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[Thummel]

Thanks Fuzz!

 

[Geri O]

I guess it's not "official" until it's at the house, but this is "out for delivery" today. It's been a while since I was in the club. I had an RV4 a long time ago that was the best jazz I have owned. Hoping this will be as good.
Sadowsky MetroExpress 5 String Sage Green Made in Japan

View attachment 4551954

I'm sure you'd post about its delivery, but I can't help myself...

Did it arrive yet?

 

[SteveC]

It did arrive. I’m not going to open it up till tomorrow morning. It’s been a long week, I’m tired and I don’t want to be up late. It’s my tomorrow project.

 

[Geri O]

It did arrive. I’m not going to open it up till tomorrow morning. It’s been a long week, I’m tired and I don’t want to be up late. It’s my tomorrow project.

Understand. Good idea.

Cheers….

 

[Tim1]

Bottom right says to change the battery when it gets to 7 volts.
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Thanks. Must have been in my head

 

[bucephylus]

1/2” Hipshot Ultralites. However, keep the D-Tuner! I have been using them since the mid 80’s. A very useful tool to extend the range of your 4 banger!!

+1

Roger & crew do an excellent job fitting their HipShot Detuners. They have better recovery performance than most of my other basses, similarly fitted. Using them does require learning some alternate fingerings; but, the timbre of the dropped string is outstanding and better than the stopped equivalent on the B of a 5; IME. The problem is that some transposed classic tunes can result in awkward to impossible fingerings. Also, ratcheting the tuning does kill the E string a little sooner. No free lunch. Still worth the effort.

 

[SteveC]

It is out of the box. Beautiful bass. I like that the string spacing and scale length is the same as my P. My other 5 is 18.3mm an 35” scale. I didn’t think I’d notice a difference that much but there is a slight difference.

Going to restring it with some Sadowsky Blue SS stings. A donation from a friend. So far so good. Going to bring it to church tomorrow and give it a go.

 

[rmayer]

Thanks for the info. I intend to keep the D-Tuner.

Edit: Actually I meant to say I intend to not sell the D-Tuner, because it's standard on a WL bass. It's definitely coming off the bass as soon as I can get a standard tuner. I have never liked/used the drop D tuning and find the alternate finger positions confusing. And I'm naturally confused enough to begin with, so I don't need another challenge thank you.
Thanks to all for your replies.

 

[rmayer]

+1

Roger & crew do an excellent job fitting their HipShot Detuners. They have better recovery performance than most of my other basses, similarly fitted. Using them does require learning some alternate fingerings; but, the timbre of the dropped string is outstanding and better than the stopped equivalent on the B of a 5; IME. The problem is that some transposed classic tunes can result in awkward to impossible fingerings. Also, ratcheting the tuning does kill the E string a little sooner. No free lunch. Still worth the effort.

I agree, if it's on a Sadowsky, it's the best hardware you can find, and their setup is tops. The transposing of notes always drove me nuts.

 

[Joeykun]

I have replacement arms for my D-Tuner I use it so much. All it takes is a little practice and they are awesome. I switch between 5 strings, 4 strings and D-tuners with ease. Practice makes perfect. Accept the challenge!!!

 

[tombowlus]

I have replacement arms for my D-Tuner I use it so much. All it takes is a little practice and they are awesome. I switch between 5 strings, 4 strings and D-tuners with ease. Practice makes perfect. Accept the challenge!!!

I went from playing nothing but 5-string basses to mostly 4's with a D-tuner. I just love 'em!

 

[Clark Westfield]

When the song needs the low note, I love having it handy.

Had my Satin built with it from the NYC shop.