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I'll just put this right here..
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I was at the shop earlier today and saw this bass up close.
It’s really beautiful…
I’m actively looking for a Sadowsky Vintiquity J Bass.
Cash on hand.. ready to rumble
THANK YOU!
Cash on hand.. ready to rumble
THANK YOU!
Currently available direct from Sadowsky: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Tonal variation attained through "blend" is the quintessential sign of a superior bass.
That knob covers a lot of rich, fertile ground. Lamatai, tebby chai
What I don't like in Sadowsky discussions ... unlike how much I do enjoy finding other 'Pootie Tang' dames ... is this over-emphasis on the pre-amp.
I know the Japanese made Sadowsky basses are/were phenomenal ... I got my paws on a MIJ Metro recently ... and I bet the Chinese and German Sadowsky are testaments to Roger's QC principles/designs. I'm sure they have that 'Sadowsky sound'. Which is, because of course it is, due in part to the preamp.
But ... can't say this enough ... the level of luthiery and good ol' clean, American, tight work, evident with my NYC basses, when played acoustically, is top-notch. Among the best I've had in my hands. I can hear it and feel it unplugged (the neighbors appreciate it) and it's no wonder that the pre, in my experience, is only a light garnish. I own a few across a 12-year span, and they all have that lively, notes springing off the fretboard sound.
I have two MIJ's and they have been excellent! One has the (2004) typical treble/bass boost.
All solid bodies. I prefer this tone.
The other, a 2009, has the same preamp plus the VTC knob, I use it on one tune.
BTW I usually keep the Pre at -0- Treble/bass
Until the strings go dead the I will boost treble 1/4!
BTW I have owned NYC too, Not a fan of chambered bodies... YMMV
Let the hate begin
All solid bodies. I prefer this tone.
The other, a 2009, has the same preamp plus the VTC knob, I use it on one tune.
BTW I usually keep the Pre at -0- Treble/bass
Until the strings go dead the I will boost treble 1/4!
BTW I have owned NYC too, Not a fan of chambered bodies... YMMV
Let the hate begin
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Interesting point about the chambered bodies. Now that the Warwiskys are chambered it provides a clear point of distinction between the Japanese and German metrolines. So now if you want a solid body you either have to custom order an nyc or get a metro express. I would imagine most buyers would prefer the chambered bodies since they are closer to most nycs, I suppose making them even better value. OTOH like you I prefer solid bodies, although I must confess I have never played a chambered nyc.
Absolutely agree Elmon, the build quality and attention to detail has spoiled all other basses for me. Also important, if a bass sounds good acoustically (unplugged) it’s going to sound great with the preamp on.
I have 3 Custom basses currently (from separate makers) so I think I'm versed in what to focus on...but buying blind could be quite a variable potentially.
I'm also familiar with more prestigious 'names' who work offshore and what you get for the money.
$3k is medium range but hopefully pretty close to full Custom made in U.S and Europe in terms of quality. I would include certain Japanese Custom makers too in that bracket too but you never know until you have them in your hands.
So, good to hear NYC has that bit extra over Japanese builds.
The last NYC I saw up close was an early 90's model.
So still in the market for a Metroline J on price but if i found what I wanted in NYC or Alleva, I'd go to that too.
I'm also familiar with more prestigious 'names' who work offshore and what you get for the money.
$3k is medium range but hopefully pretty close to full Custom made in U.S and Europe in terms of quality. I would include certain Japanese Custom makers too in that bracket too but you never know until you have them in your hands.
So, good to hear NYC has that bit extra over Japanese builds.
The last NYC I saw up close was an early 90's model.
So still in the market for a Metroline J on price but if i found what I wanted in NYC or Alleva, I'd go to that too.
I have the Chinese version and I was hoping it would be good, but the bass is even better than I imagined it would be. The fit and finish is excellent. The B string is as good the ones on any other Sadowsky I have ever played. The control cavity is shielded also. The bass is made of okume and it is 8lbs 10oz, a great weight for a five. It would be nice to have VTC and humcanceling pickups, but It still sounds great. I am going to buy the VTC preamp as soon as I can. I may upgrade the pickups too, but the current single coils sound fine to me.
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Watching your clips … guy with ‘a sound’ … with fairly consistent recording means has been as close to ‘empirical’ as this GAS journey can get.
I need to take the Chinese Skadoozki plunge. That fretless of yours sounds tremendous
It does indeed! That trans black with the quilted top is something else. Really like the matching headstock on this one.
