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Where can I get a spare pickguard suitable for the RSD line? I would like to have a spare one, in case I got (ok, I WILL) bored with tort... 
I guess I do…I own two Moderns, a NYC fretless and a Japanese Metroline fretted. But, to be clear, I’ve always been a bit bothered by the whole “FSO” concept. It’s a traditional shape for our particular instrument and has become a standard to a certain degree. Do we call a violin a “Stradivarius-shaped object’ or a piano a “Steinway-shaped object”? To me, “FSO” just refers to an industry standard that has become the preferred design of what a large majority of us players tend to gravitate towards…either for traditional or ergonomic (or other) reasons. Leon was an innovator, and, for better or worse, influenced the stringed instrument market more than even he might have imagined.
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Where can I get a spare pickguard suitable for the RSD line? I would like to have a spare one, in case I got (ok, I WILL) bored with tort...
I just had Pickguard Planet (Chandler Music), make me one for my Metroline PJ5. They did a great job…but I did send them the original to make sure it was a good fit. The one they made was spot-on perfect. Very satisfied with their product.
Where can I get a spare pickguard suitable for the RSD line? I would like to have a spare one, in case I got (ok, I WILL) bored with tort...
The distinction here is the "S" in FSO. Stradivarius and Steinway instruments didn't look radically different from their predecessors. Leo Fender's distinctive futuristic design of electric solidbody instruments became wildly popular and immediately recognizable. It's stood the test of time so well that yes, it's become traditional, but it began with Fender and he deserves credit. I'm sure you've heard that "Fender bass" became the default term for electric bass regardless of manufacturer. Where this really mattered is that many recording studio producers/engineers were so accustomed to the Fender sound that they didn't like to work with anything else. Part of the Sadowsky appeal was that studio bassists could get superior build quality in FSO form: no pushback from studio crew who would recoil from non-FSO boutiques such as Alembic.
As for the Modern.... it's the most FSO of any 24-fretter I've seen.
- Apr 3, 2003
- 35,516
- 19,947
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- Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
I was blessed to acquire this bit of bass history a little while back, and just now getting around to posting pics (taken by the prior owner). This bass still plays and sounds amazing. It currently has flats on it, and I am normally a SS round kinda guy, but even as is, I'm loving it!
One of the most beautiful basses ever!
I was blessed to acquire this bit of bass history a little while back, and just now getting around to posting pics (taken by the prior owner). This bass still plays and sounds amazing. It currently has flats on it, and I am normally a SS round kinda guy, but even as is, I'm loving it!
That’s a great bass, Tom. I remember seeing it on the back of Bass Player (or Guitar Player) way back when.
Your post got me thinking about the early Sadowskys and how you don’t see them come up around here very often.
I think your #461 is from 1988. I got my #577 new in August of 1989 and had it refinished about 12 years ago.
Anyone else have an older Sadowsky to show off? The “vintage” ones look just as good as today’s models and it’s always nice to see some Sadowsky history.
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I was blessed to acquire this bit of bass history a little while back, and just now getting around to posting pics (taken by the prior owner). This bass still plays and sounds amazing. It currently has flats on it, and I am normally a SS round kinda guy, but even as is, I'm loving it!
That is one seriously gorgeous piece of ash... How much does she weigh?
- Apr 3, 2003
- 35,516
- 19,947
- Disclosures
- Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
that bass is too light for you! givittamee!! lol
- Apr 3, 2003
- 35,516
- 19,947
- Disclosures
- Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
I used them too and it was a perfect fit. I did a tracing with a drafting pencil.
8 lbs. of unchambered Sadowsky ash? Home Run!
How is the NYC Sadowsky 20-fret 'Vintage' 5-string model different from a non-vintage Sadowsky other than 20 frets versus "more frets?" It also looks like the end of the fingerboard is rounded instead of flat.'
Do the Vintage models have a different shaped larger / standard sized body? Do you guys think the voice and tone is any different from a standard NYC? I am considering 8969!
Do the Vintage models have a different shaped larger / standard sized body? Do you guys think the voice and tone is any different from a standard NYC? I am considering 8969!
Vintage has the pick guard and control plate but the same undersized body. Ultra vintage has the full size body.How is the NYC Sadowsky 20-fret 'Vintage' 5-string model different from a non-vintage Sadowsky other than 20 frets versus "more frets?" It also looks like the end of the fingerboard is rounded instead of flat.'
Do the Vintage models have a different shaped larger / standard sized body? Do you guys think the voice and tone is any different from a standard NYC? I am considering 8969!
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That’s a nice bass! Looks to me like an Ultra Vintage(?)
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You're right. it is an Ultra Vintage. The website says Vintage. But the 20-fret is indeed the Ultra Vintage.
How is the NYC Sadowsky 20-fret 'Vintage' 5-string model different from a non-vintage Sadowsky other than 20 frets versus "more frets?" It also looks like the end of the fingerboard is rounded instead of flat.'
Do the Vintage models have a different shaped larger / standard sized body? Do you guys think the voice and tone is any different from a standard NYC? I am considering 8969!
View attachment 4791615
Not an NYC, but I have a Metro Japan Ultra Vintage 5, 70s pickup location, and it’s a completely different voice, tone and vibe to my MS4. The body is standard size, and yes the end of the neck and fingerboard is rounded like a traditional Fender.
