imho Roger ALWAYS gives good advice on custom configs.
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I’ve heard the same…imho Roger ALWAYS gives good advice on custom configs.
Fingers crossed that the reason I received no input on my build is because he is excited about it!
I will say I had to email or call 5-6 times since May just to get a photo of how the finish turned out. I know they are busy, but with the way everyone talks about their customer service, I expected better. Not to mention my build will be at 16 months by the time it’s ready, which is fine but I would have hoped for better communication as to the timeline.
Warwick is really pushing these J/MM models. I think they are cool, but I think J-style and PJ basses will continue to be Sadowsky’s bread and butter.
Reminds me of a Lakland design.
Of course, different pre and PU.
Of course, different pre and PU.
Sorry, just not a Sadowsky to me. Guess I'm a Luddite.
The MM style basses Roger Sadowsky ever made were one offs. He said Music Man produced high quality instruments and there was not the same sort of demand for enhanced Stingrays that there was enhanced Fender style basses. One thing that makes absolutely no sense to me is that the J/MM fives have 18mm spacing at the bridge, only .5mm wider than a Stingray 5. The 19mm spacing is one of the best things about Sadowsky basses.
yeah, but the 19mm is for the "Fender-ish" crowd who would expect that for a similar feel. I imagine he split that difference for the people who had familiarity with the MM basses and would appreciate at least some similar feel.
I can see that, but I doubt if Music Man fans are going to spend $5K for one of these basses. I think the more likely market is people who like Stingray sound but don’t like feel of Stingrays. Those folks would probably like 19mm spacing,
maybe, but don't forget about the BFR fans and such. i wouldn't necessarily assume some of the biggest fans would be afraid of that money.
actually, it's not even that straightforward. older jazz basses were closer to 20mm, and the new jazz v's and 4's using the newer himass bridge are both 19mm (.75"), and maybe some of the deluxe bridges, but yeah i know there are some 18mm 5's. just don't recall exactly which. my main point is, i feel most fender-ish players generally look for 19mm spacing most of the time.
Not to derail the dedicated Sadowsky thread, but I think it’s interesting to note that at one point Sterling Ball got so tired of people making comments about the tight spacing on an SR5 that he offered to do a special run of them with 19mm spacing.
I don’t remember the exact details (if anyone remembers specifics, please correct me), but he would only do it if he could break even on the costs associated with it (having new bridges created, CNC design, prototype costs, etc.), so there would only be one color/fingerboard option and a minimum number (200, maybe?) would have to be ordered.
Anyway, he was unable to get enough people to commit, so it never happened.
Just thought I’d share that because I found it interesting. Now back to our regularly scheduled programming…
I don’t remember the exact details (if anyone remembers specifics, please correct me), but he would only do it if he could break even on the costs associated with it (having new bridges created, CNC design, prototype costs, etc.), so there would only be one color/fingerboard option and a minimum number (200, maybe?) would have to be ordered.
Anyway, he was unable to get enough people to commit, so it never happened.
Just thought I’d share that because I found it interesting. Now back to our regularly scheduled programming…
I don't believe the recent Deluxe or Elite Fender 5's have 19mm bridges, not sure about the Ultra. the two Elite's I own are definitely around 18.5mm or slightly narrower. It's a small difference but certainly noticable when I pick up my Sadowsky or Foderas right after playing my Fenders.
I was there - one of the seven who actually put up a deposit. Have since moved on. There was lot of attitude and agita in the air, and I think the pre-order window was artificially tight so that certain "told-you-so" positions could be maintained, but it was spot-on of Sterling Ball to offer an opportunity based on folks backing their yack with a dollar sack, so as for EBBM not to lose on this.
It was a put or shut up offer designed to fail. Too many people make necks with profiles I like to lose sleep over EBMM. That said, I have never had a problem playing SR5 necks. I have one right now that is a joy to play.
Leo, Roger, Sterling, and Ernie … best bass I’ve laid my hands on.
To be precise, I believe the stock bridge is 18.3mm (where they got that from is unknown). The replacement HipShot bridge is 18mm.
IMHO, 18mm keeps the neck taper reasonable, while having plenty of right hand access. YMMV. At least my Fender 5’s have Roger’s preamp in them. Wouldn’t have it any other way. I would prefer Roger made 18mm neck tapers, but understand and respect his decision.
