The NYC's tend to be lighter though, right? Can the metros be as light as the NYC's?
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The NYC's tend to be lighter though, right? Can the metros be as light as the NYC's?
From the Sadowsky web site:
"You can expect the Metro basses to average about 1 to 1.5 pounds heavier than NYC basses. Typical weight of a Metro is between 9-10 lbs."
The answer to this, "it depends" Wood varies from one piece to another. Generally, you are right though. But, sometimes you will fine a rarity. I had a Metro 24-5 that was just as light as my current NYC 24-5. So, you never know.
I wish I could play it too, but since it's in California and I'm in Ohio, that would be a long drive just to try it out.Honestly, I think my biggest fear is that it won't be that much better than my Fender and I'll have spent all that money for nothing.
When I bought my MS5 I had never played or seen one (except on tv). You're right, it is a lot of money to dish out w/o knowing what you'll get. Before I made my purchase I went to all of the local music stores and played probably every Fender within 50 miles. I tried the MIM's all the way up to the custom shop jazz but I didn't feel I was getting the bang for my buck. Actually I was a little disappointed at the "higher end" Fenders, not a whole lot of difference than the stds. Anyway, long story long, I got my Sad and I was blown away. I don't regret buying at all. Also if you are wondering what it really sounds like, go to youtube and look up the video of Tal Wilkenfeld playing with Jeff Beck. IMO, that video captures the tone almost perfectly. I don't know what all she is running but I can get really close to that sound just plugging in to my Ashdown, which btw is an excellent match w/ my Sad. Now when I watch American Idol and it shows Rickey M. w/ his red Sad, I nudge my wife and say "look, he's playing a Sadowsky. You now who else plays a Sadowsky? That'd be me!" After the 17th time, she gets kinda tired of it....but I still do it anyway.
Yes! All you have to do is ask about weight before you purchase. While I agree that many Metros are heavier than the NYC it is possible to get a light one if you look for one. I have had them under 8 lbs if you can believe it. I don't usually buy them if they are over 9 lbs. My current favorite is about 9 lbs and I beleive the weight os a good thing on this one...Just look around and you will find one you love at a weight you can handle...
Peace,
T
Thanks for being the voice of reason. You're probably right. I need to quit being blinded by color and be reasonable.
+1 in a BIG way, especially with the voicing of the Sadowsky electronics.
+2
This whole movement to use light weight ash for bass bodies is unfortunate. I've yet to hear one that sounds good. It's like playing a sponge with strings.
HI
I disagree. So does Roger Sadowsky. Many of my basses have been lightweight ash. All sounded amazing. My best sounding bass, right now, is 7.35lbs. Bandmates and soundmen always comment on it.
Rob
I disagree. So does Roger Sadowsky. Many of my basses have been lightweight ash. All sounded amazing. My best sounding bass, right now, is 7.35lbs. Bandmates and soundmen always comment on it.
Rob
And... it doesn't have to be a 12 pound boat anchor either. I look for that 8.5 ot 9.5 pound 'sweet spot' of enough mass and density to give you that nice 'bounce' to the notes (the opposite of Andy's 'sponge with strings' comment), but not so heavy as to be uncomfortable on the gig, or having so much bounce and fundamental that things can start sounding a bit harsh and even compressed.
I should've added IMO.....and, in full disclosure, even though I've played a lot of basses with light weight swamp ash bodies, I've not played a Sadowsky with one.....that's certainly important to write here.
What doesn't work for me has worked for others for sure. I just sold an incredible six string that had a lighter ash body (the bass was already built). It's not why I sold it but I never got along with how the strings reacted. I always felt the tone was too soft and everyone else that I played with said the same thing.....the guy who bought the bass thinks it's perfect so there you go.
Different strokes for different folks. I REALLY dislike those lightweight as Sadowsky J models. The lightweight ash Moderns sound OK to me (I think the pickup placement helps there).
Another + here
There seems to be this movement right now that people think the bass cannot weigh more than 8.5lbs or they do not want it.
First, let your ears do the deciding. I am not as young as I used to be and my back is definitely not as young as it used to be. But, I use a good strap and have never had any issues with any of my basses. I had a Smith that was over 10lbs..no problems. My Alembic is over 10lbs..no problems. My Sadowsky's are all in the 8-9lb range. Yes, they are lighter but I don't really notice the difference in a 3 hour gig.
HI
Didnt say it had to be less than 8lbs. Im saying that a bass with an ash body doesnt have to be heavy to sound slammin'. In fact, 3 out of 4 of mine are right around 8.5lbs. The only real light one is my 24/4. Funny thing is, thats the one that gets the "OMG" comments. Soundmen especially comment to me about it. The other three sound great too.
Rob
Didnt say it had to be less than 8lbs. Im saying that a bass with an ash body doesnt have to be heavy to sound slammin'. In fact, 3 out of 4 of mine are right around 8.5lbs. The only real light one is my 24/4. Funny thing is, thats the one that gets the "OMG" comments. Soundmen especially comment to me about it. The other three sound great too.
Rob
Rob, I'm not here to ruffle your feathers man. I just happened to be browsing and saw someone comment on something that I agreed with. Honestly, I just had this discussion with a well respected luthier recently. We both were of the opinion that the ligher weight basses just don't do it for us personally. Honestly, I really wish that they did. I have a bad back from a car accident from many years ago and if I have a bass that is too heavy and isn't built to balance correctly then I can't sleep at night, literally. Anyhow, I really am glad that you've found what works for you. That makes it much easier to concentrate on playing music.
svtb15
Inactive
- Mar 22, 2004
- 13,004
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- I play it all. Whatever works for the gig. Q+
HI
Im not upset, emg. I just disagree. Sounds like the bass you had made for you was a disappointment. If you havent gigged a lightweight ash Sadowsky, Id highly recommend it. Sorry about the bad back. I play 5 days a week and there is no way Id be able to do it with heavy guitars.
Rob
Im not upset, emg. I just disagree. Sounds like the bass you had made for you was a disappointment. If you havent gigged a lightweight ash Sadowsky, Id highly recommend it. Sorry about the bad back. I play 5 days a week and there is no way Id be able to do it with heavy guitars.
Rob
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