Personally, I feel that much lighter than 9 pounds and the neck dive becomes worse for me. I think 9 pounds or a little under is a real sweet spot but I also don't mind gigging a 5kg 70s Jazz with a wide strap so I'm probably not the best person to ask.
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My chambered MetroLine Will Lee RW4 weighs 8lbs 2oz. I think it’s balanced very well. Roger says neck dive is endemic to all basses. That the strap is an important part of the equation.
My $0.019 on the neck dive thing with Roger’s chambered body instruments:
It is true that the chambering to create the ultra light instruments, which Roger has developed, also changes the instrument balance on the strap. The “neck dive” associated with this design aspect is a consequence of the design; but, it is much less significant than some other higher end instrument designs. My Alembic Series I SSB comes to mind.
Since the chambered instruments tend to be very light, mine is less than 8 pounds, the slight imbalance is easily negated by using a strap that is just slightly “grabby” on underside. For example, I have a Levy’s strap with a suede finish which locks my NYC into playing position. The bass is so light that the moment of inertia created by the balance aspect puts negligible torque on my shirt or shoulder. So, the imbalance is simply not an issue.
That is what Roger is referring to when he recommends getting a decent strap. And, if you think about it, spending an extra $75 on a decent strap for a $4k+ instrument isn’t all that out of line. I suppose the problem might be that a lot of straps have a smooth tanned underside; and those straps can allow the instrument to rotate if you are standing at the mic clapping on an intro etc. Like that ever happens (guilty here).
Anyhow, as usual, Roger’s advice on the topic is consistent with my experience. Get a decent “grabby” strap. Issue solved.
It is true that the chambering to create the ultra light instruments, which Roger has developed, also changes the instrument balance on the strap. The “neck dive” associated with this design aspect is a consequence of the design; but, it is much less significant than some other higher end instrument designs. My Alembic Series I SSB comes to mind.
Since the chambered instruments tend to be very light, mine is less than 8 pounds, the slight imbalance is easily negated by using a strap that is just slightly “grabby” on underside. For example, I have a Levy’s strap with a suede finish which locks my NYC into playing position. The bass is so light that the moment of inertia created by the balance aspect puts negligible torque on my shirt or shoulder. So, the imbalance is simply not an issue.
That is what Roger is referring to when he recommends getting a decent strap. And, if you think about it, spending an extra $75 on a decent strap for a $4k+ instrument isn’t all that out of line. I suppose the problem might be that a lot of straps have a smooth tanned underside; and those straps can allow the instrument to rotate if you are standing at the mic clapping on an intro etc. Like that ever happens (guilty here).
Anyhow, as usual, Roger’s advice on the topic is consistent with my experience. Get a decent “grabby” strap. Issue solved.
I recently acquired a 2022 Sadowsky P Masterbuilt. It has surpassed my expectations and there is not a flaw in the workmanship or quality of parts that I can find anywhere! Love it. Has some mind blowing P bass growl!
Hello,
My Sadowsky Metroline came with the Sadowsky Security Locks.
I am no friend of Security Locks at all, so I want to exchange them for normal strap buttons. Can you give me recommandations which would be the best (similar screw length ?… quality…)
My Sadowsky Metroline came with the Sadowsky Security Locks.
I am no friend of Security Locks at all, so I want to exchange them for normal strap buttons. Can you give me recommandations which would be the best (similar screw length ?… quality…)
You betcha! Visually I tend to lean towards maple ...but then when I play/buy they are all rosewood or dark fingerboard (go figure) lol
Thx - I am fortunate to have two of them - amazing basses for sure.
Not derailing the thread, but here is the wall in its early stages...I've tweaked it since. I had those Hercules mounts breaking constantly...so I've upgraded them since. Terrified that one morning I'd find a bass smashed on the ground.
Your Sadowsky P appears to have a “normal” width P neck. As opposed to the more standard 1.5” on the majority of Sadowsky 4 string basses. I sure wish mine had the wider neck. May have to custom order a second one someday.
That is gorgeous! If that was 1.75", it would be my perfect P bass - looks (and tone, I am sure) - Beautiful wall as well! ...and yes, you are bang on. I don't do well with jazz nut widths - minimum is the 1.65", but I muuuuch prefer the 1.75" - seems to be nicer for my carpal tunnel as well - less hand squeeze means I can play longer.Your Sadowsky P appears to have a “normal” width P neck. As opposed to the more standard 1.5” on the majority of Sadowsky 4 string basses. I sure wish mine had the wider neck. May have to custom order a second one someday.
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- Apr 3, 2003
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Had my 4-21 with Super P/J pickups out at a gig last night, and it performed flawlessly, as usual.
Had my 4-21 with Super P/J pickups out at a gig last night, and it performed flawlessly, as usual.
(This is probably more apt in this thread)
But now the question is, did you get the car to match the bass, or the bass to match the car?
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I have a featherweight bass at 3.72kg (not a Sadowsky).. noticeable light when you pick it up and its perfectly balanced even though the builder had strap button options and also weights, but I'm left wondering why they thought they felt the need for those. It has an ash body too.
Having said that, I dont know what weights my other basses are but by comparison, they are heavy.
You have to like the Ash figure on the sunburst P and decent wood costs. So figured and light equals premium.
Unless you paint the body, then you go Alder..lol
Sadowsky knows all this stuff.
Having said that, I dont know what weights my other basses are but by comparison, they are heavy.
You have to like the Ash figure on the sunburst P and decent wood costs. So figured and light equals premium.
Unless you paint the body, then you go Alder..lol
Sadowsky knows all this stuff.
