Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Update on the MIG Jazz 5 tuning peg upgrade. Discussed further up in the thread, the stock ones are a bit divisive. Personally I found them heavy and clunky to operate. Finally got FIVE Hipshot Ultralites of the appropriate size and the instrument is much more balanced. Also added some wheel weights to the cavity. Still mild neck dive but less than most jazz basses I have played.
For anyone looking to do this, please note that the ONLY Hipshot Ultralites which fit are the Hipshot USA ones. I didn’t realize this and had bought a full set of the Licences Hipshots which were too small for the peg holes - the dealer I bought them from then sent me some sleeves but those were too large. In the meantime I purchased a set of 4 used on Kijiji which fit perfectly - and we determined that those were in fact the Hipshot USA ones. So I purchased one more from Hipshot and now have the full set.
Downside is that the Hipshot USA ones are like twice the price. But…for anyone looking to do this, those are the ones you need. And if you’re as sensitive to neck dive as I am, it will be well worth it. As a bonus, you get far better tuners.
Just my 2cents.
For anyone looking to do this, please note that the ONLY Hipshot Ultralites which fit are the Hipshot USA ones. I didn’t realize this and had bought a full set of the Licences Hipshots which were too small for the peg holes - the dealer I bought them from then sent me some sleeves but those were too large. In the meantime I purchased a set of 4 used on Kijiji which fit perfectly - and we determined that those were in fact the Hipshot USA ones. So I purchased one more from Hipshot and now have the full set.
Downside is that the Hipshot USA ones are like twice the price. But…for anyone looking to do this, those are the ones you need. And if you’re as sensitive to neck dive as I am, it will be well worth it. As a bonus, you get far better tuners.
Just my 2cents.
This is my favorite MM style Sadowsky so far. I need a five string fretless MM MetroExpress Sadowsky five string to keep my JJ5 RSD company.
Last edited:
The Hipshot USA Ultralites are far and away better quality than stock ones. They made my bass balance perfectly. Roger maintains the heavier tuners eliminate dead spots, and maybe they do, but there are zero dead spots on my bass. I love them.
For whatever it’s worth, George Furlanetto from F Bass is also in the camp that says heavier tuners not only help with dead spots but contribute to overall sustain and tone.
They prefer to use standard sealed-gear Gotoh tuners on their basses, but will offer the Gotoh Featherlights by request.
Oh believe me, I’m the biggest FBass fanboy there is. But their instruments are heavier by design so can accommodate heavier tuning pegs without neck dive. I have THREE and none are neck heavy. However by design the Sadowsky basses are lighter - so for those sensitive to neck dive, putting on lighter tuning pegs can make the playing experience much more enjoyable.
Haven’t played my JJ5 enough yet to report on sustain and dead spots since installing the USA Ultralites, but it is CERTAINLY much more balanced, and the tuners operate in a far less clunky fashion.
All due respect, I’ll bet Roger would not say that. Eliminate is a strong word. I have had several Fbasses and Sadowskys. All have had a dead spot to a certain degree.
George and Roger are my most respected builders, but, neither would claim to be able to eliminate dead spots, although both probably take measures to minimize them, whether successful or not.
I have had both Ultralights and standard vintage-type tuners on the same (Sadowsky) bass…any change in dead spot severity was not noticeable. I will say, that the Ol’ Fatfinger made a difference!
- Sep 8, 2010
- 453
- 608
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Aguilar Sadowsky Hipshot David Gage Czech-Ease Mono Kala UBass
Wait a minute, I thought the graphite rods eliminated the dead spots. Just what the heck is going on here?!
I like the USA units better on my nyc 5 better. They seem to hold better and the action is more smooth.
What size is it then for the metroline 1/2”?
There was once a strong feeling that heavier tuners eliminate dead spots. The highly coveted “Fat Finger” (a device that clamped to the headstock and added weight and mass which was marketed to increase sustain and eliminate dead spots) is an example of that philosophy. Since that time, the issue of instrument weight and issues with shoulder and back have become a major topic of concern among bass players, and in particular those who are looking to purchase a new instrument. The popularity of lightweight tuners is an example of how this issue affects the market. Some bass players still feel that heavier instruments have a better sound/sustain and fewer dead spots. But, others can find their joy in an instrument that is lightweight category. I’m in the latter camp, although I have owned some heavy basses before. My main bass is just under 9 lbs, but my Sadowsky is under 8 lbs. The last bass I bought had the high end Gotoh enclosed tuners, but I switched them to resolites. That said, I have two sets of nice tuning keys (one Gotoh, one Schiller) and a Fat Finger that I will sell if anyone wants them!!!
Yup. The USA Ultralites 1/2” fit perfectly. The little screw hole at the back isn’t EXACTLY in the right spot but can be finessed to fit. I put the tuners in, partially screwed on the nut and then wiggled the rear screw into place so it was KINDA going into the hole - started out and an angle but eventually straightened out. Basically a drop-in replacement.
Sadowsky ME PJ vs Fender Review. Extremely long video. I would fast forward to gig comparison.
Homina homina! No affiliation with the seller, but dang…
For Sale - Sadowsky NYC Fretless 5/Will Lee Neck
Thanks. A reluctant sale but I can't justify keeping it, given multiple considerations. Hoping to keep it within the TB family before resort to Reverb, etc.
It’s about time seeing something extremely positive regarding the Metroexpress line.
Kudos to Roger and Warwick for getting things right.
To each his own, but I preferred the American Ultra, with the Sadowsky second. Maybe it was the setup, but the Sadowsky seemed kinda clanky.
There is a $1000 price difference to consider as well.
I have a NYC, and this new Metroexpress with all the kinks worked out seems like a bargain.
A PJ is now on my radar.
I am fortunate enough that have a NYC, an Ultra and a Metro. The 4-24 NYC is the workhorse. Ultra plays great, but doesn’t see as much work only due to me needing all 24 frets. The Metro is NYC light - plays great, sounds great, just a tad less ‘full’ (not sure if it’s the lighter density of wood to shave weight). Pics of 4-24 and Ultra.
…my mistress. Underneath or on top of her every weekend!
