• 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.

Club Sadowsky!!!

#65,083
burk48237 said:
I just got a MIG RV4 because I wanted an Alder 4 string in the arsenal. While my MIJ Will Lee MV5 is still my #1, the MIG is certainly built as well and sounds as good as any I've had. And I have owned 3 other MIJ metros (including one of the first from the NAMM show), 2 NYC MV5's and I also have a MIC PJ5 Metroexpress. The Metro express MIC is the only one that doesn't come up to Sadowsky levels, it is still a very good bass, through heavy once I got the VTC added.View attachment 7247199
Click to expand...
Thanks for the kind words. The VTC does not add any weight to the instrument. But the MetroExpress basses are not chambered even though we use a relatively light weight body wood.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BrentSimons, burk48237, Chris Chong and 1 other person
#65,086
I
Sadowsky said:
Thanks for the kind words. The VTC does not add any weight to the instrument. But the MetroExpress basses are not chambered even though we use a relatively light weight body wood.
Click to expand...
I know I did a lousy editing job, the P/J is a bit on the heavy side but the VTC had nothing to do with that. As far as tone, the VTC REALLY opened it up, it's a different world. put flats on it todays and Hipshot Ul's , a nice upgrade.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sadowsky, GregC, Fuzzbass and 1 other person
#65,088
I'm about to pull the trigger on a fretless MetroExpress J4 from Sweetwater. My goal is to learn fretless and use that to improve my ear while I'm at it. Any suggestions on upgrades to the preamp or pickups? I'd like to get a warm, smooth tone and some of that mwah we talk about.

Some background: Bought an Ibanez 905 and didn't love the neck or the fit and finish of the bass. I've had a few Sadowskys before and loved the quality, but I'm not sure the VTC is for me. Thinking about the Aguilar OBP-3 but only because of what I've read. I have no actual experience. And no idea on the pickups.

Edit: I have a set of original Lane Poors sitting around, but I think they might be to "clear" for what I'm going for.
 
#65,089
MindinAction said:
I'm about to pull the trigger on a fretless MetroExpress J4 from Sweetwater. My goal is to learn fretless and use that to improve my ear while I'm at it. Any suggestions on upgrades to the preamp or pickups? I'd like to get a warm, smooth tone and some of that mwah we talk about.

Some background: Bought an Ibanez 905 and didn't love the neck or the fit and finish of the bass. I've had a few Sadowskys before and loved the quality, but I'm not sure the VTC is for me. Thinking about the Aguilar OBP-3 but only because of what I've read. I have no actual experience. And no idea on the pickups.

Edit: I have a set of original Lane Poors sitting around, but I think they might be to "clear" for what I'm going for.
Click to expand...
I have the SMX J5, the neck feels solid. I think the default preamp is workable. But if you need that extra mid boost, that OBP3 may help.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MindinAction
#65,090
Hudsobass said:
Does anyone have an opinion about a replacement Kickass bridge on a 1992 NYC Sadowsky. Is that a good fit? Is that a good idea? It seems like this particular one goes all the way to the end of the guitar, looking like a possible bad fit? I welcome any comments/opinions. Sadowsky NYC Jazz 4 Electric Bass (1992)
Click to expand...
I recommend the Style A bridge. The Kickass has a very large footprint.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mrniceguy715, Vic, bucephylus and 1 other person
#65,091
Chris Chong said:
I have the SMX J5, the neck feels solid. I think the default preamp is workable. But if you need that extra mid boost, that OBP3 may help.
Click to expand...
We are coming out with a replacement Onboard Preamp Assembly with a mid boost switch.
 
  • Like
Reactions: nismaniac, projectapollo, mikezimmerman and 8 others
#65,092
MindinAction said:
I'm about to pull the trigger on a fretless MetroExpress J4 from Sweetwater. My goal is to learn fretless and use that to improve my ear while I'm at it. Any suggestions on upgrades to the preamp or pickups? I'd like to get a warm, smooth tone and some of that mwah we talk about.

Some background: Bought an Ibanez 905 and didn't love the neck or the fit and finish of the bass. I've had a few Sadowskys before and loved the quality, but I'm not sure the VTC is for me. Thinking about the Aguilar OBP-3 but only because of what I've read. I have no actual experience. And no idea on the pickups.

Edit: I have a set of original Lane Poors sitting around, but I think they might be to "clear" for what I'm going for.
Click to expand...
My 2 cents, I would suggest that you play the bass, as is, to see if it really needs to have any changes.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mikezimmerman, GregC, John D Harris and 3 others
#65,094
MindinAction said:
I'm about to pull the trigger on a fretless MetroExpress J4 from Sweetwater. My goal is to learn fretless and use that to improve my ear while I'm at it. Any suggestions on upgrades to the preamp or pickups? I'd like to get a warm, smooth tone and some of that mwah we talk about.

Some background: Bought an Ibanez 905 and didn't love the neck or the fit and finish of the bass. I've had a few Sadowskys before and loved the quality, but I'm not sure the VTC is for me. Thinking about the Aguilar OBP-3 but only because of what I've read. I have no actual experience. And no idea on the pickups.

Edit: I have a set of original Lane Poors sitting around, but I think they might be to "clear" for what I'm going for.
Click to expand...
If you invest in a new new instrument with the intent to make modifications, you're looking at the wrong one to begin with. Shore up more funds and get the one that checks all the boxes. As it pertains to Chinese-made Sadowskys, they're built to be the best they can be within that price bracket. You're not going to turn it into a Japanese or German grade instrument by accessorizing it. Not going to happen.
 
  • Like
Reactions: R&B, Kevan Campbell, Jerry J and 2 others
#65,095
Sadowsky said:
I recommend the Style A bridge. The Kickass has a very large footprint.
Click to expand...
The footprint on the Kickass is a bit overwhelming and looks awkward on the 1992 NYC bass. I'm wondering if that translates to any kind of performance or functional problems? Clearly, it doesn't look right aesthetically, but will it be a problem with the functionality of the bass? I'm sure it doesn't help the resale value.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mrniceguy715, Jerry J and Sadowsky
#65,097
HeavyJazz said:
If you invest in a new new instrument with the intent to make modifications, you're looking at the wrong one to begin with. Shore up more funds and get the one that checks all the boxes. As it pertains to Chinese-made Sadowskys, they're built to be the best they can be within that price bracket. You're not going to turn it into a Japanese or German grade instrument by accessorizing it. Not going to happen.
Click to expand...

Edit with update: My Sweetwater rep's bass-playing colleagues agree with you -- don't change anything until you've heard the bass. Also offered to pay shipping back to them if I did want to change the preamp. So there we are.

Post before edit: I agree with what you're saying. Please don't misinterpret -- I respect the Sadowsky brand and this bass appears superior to the other options in the price range. (I should have thought of that before I bought the Ibanez.)

I need a stable, workable fretless, less than 8.5 lbs, that checks most of my boxes, for under $2000. Buying new gives me confidence that I have a decent, well-intonated bass that has been through some checks (thanks, Sweetwater rep). Buying a Sadowsky is even better.

Truth is, I prefer a three-band eq and I have some extra $$ to buy one. My question is, which three-band eq? The Aguilar is easy, Sweetwater can do it for less than taking it to my not-so-local luthier. A John East would be cool, and also easy. I'm sure there are more I haven't thought about. It would help a lot to have ideas from you guys.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Fuzzbass
#65,099
Hudsobass said:
The footprint on the Kickass is a bit overwhelming and looks awkward on the 1992 NYC bass. I'm wondering if that translates to any kind of performance or functional problems? Clearly, it doesn't look right aesthetically, but will it be a problem with the functionality of the bass? I'm sure it doesn't help the resale value.
Click to expand...
Take a look...

1750223759912.png
 
  • Like
Reactions: John D Harris, Chris Chong, Vic and 1 other person
#65,100
MindinAction said:
Edit with update: My Sweetwater rep's bass-playing colleagues agree with you -- don't change anything until you've heard the bass. Also offered to pay shipping back to them if I did want to change the preamp. So there we are.

Post before edit: I agree with what you're saying. Please don't misinterpret -- I respect the Sadowsky brand and this bass appears superior to the other options in the price range. (I should have thought of that before I bought the Ibanez.)

I need a stable, workable fretless, less than 8.5 lbs, that checks most of my boxes, for under $2000. Buying new gives me confidence that I have a decent, well-intonated bass that has been through some checks (thanks, Sweetwater rep). Buying a Sadowsky is even better.

Truth is, I prefer a three-band eq and I have some extra $$ to buy one. My question is, which three-band eq? The Aguilar is easy, Sweetwater can do it for less than taking it to my not-so-local luthier. A John East would be cool, and also easy. I'm sure there are more I haven't thought about. It would help a lot to have ideas from you guys.
Click to expand...
You could get a 4 band Pope/Trickfish j core- that's even more bands ;) and they're supposed to be a pretty easy install...

J-Core Jazz Plate Preamp – TRICKFISH AMPLIFICATION

www.trickfishamps.com www.trickfishamps.com
 
  • Like
Reactions: MindinAction

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back