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Club Sadowsky!!!

#65,321
Hello,
I've noticed on my Will Lee Metroline (i.e. single coils, can be noisy in the extremes), that there's a chip in the cavity lid where I assume it's meant to make contact with the cavity's conductive paint via the little copper tab.
I've tested with the lid closed and a bit of foil taped on poking through the holes for the mid boost dip switches, and there's no continutiy between the bridge and the lid.
There's no conductive paint on the chipped bit.
Seems an easy fix but I'm wondering if, for some reason that's beyond me, this is done on purpose?
Just noticed the photo in this thread, and while not conclusive, there seems to be a chip in the exact spot mine does.
https://www.talkbass.com/threads/sadowsky-will-lees-rear-plate.1666552/

Thoughts? Fixes? Does it need fixing?
20251110_221156656.JPG
 
#65,322
Dr. Cheese said:
View attachment 7359081

I finally pulled the trigger on a Modern 5 Metro Express. That $999 sale at Sweetwater was too good to resist.
Click to expand...
Wow, I know this post is about 8 days old, but I don't care. That bass looks great-congrats! I've been waiting for these to show up, and at that price, I'm trying to decide if I want to order one, or just drive the 2.5 hours to Sweetwater and try one out.

Speaking of old, I can't believe this thread has been going for 18 years!
 
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#65,323
Shelly said:
Wow, I know this post is about 8 days old, but I don't care. That bass looks great-contrats! I've been waiting for these to show up, and at that price, I'm trying to decide if I want to order one, or just drive the 2.5 hours to Sweetwater and try one out.

Speaking of old, I can't believe this thread has been going for 18 years!
Click to expand...
Go get it.
 
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#65,324
Shelly said:
Wow, I know this post is about 8 days old, but I don't care. That bass looks great-contrats! I've been waiting for these to show up, and at that price, I'm trying to decide if I want to order one, or just drive the 2.5 hours to Sweetwater and try one out.

Speaking of old, I can't believe this thread has been going for 18 years!
Click to expand...

Sadowsky has been giving us good things to talk about the last 18 years.
 
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#65,326
Shelly said:
Wow, I know this post is about 8 days old, but I don't care. That bass looks great-congrats! I've been waiting for these to show up, and at that price, I'm trying to decide if I want to order one, or just drive the 2.5 hours to Sweetwater and try one out.

Speaking of old, I can't believe this thread has been going for 18 years!
Click to expand...
Better act quickly…. It’s Christmas shopping time and I don’t expect them to last long at this great price.
 
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#65,328
berklee46 said:
I’m trying to find an older Sadowsky Modern 5 like the ‘93 I used to have.
Is anyone looking to sell one from the early-mid 90’s?

Or maybe someone has this one that’s made the rounds on TB for years and is looking to move it?
View attachment 7365328
Click to expand...
This one has been on the Chicago craig's for awhile, no affiliation... not as purty as that one, but same era

[This invalid link has been removed]
 
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#65,330
foldyman said:
Hello,
I've noticed on my Will Lee Metroline (i.e. single coils, can be noisy in the extremes), that there's a chip in the cavity lid where I assume it's meant to make contact with the cavity's conductive paint via the little copper tab.
I've tested with the lid closed and a bit of foil taped on poking through the holes for the mid boost dip switches, and there's no continutiy between the bridge and the lid.
There's no conductive paint on the chipped bit.
Seems an easy fix but I'm wondering if, for some reason that's beyond me, this is done on purpose?
Just noticed the photo in this thread, and while not conclusive, there seems to be a chip in the exact spot mine does.
https://www.talkbass.com/threads/sadowsky-will-lees-rear-plate.1666552/

Thoughts? Fixes? Does it need fixing?
View attachment 7365856
Click to expand...
I suggest that you contact the Sadowsky shop directly. GREAT folks work there.
 
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#65,334
After playing my Metroline P/J and then going back to my Fender J American bass, I became more dissatisfied with it. The Fender is heavier, frets above 12 frets stick out a little. On the Sadowsky, the neck I was not enthusiastic about it initially due to its slightly larger size. I now actually prefer it over my Fender neck.
The low B is also not as good on the Fender. So Im thinking about selling my Fedner and replace it with a Sadowsky Vintage J 5 string in either red or white color. I have to remember I am still on my honeymoon face with my Sadowsky.

Will make a decision next year after I pay off my bass in a couple of months. But I really can feel the difference in quality between the two bass guitars. Plus the pickups on the Sadowsky dont have the 60 cycle hum when played by itself like the Fender single coil.
 
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#65,335
Pet Sounds said:
Just out of curiosity, have you ever owned a Sadowsky, @LadyLoveStingRay5 ? Any interest in them?
Click to expand...
No, not really. The Stingray is stew sound of bass that I hear in my head. I do like the sound of a great P and Jazz. But I dont really find those body shapes to be comfortable for me. Another factor is the necks. My Sandberg and My EBMM basses work for me.
However, I do recognize that Sadowkys are great basses. But those 5 sting necks would not work for me.
 
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#65,336
LadyLoveStingRay5 said:
No, not really. The Stingray is stew sound of bass that I hear in my head. I do like the sound of a great P and Jazz. But I dont really find those body shapes to be comfortable for me. Another factor is the necks. My Sandberg and My EBMM basses work for me.
However, I do recognize that Sadowkys are great basses. But those 5 sting necks would not work for me.
Click to expand...
Totally understand string spacing preference! Back in my four string days my favorites were P-bass and Stingray. When I switched to five, my right hand decided it was more comfortable with the 19-20mm spacing I had on fours. Sadly, this ruled out the MusicMan SR5 -- love the tones, just can't get comfy on the narrow spacing. So, 15 years ago I had Roger build me a custom Sadowsky P5 with MM pickup. It's really cool that Sadowsky MMs are now available off the rack (so to speak).... but not in your spacing, unfortunately for you.
 
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#65,337
Green Lantern said:
After playing my Metroline P/J and then going back to my Fender J American bass, I became more dissatisfied with it. The Fender is heavier, frets above 12 frets stick out a little. On the Sadowsky, the neck I was not enthusiastic about it initially due to its slightly larger size. I now actually prefer it over my Fender neck.
The low B is also not as good on the Fender. So Im thinking about selling my Fedner and replace it with a Sadowsky Vintage J 5 string in either red or white color. I have to remember I am still on my honeymoon face with my Sadowsky.

Will make a decision next year after I pay off my bass in a couple of months. But I really can feel the difference in quality between the two bass guitars. Plus the pickups on the Sadowsky dont have the 60 cycle hum when played by itself like the Fender single coil.
Click to expand...
I'm not surprised. The Sadowsky is a superior instrument. Having said that, you can spend a little time and money to upgrade the Fender if you desire. Get the frets done, upgrade the electronics (hell you could put Sadowsky pickups and pre in there) could possibly get you closer for less money.

But I would buy a new Sadowsky. :D
 
#65,340
Green Lantern said:
I already put a Sadowsky preamp in my Fender and am thinking about pickups next...or just sell it and get the real thing. The body construction, lighter weight, preferred neck on the Sadowsky are just some of the reasons I may take thst route.
Click to expand...
"just sell it and get the real thing". That's my thinking.
 
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