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Club Sadowsky!!!

#761
maconbass said:
I think I remember reading somewhere that they do not chamber the ash bodied Sadowsky's, just the alder. Am I wrong?
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I believe what you are remembering is that (I think) the NYC ash bodies with natural (clear) finish are not chambered, since you would see the 'cut line' between the top and rest of of the body.

Also, only the NYC models are chambered... none of the Metro models are, regardless of body wood or finish.
 
#762
Mark Latimour said:
I can appreciate that they will always sound different, although I guess with the VTC and single coils (be it Sads or Nords) they are going to sound close to that "classic" jazz pass sound - but I would a bit part of the "feel" of the ultra vintage bass would also be the weight that 60's and 70's Fenders had as well as the size. Having that "hefty chuck o'wood" in your hands is, IMO, part of the feel of a vintage bass as opposed to the modern more lighter "super jazz". That's why I was surpised to hear that the ultra vintage series are chambered. FWIW.
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FWIW, my Metro UV70 5-string (ash) weighs 11 lbs. It ain't chambered. :p It also has about the best tone of any bass I've ever played, particularly with the single coils -- very much the classic jazz tone, especially in passive mode. I suspect that the heavy body has a positive effect on the tone, but I kinda hope it doesn't, because I'd love to own the exact same bass only with a weight under 9 lbs. A full gig with the Metro is a little tiring.
 
#764
frandiaz said:
What Kjung said, but you can also have natural finish on chambered ash. I always request solid bodies to feed my natural ash addiction :D but I got one chambered once and the 'cut-line' was very subtle.
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Interesting about the chambered ash. Is the idea of chambering the NYCs only for weight reasons or sound as well? The reason I ask is that I have heard Mike Tobias doesn't like chambered ash bodies (ie an ash Marilyn) because the chambering the ash takes away from the natural sonic qualities of ash. Anyone else heard this?
 
#765
KJung said:
I believe what you are remembering is that (I think) the NYC ash bodies with natural (clear) finish are not chambered, since you would see the 'cut line' between the top and rest of of the body.

Also, only the NYC models are chambered... none of the Metro models are, regardless of body wood or finish.
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You're both right. :)

Originally, just the alder was chambered because Roger was having trouble finding lightweight Alder. Now all NYC bodies are chambered unless it a trans finish. You can request a chambered body on a trans finish. Usually the line is not very visible.

I like the solid ash, myself.
 
#767
Mark Latimour said:
Interesting about the chambered ash. Is the idea of chambering the NYCs only for weight reasons or sound as well? The reason I ask is that I have heard Mike Tobias doesn't like chambered ash bodies (ie an ash Marilyn) because the chambering the ash takes away from the natural sonic qualities of ash. Anyone else heard this?
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With Sadowskys, all I've read or heard so far is it's strictly about weight, until Nino posted this:
Nino Valenti said:
Both. It was originally for weight reduction but Roger really loved the tonal qualities of the chambering.
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Cool! This is the first time I've heard/read this.

I wonder if that's also what contributes to what I generally feel as more of an "alive" feeling I notice with the NYC's that I don't really feel... at least as much anyway... with the Metros.

I've also spoken to Mike about chambering, and his chambering is designed to be "active" so it matters more. I did also ask him about a method of chambering designed to be "tonally transparent" just to reduce weight, but he hasn't experimented with it yet, so we passed on the idea. Mike is particularly sensitive to anything altering wood consistency that could alter tone, as well as resonance and even potentially cause hot or dead spots as a result of any resonance changes introduced.
 
#769
Mark Latimour said:
Interesting about the chambered ash. Is the idea of chambering the NYCs only for weight reasons or sound as well? The reason I ask is that I have heard Mike Tobias doesn't like chambered ash bodies (ie an ash Marilyn) because the chambering the ash takes away from the natural sonic qualities of ash. Anyone else heard this?
Click to expand...

I didn't find much of a sonic difference, but I think that you need to hear a lot of them to make sure that any differences are because of the chambered body and not only the particular sound of each bass.
 
#774
Went to Brooklyn today, the family is bigger now, added another Sadowsky. Just came back from a rehearsal with it, absolutely amazing.

I would like to publicly say thanks to Roger, Kevin and specially Lisa, that were awesome in accommodating a specific need of mine. Thanks again, and just so you know, it sounded great in today's rehearsal and I will be definitely using it for the TV recordings next couple of days. Lisa, the new PG looks fantastic, thanks a lot!

Bruno
 
#779
I just have to mention how much I really love playing my Sadowsky. The neck is fatter than my beloved Blade, but once adapted to it, the quality of sound, flexibility of tone, sustain, ability to pick up subtle softly played notes just make sme want to pick it up every day. Every time I play it, I have to tell my wife how much I love it and love her for making it happen.

Roger....you make a truly impressive bass.
 

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