Club Sadowsky!!!

[ElMon]

To answer the question, Nothing. I have been fortunate to own a bunch of different top end basses. I have owned Pedulla, Tobias, Roscoe, Lakland, Warwick, to name some. With the TB GTGs and other buds, I have played a lot of others. I can honestly say, that in terms of quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail, I have never laid eyes on a bass that surpasses Sadowsky. Further, they have an amazing tone that is unique and distinct yet very universal in application. I simply can not say anything negative about the build, tone or playability of instruments.

But, in my view they don't hold that distinction uniquely. And for me, I could just never fully connect with the instruments. For almost 10 years I played a Modulus Quantum 5 that I absolutely loved. For reasons that I can't even recall anymore, I sold it. I have regretted it since. The overall feel, clarity of tone and general response is pretty unique to those basses. There is a certain "quickness to the attack" and articulation that I find absolutely joyous. No other bass that I have ever played, including the Sadowskys, approaches the same sensation. It is not completely describable, but it is obvious to me in the performance setting.

I am not glued to the Quantum. In fact, I invested a rather large chunk of my returns on a Dingwall ABII. I listened to a TON of clips and read a lot of reviews, and I believe it also has a great deal of that character. I'm looking forward to forming my own opinions.

The bottom line is there is no accounting for taste. All I know is I never enjoyed playing anything as much as I did my Q5. The sound, the feel, the response, everything seemed just perfect to me. As wonderful as the Sadowskys were, I never got there with them despite being desperate to do so.

Do I think that I will be back? Well, you never say never, but I can't see it. I cranked through seven "main" basses in a year and lost enough money in shipping and resale to buy a pretty dad gum nice bass. Surely, I will think twice before I go down that road again.

If anyone is interested, here's the Dinger. It is pretty amazing looking:

As much as I love my PJ5, my Modulus Oteil Sig mirrors EXACTLY your experience, even MORE so now that I dumped a Sadowsky Pre into it. I"m working on clips for that. It really is remarkable how it has an even mix of the signature tone of both builds.

 

[MAJOR METAL]

And it's here!

Yes, Vic..Now you have confirmation that I have it. You know I could not tell you before it got here...lest you try to steal it from the Fedex guy!

I was very surprised at how much I like the reverse P pickup. I was expecting to not like it as much. I still may swap it back but I will play it this way for a while. Some new flavor anyway!

I know there was some discussion when Chasarms bought it about the color...It is definitely caramelburst. In some of the ealier pictures it looked like it had more of a cherry burst finish but in person..definitely caramelburst. I like it!

Gorgeous !

 

[bass12]

Hey guys. I'm considering trading my NYC Standard 5 for the right MTD:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=695414

Feel free to make offers (I'm really only looking at MTD 535s) or try to talk me out of it . I'm not sure yet if this is a sane move on my part, but it's late, I'm tired and it seems like an okay idea at the moment. Maybe I'll wake up in the morning and wonder what I was thinking

 

[needmoney]

Yeah, that's why Sadowsky uses the Hipshot ultralights, and why Fender moved to the plastic cases on the tuners for their 5 string models. Also, my Geddy is alder and is 10 pounds, almost exactly, but by far, most of the alder models I've played are like your roadworn P weight wise.

Ever consider putting lightweight tuners on the P?

I've played a few 4 string Metros that were 9 pounds or less. They were ash bodied, but as long as you're only concerned about weight/balance, I guess still applicable. NO neck dive issues. NONE.

Usually I go the Ultralites, though they weren't a good fit for the Roadworn. Since the tuner holes are drilled all the way through with the same size bit, the tuners don't cover up the bottom of the hole and are free to move around a little bit since there is only 1 screw holding them down. Also they look a bit funny as the clover part doesn't really clear the side of the headstock properly. I have found some Gotoh Res-o-lites that are a direct replacement for the vintage tuners and only weigh a couple of grams more than the Ultralites so I'm going to go with those.

Anyway! Back to the Sadowsky talk! So you say the sub 9lb didn't dive? Well that's good, gives me something to shoot for. I do believe I could handle 9lbs.

 

[MF_Maher]

I have an unopened set of Sadowsky Blue Stainless Steel 45-105 strings.

Would anyone in the continental USA be up for a trade for an unopened set of Sadowsky Blue Nickel 45-105 strings?

I find I prefer the Nickels more than the SS, but perhaps you feel the opposite?

Send me a PM if interested in a trade. Thanks!

(I hope I didn't violate any TB protocol by putting this idea here and not in the classifieds. If I did, I'm sorry..._

 

[Hounddog]

Hey guys. I'm considering trading my NYC Standard 5 for the right MTD:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=695414

Feel free to make offers (I'm really only looking at MTD 535s) or try to talk me out of it . I'm not sure yet if this is a sane move on my part, but it's late, I'm tired and it seems like an okay idea at the moment. Maybe I'll wake up in the morning and wonder what I was thinking

This is funny. I sold my 535 started a Sadowsky build and bought a UV70-5. I should have my NYC by Thanksgiving. I loved the way the MTD sounded solo or with an acoustic guitar or clean guitar but as soon as the guitar player used overdrive or distortion, a heavy thick drum beat and the keys came in It was completely lost in the mix. The Bart Pre is voiced so beautiful for places where you dont have a thick mix but I feel the Sadowsky Pre in an Ash or morado/Maple Vintage Jazz Bass just agrees with the style of music that I do. To me a Jazz bass just feels more comfortable and natural to play. The soundman says he can always hear me now and loves it. The 535 might fit you perfect but it just wasnt for me. Our tonal needs and band settings might be completely different and I will say the 535 is an amazing instrument. Mine was so beautiful I had a hard time parting with it but I am happy with my Sadowsky and will probably be even happier when I get my NYC Sadowsky.

 

[Jerry J]

My Fender Jazz is Alder and weighs 10lbs easy. 2008 MIA. My Roadworn P on the other hand is about 8lbs but the heavy klusons make it dive like mad.

Talking Metros only. Mainly trying to get opinions from 4-string Alder players on weight to balance ratio.

Thanks.

I have and play regularly, a Metro RV4 that weighs in between 8.7 pounds. To me this is just about perfection. I have NEVER noticed any tendency for neck dive but I do use a 4" Moody strap with suade on the inside that helps hold most basses in place.

I agree with Roger's suggestion on using a strap whether sitting or standing. I started that many years ago adjusting the strap to be at the same position whether standing or sitting for consistancy. I have dedicated straps for each of my basses.

But to answer your question, I've not played more than a dozen Sadowsky basses but I've never noticed a significant neck dive issue on any of them. I would not be the one to say that this is 100% the case with all of them but I do believe that this is something that is taken into consideration when Roger's basses are built, whether in NYC or Japan.

 

[Russell Bergum]

And it's here!

Yes, Vic..Now you have confirmation that I have it. You know I could not tell you before it got here...lest you try to steal it from the Fedex guy!

I was very surprised at how much I like the reverse P pickup. I was expecting to not like it as much. I still may swap it back but I will play it this way for a while. Some new flavor anyway!

I know there was some discussion when Chasarms bought it about the color...It is definitely caramelburst. In some of the ealier pictures it looked like it had more of a cherry burst finish but in person..definitely caramelburst. I like it!

Yup, that was the best and most beautiful 5-string I've ever had. And I agree, it's carmel-burst. The reverse P-J is great for a 5-banger - really works well on the low B. I like the original mint PG that's on it now better than the tort.

Enjoy it, it's a fabulous bass.

 

[sok monkee]

What a beautiful Ash/Maple reverse P-J I really want to play one of those!

 

[bass12]

This is funny. I sold my 535 started a Sadowsky build and bought a UV70-5. I should have my NYC by Thanksgiving. I loved the way the MTD sounded solo or with an acoustic guitar or clean guitar but as soon as the guitar player used overdrive or distortion, a heavy thick drum beat and the keys came in It was completely lost in the mix. The Bart Pre is voiced so beautiful for places where you dont have a thick mix but I feel the Sadowsky Pre in an Ash or morado/Maple Vintage Jazz Bass just agrees with the style of music that I do. To me a Jazz bass just feels more comfortable and natural to play. The soundman says he can always hear me now and loves it. The 535 might fit you perfect but it just wasnt for me. Our tonal needs and band settings might be completely different and I will say the 535 is an amazing instrument. Mine was so beautiful I had a hard time parting with it but I am happy with my Sadowsky and will probably be even happier when I get my NYC Sadowsky.

Well, I do agree that very few basses sit "in the mix" as well as a Sadowsky. Believe me, my wanting to trade the NYC 5 has nothing to do with the sound of the bass. It's simply a matter of ergonomics - I just can't settle into the thing physically. If I was doing a ton of studio work I would, without a doubt, keep the Sadowsky. I must say, I'm surprised that you had a problem with your 535 cutting through in live settings. I could see that being an issue with some wood combinations, but the ash/wenge? I've never had a problem with mine when it comes to cutting through, no matter what the instrumental lineup. Maybe that's the difference between a maple and a myrtle top

 

[Chef]

Man, I tried a brief fling with a 535 after drooling on pics and reviews here for quite a long time.
I sounded *beautiful* at home.
And it simply disappeared in a live mix, for me.
I have pretty aggressive amps and cabs too, so, it wasn't them.

That 535 led to my first Sadowsky.
I've had three now, and they *don't* disappear in the mix.

 

[Vic]

So you say the sub 9lb didn't dive? Well that's good, gives me something to shoot for. I do believe I could handle 9lbs.

Absolutely not. I really feel as long as you stay between 8 and 9 pounds, you're golden.

 

[bass12]

Man, I tried a brief fling with a 535 after drooling on pics and reviews here for quite a long time.
I sounded *beautiful* at home.
And it simply disappeared in a live mix, for me.
I have pretty aggressive amps and cabs too, so, it wasn't them.

That 535 led to my first Sadowsky.
I've had three now, and they *don't* disappear in the mix.

Interesting. I'll admit that my ash/ash/maple doesn't cut as well as my ash/wenge, but the ash/wenge cuts every bit as well as my Sadowskys. I'd love to hear more feedback on this over in the MTD forum.

 

[Hounddog]

Man, I tried a brief fling with a 535 after drooling on pics and reviews here for quite a long time.
I sounded *beautiful* at home.
And it simply disappeared in a live mix, for me.
I have pretty aggressive amps and cabs too, so, it wasn't them.

That 535 led to my first Sadowsky.
I've had three now, and they *don't* disappear in the mix.

Chef,

You hit the nail on the head.

 

[Chef]

fwiw swerve:
my 535 was ash/ash/maple, which from what research i did, that talking to guys that used them, should have been "a very forward in the mix" type of 535, as far as 535's go.
it was supremely well crafted, and played out wonderfully-as any bass at that pricepoint should-but it just didn't work for me sonically out in clubland.


edit:
I probably need to add, that there are many kinds of music where the 535 would be very appropriate, and absolutely great. i just am not playing that kind of stuff right now.

 

[Vic]

Interesting. I'll admit that my ash/ash/maple doesn't cut as well as my ash/wenge, but the ash/wenge cuts every bit as well as my Sadowskys. I'd love to hear more feedback on this over in the MTD forum.

I posted over there on this, but to summarize here...

Chasarms really said it best here, and you can literally interchange Sadowky and MTD in his comment. Even though he was actually talking about his new Dingwall, IMHO still totally applies.

I have never laid eyes on a bass that surpasses Sadowsky. Further, they have an amazing tone that is unique and distinct yet very universal in application. I simply can not say anything negative about the build, tone or playability of instruments.

But, in my view they don't hold that distinction uniquely...

 

[Chef]

yessir: this is true of a great many high end basses:
great craftsmanship, great people to work with, unique offering...

what "fills your own personal cup of tea" however, is a very personal and subjective matter.
it's a beautiful time to be a bass player though, because there are a great many flavors of excellent right now...

 

[bass12]

yessir: this is true of a great many high end basses:
great craftsmanship, great people to work with, unique offering...

what "fills your own personal cup of tea" however, is a very personal and subjective matter.
it's a beautiful time to be a bass player though, because there are a great many flavors of excellent right now...

+1! And just for the record, while the 5er may have to go, I don't ever plan on getting rid of my Standard 4!

 

[pickles]

Quick note on an older topic ... 500k pots. I've tried a bunch of combinations of HCs, Area-Js, and nordstrand singles with 250k and 500k pots in my RS5. My favorite combo is the singles with 250k. I love a classic J-bass sound, and there are a bunch of elements on an RV5 that move away from that -- big frets, high mass bridge, pau ferro instead of one of the mellower rosewoods, preamp, and the HCs and 500ks move it farther in that modern direction. Too far for me. Really happy with the tone of the NJ5s and 250k. Sounds great passive and active.

 

[Nenor]

Quick note on an older topic ... 500k pots. I've tried a bunch of combinations of HCs, Area-Js, and nordstrand singles with 250k and 500k pots in my RS5. My favorite combo is the singles with 250k. I love a classic J-bass sound, and there are a bunch of elements on an RV5 that move away from that -- big frets, high mass bridge, pau ferro instead of one of the mellower rosewoods, preamp, and the HCs and 500ks move it farther in that modern direction. Too far for me. Really happy with the tone of the NJ5s and 250k. Sounds great passive and active.

I got a pair of NJ4's on my standard Ash/Morado, with the old 250K pot. Incredible vintage tone, not fat at all but warm enough with the right amount of low-highs and focused low-mids. It's the only bass I have that I use all pickups combinations in the same rate. Just sounds fantastic.