So now I've had some time with my MV4, and thought I'd share some first impressions. I know I'm preaching to the choir here, and this is probably not especially interesting even to you guys. So bear with me, or feel free to scroll past this post.
First, the MV4 replaced my Status T-bass as my main gigging bass. I loved many things about the T-bass - amazing neck, plays like a dream, pretty versatile, not too heavy. I did however always find it to be extremely mid-range heavy, especially around 400-500HZ or so. The onboard eq (2-band cut/boost) is very powerful, but the bass control tends to muddy up the lows a bit, and the treble gets harsh too quickly. So I always ended up EQ'ing pretty heavily on the amp to get it where I want.
And before this turns into a T-bass review (too late?), here is where the Sadowsky comes in...finally I get exactly what I want simply by just plugging in. A touch of bass boost, and whoaaa! Lovely!
Ordering from Kevin was hassle free. I asked for a lighter set of Sadowsky blue ss strings, 040-100 and a low action. The setup was absolutely spot on! The bass was even in tune when it arrived, not bad after crossing the atlantic.
I won't call anything pros or cons just yet, but let me share some thoughts:
-String to string balance is fantastic, the best I have ever heard in a bass.
-The onboard EQ just kills. A little goes a long way, but even when you really crank the bass control clarity is still there.
-The VTC is great.
-The trade mark Sadowsky tone is just great. I happen to like it, otherwise I would have ordered something else.
-Finish is excellent, the transp black is amazing.
-Overall impression is very, very good.
- As noisefree as a bass can be
-The neck is a bit chunky for my tastes, but nothing I can't get used to.
-The pickup pan control seems to work almost like a selector switch to my ear, the moment you are out of the mid position it is almost all neck or all bridge pup. I would have liked a more gradual transition with more tones in between.
-I am not yet sure about how I like the HC pickups. Despite that it is a GREAT sounding bass, there seems to be a lack of transparency. I don't know for sure that it is caused by the pickups, but I imagine single coils would perhaps perform a little better in that departement?
Just trying to share some (hopefully) objective impressions. I am absolutely loving this bass, and the way it sits in the mix is just amazing. And that while always delivering a big, fat and clear sound. YAY!
Consider me a convert.
(I'll see if I can get some photos up, the transp black finish is really something)
