That is really something.
I am trying as hard as I can not to just go totally "high school girl at a Beatles concert" over the thing. I'm still very much getting to know it, but generally speaking, it is just an absolutely joy so far.
So many here have stated that the modern is definitely its own animal. That is, it has a very unique voice. This is true. So, if you don't dig it, then I guess there's not much that can be done about it. But, if you do, then you're hooked.
It's like Roger took all of the positive characteristics of many of the other basses I have liked and rolled them into one.
First of all, the bass is VERY clear. It has that "hi-fi" tone that I just love. I liken it to my Q5, but it is warmer and smoother than the Modulus. Certainly sweeter.
It also has that "quickness" that I just have to have. I don't know how to describe it except that each note finds it's texture and pitch center very quickly off the attack. almost like a piano string being struck by the hammer. You see this most obviously in the B string. It easily has the best B of the four Sadowskys I have played extensively.
I don't know if it is the woods in this bass, or the design in general, but even as articulate as it is, it still has a thickness to the tone that I often don't here in a bass dubbed as "modern." Some tend to have a sense of "scoop-ed-ness" (here we go again
) I thought the Q5 had it to some degree. This bass doesn't. The mid presence is very strong.
I think it sits in the mix in a different way than any of the other Sadowskys I played live with, but it is absolutely there. It is stronger and tighter on bottom end, and although maybe not to the same degree, it still has that Sadowsky "cut" to it.
I don't do a lot of rock stuff at all. But, I have started playing a rocking Worship gig. I'd guess the PJ will get that work most of the time. I think both the tone and the look is probably better. But this Modern is quickly winning the #1 spot in the line up.
Maybe I will vie for the TB Club Sadowsky "Champion of the Modern" title. I see myself standing a top a hill -- bloody and tattered -- with my Modern clenched by the neck like a battle ax, gallantly fending off the onslaught of JJ SCs.
