• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Dissapointed in Sadowskys

#101
B String said:
Roger. Thanks for helping me make my point. I was not
aware that the passive mode was mainly a fail safe. It makes
more sense now. As I've said over and over, the active tone
was just wonderfull.
Click to expand...

I find that some people grade Brand-X Jazz basses on its ability to sound like a 60ish Fender Jazz bass--especially Sadowsky basses (they look the part). Once I realized the Sadowsky tone and Fender tone are not intended to be the same, I could better appreciate what Roger and crew do. If it's the Fender tone that you seek, do as I did, and install [or have Roger and crew do it for you] a set of singlecoil pups in a Metro or NYC bass. KILLER PASSIVE TONE!

The Thread:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=164055&highlight=sadowsky
 
#103
the only place I haver reservations is the lack of a mid range control. I use it all the time on my F bass to help dial in more growl and cut through the band mix.
Click to expand...
Roscoe5, that was my main concern until I got my Sadowsky MV4. I had always played basses with mid control for the exactly same reason you do but when I got my Metro I didn't miss it at all. You need more mids to cut through? dial in more bridge pickup and you're set to go through a heavy mix without any problems.

keep groooovin'
Fran
 
#104
frandiaz said:
Roscoe5, that was my main concern until I got my Sadowsky MV4. I had always played basses with mid control for the exactly same reason you do but when I got my Metro I didn't miss it at all. You need more mids to cut through? dial in more bridge pickup and you're set to go through a heavy mix without any problems.

keep groooovin'
Fran
Click to expand...

I had just about the same experience, always owning basses with a 3-band pre, and when I first decided on my Sadowsky, I still had my reservations about not having the mid control. After a little while of playing, I din't really miss the mid control all that much, and if I needed a bit more cut, I would just pan toward the bridge. One thing that helped out as well was dialing in some more mids on my preamp. I very happy with my Sadowsky decision.
 
#105
Halftooth said:
I had just about the same experience, always owning basses with a 3-band pre, and when I first decided on my Sadowsky, I still had my reservations about not having the mid control. After a little while of playing, I din't really miss the mid control all that much, and if I needed a bit more cut, I would just pan toward the bridge. One thing that helped out as well was dialing in some more mids on my preamp. I very happy with my Sadowsky decision.
Click to expand...

Thanks Fran and halftooth! Very useful info. It makes sense that the Bridge PU is where the more gooey Mids live and where the growl gets really meaty!
 
#106
I've had my Metro RV5 a few days, and so far so good! I'll get it out on a gig this week, but I'll hold back my "review" for a while so I don't give one of those gushy "I've had this bass 5 days and its the BEST EVER" kind of reviews.

But so far I'm really impressed with the bass across the board, and my favorite features (aside from great playability and sound) are the silky feel of the neck finish, the super easy truss rod adjuster, and the killer J-bass sounding passive mode that is the same volume as the active mode (without EQ)!!! Next time you shoppers demo one, try "the song remains the same" in passive mode!

Lets just say I already removed the plasic coatings that you're supposed to leave on if you want to send it back :D
 
#108
B String said:
After reading opinions and talking with the Sadowsky shop,
(the Sadowsky guys are as nice as humans can be)
I was very excited when a local store received a number of
Metro's. Even after setting them up, I was very dissapointed.
Click to expand...
IMO, :o
It is difficult to hear, "YOUR TONE" in a music store setting.
What may shine there at the moment may be horrid at best in a live situation.
Sadowsky's RULE in live and studio settings.
I opted for a NYC instrument because I wanted options that the Metros didn't offer. I'm glad I did....I'm lovin mine. :hyper:
 
#109
bikeplate said:
I would never open a thread to say how disappointed I was in a builders effort. That was my objection.
Click to expand...
I understand the sentiment but respectfully disagree. Placing that disappointment in a new thread is much better than adding it to someone's "Got my new Sadowsky today!!" thread. :)

Overall: it can be difficult to post non-positive opinions, especially about a very popular product. I applaud people for doing so, even when it's about products that I use. Naturally I am not referring to posts that really do bash a product. I'm glad that everyone (including Roger himself) agrees that this thread was not intended to bash Sadowsky basses.
 
#110
pickles said:
I've had my Metro RV5 a few days, and so far so good! I'll get it out on a gig this week, but I'll hold back my "review" for a while so I don't give one of those gushy "I've had this bass 5 days and its the BEST EVER" kind of reviews.
Click to expand...

Ha, I know what you mean. I try to be as neutral as I can when reviewing a product. In fact it might be difficult to tell when I actually like something. :p
 
#111
Jared Morante said:
Not to fan the flames but does it seem like every Sadowsky owner has something negative to say about Fodera's? Obviously not all of them but I never see Sadowsky players saying "I had a Smith and the Sadowsky KILLS it!"

It's almost as if...naaaah....
Click to expand...

I am a working professional. I DO have a Chuck Rainey (6) Smith and my Sadowsky DOES kill it. BUT it kills it for what I need to use it for which is R&B and Rap sessions. The Smith doesnt give me what I need for that. But for that "Ken Smith slap" sound which I love for gospel and jazz I cant get anywhere else but my Smith. I think one thing we all forget is that every bass has something about it thats special and only "IT" can produce that special something the player may need. Wether its the $150 job out the JCPenny catalog (which I do have one of those) or a high end luthier boutique bass (which I own as well). I personally need the VTC (VintageToneControl) that the Sadowsky has because I use ALOT of effects and I want the the ability to roll of ALL the high end to achieve moog bass type sounds. No other bass gives me the option of PASSIVE tone with PRE AMP boost. In summation there really is no bass that doesn't "work" for me. I can find some special characteristic in every instrument and use it for what it does best. I do understand that not all of us have that option and have to be limited in our choices. But just remember theres something good in ALL wood! :bassist:
 
#112
Oh and BTW. Got my Ultra Vintage 70's Metro in the mail the other day. With Roger's basses comes explicit instructions not to remove the protective film from the pickguard until after the 7 day trial period. Tuned it up. Plugged it in. Dialed it in. Removed the film the 1st day. OMG and I already own a NYC!!! Blown away :help:
 
#113
My F Bass does also, as does the Nordstrand and the Mike Lull that is in the works will as well.

oh, and marqj, man.. congratulations on a hell of a career! i applaud you, as someone who makes his modest living playing bass, i can really appreciate your achievements- God bless!- Adrian
 
#114
I've said it before, but I feel honored when Marqj posts here. He is a pro at the top of his game taking time to share his thoughts with bassists, most of whom do not have his level of accomplishment.

More importantly, Marqj made the great point that each bass has its thing and that some basses just function better in certain genres than others. That is why it is so silly to hear all these threads ripping one or another bass. If the player has success using the bass in a certain situaion and is happy with the results, than the bassist has the right bass! It's that simple. I'm not in the studio, I would never miss not having a Sadowsky if I never get one, just like I don't miss a 400w amp and an 8x10 cabinet for my modest gigs. That said, I believe the pros when they say how great Sadowsky is for them, they should know. For that matter, enthusiasts who want a Sadowsky are welcome to spend their money as they see fit. If that Sadowsky brings joy to their hobby or semi-pro gig, God bless them!

What I said goes for Bongo lovers, Fodera lovers, Stingrays lovers and anyone else who feels singled out or dogged by others.
 
#119
33degrees said:
sadowskys suck :spit: give me a fender anyday
Click to expand...
Well, he's taking heat for this....but.....(OK....more detective work....)

Whenever I see a potentially idiotic comment I usually check the person's profile for trolling potential character...and certain things are usually blatantly obvious (...and I'm rarely dissapointed :smug: ).

Even though "33degrees" does list a couple of Fenders on his gear list (most trolls don't even bother with a "believable" gear list, among other profile entries), he also has a Sadowsky ("sadowsky 4 string modern jazz with a maple board (any finish, i dont care!)") listed on his, rather short, G.A.S. list, which leads me to believe the comment was meant for humor. :D
 
#120
Not every bass is for every player. I happen to Dig Sadowskys. Great basses. I also have a Japanese '62 Stack knob reissue with matching headstock that is a fantastic bass. Best Fender I've ever played.

Nothing wring with not liking a particluar piece of gear bro. We're lucky to have so many damn good luthiers and bass companies out there to give us a ton of choices.

1 suggestion. If the "feel" of the Sadowsky Metro didn't do it for you, do yourself a favor and check out an Fbass. Sorta th same "super-jazz" vibe to it, and I personally think that George builds the most comfortable neck on the planet. It may or may not work for you, but definitely worth checking out.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back