This is likely what I will do with my MIJ MM jazz bass ... this time I’ll try the Sadowsky preamp ... I believe it should yield a tangible improvement in the bass’ overall tone although the bass itself will always weigh a ton and a half
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Do you need a Sadowsky bass ?
- Thread starter Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati
- Start date
This is basically my opinion although i tried to be neutral in the discussion in order to facilitate its development
Need ...... no.
But, they are the best sounding jazz basses I have ever heard in the studio.
But, they are the best sounding jazz basses I have ever heard in the studio.
This take goes towards the bass player’s skills and the “tone is in the fingers” thing ...
She’s just showing her chops ... thought it may be interesting although not related to initial post ...
After missing her name in the title of the video?
She's the only female on stage.
No?
just saying'
Yeah, I just have to add that I hadn’t checked out the link in the OP. I just did, and I’ll echo what others have said here. I don’t hear that tone as being particularly Sadowsky-like. It doesn’t sound quite as full range as I would expect. Sounds like ...a Jazz bass being played well.
I didn`t NEED a Sadowsky, but now that I have one I`m not selling it 
Nobody needs a particular brand, they do however need a well set up instrument of reasonable quality and worldwide aftersales service/parts. A Sadowsky does all that and more.
Nobody needs a particular brand, they do however need a well set up instrument of reasonable quality and worldwide aftersales service/parts. A Sadowsky does all that and more.
You asked for opinions. That was mine.I wasn’t trying either ... ehm ... just liked to listen to different opinions/points of view
Need. Want. Tone. Hmmm. To the tone is in the hands crowd, I do mostly sound like me regardless of what I play, but I sound better when I play better instruments. We are all chasing tone in some way and to think the bass plays no role is foolish. Yes, there are entry level basses that are magical and sound as good as much “better” instruments. In addition, I could have the most expensive and finely crafted instrument ever made and I would largely sound like myself.
However, I must say that I sound better when I play better instruments. I played a MIM P/J and Ibby’s and made reasonably acceptable bass tones. Most people were happy and I was too. Then I played and heard an Elite, better, then I played my F Basses, better still, then I played through hybrid amps, yet again a better tone, and lastly all tube and I have now found the tone comparable to master players. Others have noted this as well. To that argument, if that tone is what I chase, then yes, I do need that instrument. Certainly Sadowsky is not the only way to get there— Fodera, Marleaux, F Bass, and many other instruments will get you there. To be fair, I don’t play at a master level because I have a master instrument, but I do have the tone available to me. I can’t do some of those incredible runs and maybe never will.
Need... well, I believe one cannot learn to use their hands to make a specific tone if their tools are incapable of producing it. To that end, if I want to be the best version of me, then I need the best tools available. And, then came budget.
However, I must say that I sound better when I play better instruments. I played a MIM P/J and Ibby’s and made reasonably acceptable bass tones. Most people were happy and I was too. Then I played and heard an Elite, better, then I played my F Basses, better still, then I played through hybrid amps, yet again a better tone, and lastly all tube and I have now found the tone comparable to master players. Others have noted this as well. To that argument, if that tone is what I chase, then yes, I do need that instrument. Certainly Sadowsky is not the only way to get there— Fodera, Marleaux, F Bass, and many other instruments will get you there. To be fair, I don’t play at a master level because I have a master instrument, but I do have the tone available to me. I can’t do some of those incredible runs and maybe never will.
Need... well, I believe one cannot learn to use their hands to make a specific tone if their tools are incapable of producing it. To that end, if I want to be the best version of me, then I need the best tools available. And, then came budget.
No, I don't NEED a Sadowsky bass, I NEED 7 of them, maybe more, and a few others as well !!! Honestly, seems like the wrong question - I agree 200% with the sound coming from the player / musician, but it requires a good instrument to make it possible to play well, and to sound great. "Need" needs a definition - great players can make a bass from any manufacturer sound fantastic, but at some point, a great player will be limited by the instrument.
So, thats my .02...
So, thats my .02...
I hear so many going both ways on here...
"Oh, this one is it! I've become one with my bass!"
Or...
"I just couldn't seem to mesh with my instrument. It didn't feel proper in my hands."
Here's a alternative thread title/question...
Do you need a _________ bass?
After the family is taken care of and the bills are paid, I think what drives most of us * is not need, but wants/desires... for whatever reason.
* At least through the initial 3 month honeymoon period... I'm on my 4th iteration, with my MV4... more often than not, I play it passively. I think it sounds great, active or passive... actually, it sounds awesome unplugged. Do I need it? No, of course not. Do I regret purchasing it? No, of course not.
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"After the family is taken care of and the bills are paid, I think what drives most of us is not need, but wants/desires... for whatever reason."
Yup, right on.
But, I think you've got to be in the right state (financially) to think that way, and honestly not everyone is yet. I'm 60, and luckily OK financially, so I get to indulge some of those wants/desires... Not everyone can, so, perhaps it's still a valid question - do you NEED a Sadowsky? I'd say no, not until you can afford it, or if you are such a very high quality player that your current instrument is holding you back from making more financial progress.
Yup, right on.
But, I think you've got to be in the right state (financially) to think that way, and honestly not everyone is yet. I'm 60, and luckily OK financially, so I get to indulge some of those wants/desires... Not everyone can, so, perhaps it's still a valid question - do you NEED a Sadowsky? I'd say no, not until you can afford it, or if you are such a very high quality player that your current instrument is holding you back from making more financial progress.
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