FedEx Dropped-Off Something "Hot" (Sadowsky Content)

[Z-Bass]

First off, beautiful bass. I love the finish and color and the electronics layout looks to provide a lot of options. I also like the clear pickguard so you see more of the body. Regarding the tuners, I wonder if they will break in and become smoother over time. I remember my former Fender Jazz Standard had rigid tuners at first over time, the broke in and eventually became smooth. But it looks like there might be an added benefit with the reduced weight of the Ultralites so maybe a moot point.

 

[WW2]

I actually own 2 of these exact basses, a 2022 model I bought used (perfect condition) and a 2024 model bought new from Sweetwater last spring. The weight, neck and playability are great. You all are correct about the tuners. They feel like something on a $ 400.00 bass (unacceptable). Also, the knobs feel super cheap as well and my pickup blend control actually has a bad spot in it. For me, Its hard to consider these "boutique" instruments. I also have struggled with the truss rod on my newer one. It took a ton of turns to make the neck respond. It finally did. I have actually gone back to playing my Stingray Special (true American and just slightly heavier). The problems listed are non-existent on the Stingray. Not trying to be a hater, I just feel they are over rated, especially for the price. I am keeping mine though, will likely return to playing them....

 

[Quadzilla]

So they're just Hipshot ripoffs? Disappointing for a bass at that level.

I'm not certain of that they are rip-offs, so don't quote me on that.

 

[Gervais Cote]

Color : perfect !
Weight : perfect !
Versatility : more than enough !
Comfort : don’t know but I guess it’s perfect
Name of the guy that signed the certificate : Amazing

Play it hard and enjoy, what a bass !

 

[KevInDaBassment]

The only thing that could make that sticker funnier, would be if they spelled it "Hawt!"

Nice looking bass, glad to hear it's a solid player for ya!

 

[Joebone]

I'm not certain of that they are rip-offs, so don't quote me on that.

Hipshot Rip-off = Hip-off? But duff tuners are a drag. I have a US Lakland from the 45-04 series that supposedly has Hipshot USA tuners, but it doesn't, and they are difficult to operate - tension is uneven, and fine gradations near impossible.

 

[Quadzilla]

I actually own 2 of these exact basses, a 2022 model I bought used (perfect condition) and a 2024 model bought new from Sweetwater last spring. The weight, neck and playability are great. You all are correct about the tuners. They feel like something on a $ 400.00 bass (unacceptable). Also, the knobs feel super cheap as well and my pickup blend control actually has a bad spot in it. For me, Its hard to consider these "boutique" instruments. I also have struggled with the truss rod on my newer one. It took a ton of turns to make the neck respond. It finally did. I have actually gone back to playing my Stingray Special (true American and just slightly heavier). The problems listed are non-existent on the Stingray. Not trying to be a hater, I just feel they are over rated, especially for the price. I am keeping mine though, will likely return to playing them....

Agreed on the tuners. Only weakness of the bass and mine aren't terrible at all. Just not up to par for a $3,500 instrument.

As for the truss rod and blend control on mine, no issues at all. The truss works perfectly and I only had to tighten it 1/4 - 1/2 turn to get the neck nearly flat (with just a hair of relief). The blend control works 100% as well, although, I'll likely rewire it to "standard" (like my other basses) vs the Sadowsky way (opposite)...

 

[31HZ]

I’ve been curious about these models, as I’m a big Lakland 55-94 fan, and currently have a Fodera Monarch 5 Standard with the same pup layout.

How does it sound with the bridge humbucker in solo?

It sounds way different than a 55-94 with the humbucker solo'd -- much more bright and grindy, and much closer to a MM sound.

 

[pb9717]

Aren't the stock tuners just licensed Hipshots with the Sadowsky logo?

Spoke with Hipshot about that. They stated they had no agreement with Framus to duplicate their ultralites. (At least the guy I spoke to stated that. Maybe he was uninformed) BUT, should you have to put new tuners on a bass that costs likely over 3 grand outta the box? You stated you return high end basses that have QC issues, but are OK sinking another $110into it for tuners? I would imagine Warwick would send you a new tuner to address the sticking one. Loving the natural maple on that neck.

 

[Z-Bass]

The blend control works 100% as well, although, I'll likely rewire it to "standard" (like my other basses) vs the Sadowsky way (opposite)...

I had a local luthier work on my Lakland 44-60. New pickups and control harness but I got the blend instead of the V-V-T. He wired the blend like a Sadowsky. I think he prefers it that way as well. I'm giving it a whirl as well but I'm thinking I may wire it back to standard.

 

[Mark Ambler]

Spoke with Hipshot about that. They stated they had no agreement with Framus to duplicate their ultralites. (At least the guy I spoke to stated that. Maybe he was uninformed) BUT, should you have to put new tuners on a bass that costs likely over 3 grand outta the box? You stated you return high end basses that have QC issues, but are OK sinking another $110into it for tuners? I would imagine Warwick would send you a new tuner to address the sticking one. Loving the natural maple on that neck.

Agree totally. To have to replace tuners on such an expensive Bass, stinks. Both my Japan Metroexpress and Metroline have the hipshots in the pic and they are fine.