Fender Jazz Bass Elite 5 or Sadowsky MV5

[Bassworship1]

I got the chance to play another Fender Elite 5 string this week and I just don't understand the craze for them. Nice bass but nowhere near worth the $1999 price tag. Build is good and the play ability is nice but tone is just not there for me. My old Bacchus Woodline would blow it out of the water.

 

[murphy]

Buying blind based only on secondhand knowledge of the brand or item is not something I recommend against. I do it often. There's a smart way to do it and then there's the way that relies on luck.

I would love to know what measures are smart....I try to research history as much as possible

 

[murphy]

I got the chance to play another Fender Elite 5 string this week and I just don't understand the craze for them. Nice bass but nowhere near worth the $1999 price tag. Build is good and the play ability is nice but tone is just not there for me. My old Bacchus Woodline would blow it out of the water.

Now we have to pay $2800 plus tax for a jazz 5 Elite...very close to F Bass territory

 

[Brad Johnson]

I would love to know what measures are smart....I try to research history as much as possible

No problem.

First is to be as educated as possible about the item including it's place in the market. I love bass so I've been paying close attention since the beginning of my time as a bassist. I do the same with cars but not to the same degree. I don't typically buy very high end gear new because quite often it changes hands and depreciation is your friend. So I can end up with a $6k after some trades for the equivalent of $600. This helps inform you on when to pull the trigger. For example, if you're looking at something that regularly shows up used you can probably wait until you're ready to buy. OTOH if something is as rare as hen's teeth you need to make a quick but still informed decision. That's why I don't miss a lot of deals... I can make that choice. A deal I don't take is usually one I chose not to. I just saw a bass I've kept my eye out on for around ten years but it's not a good time so I passed.


A close second is to make sure you're ready should something you want pops up. Deals don't wait for you. When I saw my future Aries fretless on Craigslist I didn't wait to email, I did it immediately. Then I made an appointment at the seller's earliest convenience. Then I showed up on time and checked it out. Then I made the purchase. Now I own one the best basses I've ever heard or played. Even if you're not prepared to buy you can still stay on top of your research to be as current as possible.

During a couple of periods of times I recognized the resale market on some name brand boutiques was soft and I took advantage of that. That's how I ended up with five Elricks, four Roscoes, four F Basses and four Laklands. Any I sold were below fair market value but not at the low prices I found them. The ones I kept ended up being free.

Which brings me to "I don't ask people why they're selling". Because I don't care. Even if they hated the bass, it doesn't mean I will too. So who cares? I make sure that it suits the purpose I have in mine, typically a potential keeper. Leave sentimentality out of the equation... unless you're buying for sentimental reasons and don't care how it turns out.

I also don't have to like a bass to buy it. Sometimes it's free money waiting to happen. Example: I was going to put a good example here but realized I don't need to put too much of my business here

 

[Lanceropolis1]

Hello all,

I'm plotting out future plans and have been doing research on these two basses. I've played the Fender Jazz Elite (love it) but never got my hands on a Sadowsky (Columbus Ohio doesn't have boutique bass options). Every time I've heard a Sadowsky played I've loved the tone so much. I love fenders but compared to what I've heard from a Sadowsky it trumps it. Sadowsky's have the exact sound I want. My question is this...Is it worth the extra $800? I can save up some more bucks to get it but without playing it I'll never know exactly what I'm purchasing.

I played a Fender MIM for 10 years and loved it until the bridge got funked up. I'm looking to make a sound investment and want this to be my baby for some years (hopefully the bridge will stay intact).

Although it is not a 5, I will never give up my Sadowsky metro jazz. The tone is incredible and so versatile.

I don't slap much, but that tone to me destroys fender elites. When I get a 5, it will be a Sadowsky.

Just so I don't sound like a total fanboy, my favorite bass is my 75 fender p.

 

[Mr_O'B]

No problem.

First is to be as educated as possible about the item including it's place in the market. I love bass so I've been paying close attention since the beginning of my time as a bassist. I do the same with cars but not to the same degree. I don't typically buy very high end gear new because quite often it changes hands and depreciation is your friend. So I can end up with a $6k after some trades for the equivalent of $600. This helps inform you on when to pull the trigger. For example, if you're looking at something that regularly shows up used you can probably wait until you're ready to buy. OTOH if something is as rare as hen's teeth you need to make a quick but still informed decision. That's why I don't miss a lot of deals... I can make that choice. A deal I don't take is usually one I chose not to. I just saw a bass I've kept my eye out on for around ten years but it's not a good time so I passed.


A close second is to make sure you're ready should something you want pops up. Deals don't wait for you. When I saw my future Aries fretless on Craigslist I didn't wait to email, I did it immediately. Then I made an appointment at the seller's earliest convenience. Then I showed up on time and checked it out. Then I made the purchase. Now I own one the best basses I've ever heard or played. Even if you're not prepared to buy you can still stay on top of your research to be as current as possible.

During a couple of periods of times I recognized the resale market on some name brand boutiques was soft and I took advantage of that. That's how I ended up with five Elricks, four Roscoes, four F Basses and four Laklands. Any I sold were below fair market value but not at the low prices I found them. The ones I kept ended up being free.

Which brings me to "I don't ask people why they're selling". Because I don't care. Even if they hated the bass, it doesn't mean I will too. So who cares? I make sure that it suits the purpose I have in mine, typically a potential keeper. Leave sentimentality out of the equation... unless you're buying for sentimental reasons and don't care how it turns out.

I also don't have to like a bass to buy it. Sometimes it's free money waiting to happen. Example: I was going to put a good example here but realized I don't need to put too much of my business here

My philosophy is real simple. Either I am willing to pay the price for something or not! I also do my homework before purchasing.

Plus, I don't cry about the price either way if I really want something.

 

[MSIMSBASS]

Yo get the Sadowsky you'll be happy with it!

It is affordable but this is my first big invest on a bass and I want as many opinions as possible on the subject. Everything is much appreciated.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I would go Sadowsky. My bridge pickup died on my Elite P and I'm trying to find who to contact to get it fixed, should be under warranty. Finding a contact is difficult. I did find a form and submitted that, so we'll see if I hear back. I didn't expect anything until after the 4th. In contrast, you go to the Sadowsky website, click on "Support" / Contact Us and Roger's email address is at the top. Yeah, Sadowsky basses cost more, but it's worth it. They're committed to quality and customer service 100%.

 

[Mr_O'B]

I would go Sadowsky. My bridge pickup died on my Elite P and I'm trying to find who to contact to get it fixed, should be under warranty. Finding a contact is difficult. I did find a form and submitted that, so we'll see if I hear back. I didn't expect anything until after the 4th. In contrast, you go to the Sadowsky website, click on "Support" / Contact Us and Roger's email address is at the top. Yeah, Sadowsky basses cost more, but it's worth it. They're committed to quality and customer service 100%.

A pup can die just as easily on a Sadowsky.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

A pup can die just as easily on a Sadowsky.

Brother, the question is support after purchase. Sadowsky has a great reputation for customer service.

 

[bass12]

A pup can die just as easily on a Sadowsky.

The point being that Sadowsky won't leave you hanging. They stand behind their products, are easy to get hold of and will do the right thing by their customers.

 

[Mr_O'B]

Ok, ok, I get it!

 

[JonKim]

Every time I call the sadowsky shop someone always picks up the phone. Even roger himself!

 

[MMiller28]

It's been a few months...So what'd you end up with, @Big_Nate?