Jimmy Johnson is the bassist on the Rippingtons version. He’s probably playing an Alembic.
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Four String Bass Showdown - Sadowsky, Sandberg, Spector
- Thread starter Bass Viking
- Start date
I like Basstheworld. They showcase the less common brands. I consider Sandberg less common, at least here in North America.
As I recall, I hadn’t boosted the bass on the Sad for this recording.
I think the fact that I deliberately turn up the bass in the mix is a factor. You’re right though, Spectors are pretty aggressive!
The Spector body with its curves is comfy but the long reach of the neck bothers some players.
Jimmy Johnson is a great player who is a bit underrated, IMO.
As far as playability they’re all good but my favourite is the Spector.
And I am one of them. I once had a Spector ReBop 5 and a Warwick Corvette Standard (German-made) 4, and with both of those basses, the short upper horn, compact body, and bridge placement/design made the bass balance too horizontally for me and first position was a miles-away reach. Too bad, because both of those basses were tone monsters.
My main bass is an Ibanez Prestige Soundgear SR4600 and that is easily the most ergonomically comfortable bass I've ever had. Effortless to play, I can just play what's in my head without thinking... The bass didn't fit its previous owner all that well, but it fits me perfectly.
I'll take Soundgear over Spector any day.
Sound - Sandberg. It sounds more airy/open.
Looks - Spector. Spectors looks great and have those curves and smoothness. Ergonomically, I know they don't work for me.
Overall - Sadowsky. It sounds a little more refined than the others. Not as aggressive as the Spector. A little tighter and low end girth. You cannot go wrong with a Fender styled instrument. It just works.
All three sound great.
Looks - Spector. Spectors looks great and have those curves and smoothness. Ergonomically, I know they don't work for me.
Overall - Sadowsky. It sounds a little more refined than the others. Not as aggressive as the Spector. A little tighter and low end girth. You cannot go wrong with a Fender styled instrument. It just works.
All three sound great.
Same here, first positions too far from me
I forgot to mention one point:
Feel/ergonomics - Sandberg. Having tried the 5-string variations of the compared basses, the Sandberg fits me so well and why they are my main basses. Nothing wrong with the Sadowsky, just dimensionally not my preference (mainly nut width and string spacing). The Spector was just uncomfortable for me. Long reach, major neck dive and imbalance.
My Spector has the longest reach, my Sandberg has the shortest. I do a lot of my playing at home sitting down where it's less of an issue. I haven't gigged the Spector so I don't know how a whole evening's playing would feel, but a plus is that it's very light (under 7 lbs).
edmidlifecrisis
Registered mediocre bass player
I liked the Sandberg best since I'm more old school/P bass oriented. Wonder how both would sound like in an A/B with a Sadowsky Metro Express P/J?
Very cool video BTW!!
I have played a few Spectors since a couple of my friends are Spector fans. They are indeed great playing and great sounding!!!
Very cool video BTW!!
I have played a few Spectors since a couple of my friends are Spector fans. They are indeed great playing and great sounding!!!
There is a simple fix for the neck reach of the Spector. Did it to my Euro LX
That won't address the neck dive, but it brings the headstock way in.
That won't address the neck dive, but it brings the headstock way in.
Oh, and for that type of tune, I liked the Sadowsky best. The Spector grind sits better in a rock mix, for me anyway.
I've got to get my hands on their fretless version when it's time to trade up from my Ibanez370EF. I don't think the Modern is available in fretless yet, but the lower level MetroExpress 4 string models are. Judging from the sound of yours, it would be awesome in fretless.
Price/performance ratio is vital for me also. I was curious if the MetroExpress maintains Sadowsky's quality fit-and-finish. Also, can that music track be purchased and does it include bass notation or tab? I grew-up listening to the O'Jays and many more of that era. (Hope I don't get in trouble w/ the forum for asking that question...) My Preference: The Sadowsky. The sound is modern, but not overbearing. One day I will close my eyes and press the green button to buy a Sadowsky NYC 4-string Jazz. Peace.
It's not NYC level fit and finish but still good. Check my NBD thread, specifically post 44 where I comment after a week of owning it.
NBD - Sadowsky Metro Express Modern
I don't have any tab or sheet music for the song, I learned it by ear. There's might be something out there on the web.
