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Fretless Quandry...Sadowsky content

SharkB8

SharkB8

May 29, 2002
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NorCal
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#1
So,
I'm kinda in a pickle and need some advice. I'm booked for some recording in early August, the artist asked that I bring a fretless as well (he heard some of my other fretless work) to track a few songs. The Sadowsky UV70RWALD5 I got was a HUGE hit with this guy and he wants the same tone, only fretless. I just sold my Roscoe 6, so I don't have a fretless right now.

Should I pick up a used Sadowsky, defret and epoxy/poly the board (Michael Dolan would do the work)? Has anyone done this?

Anyone have a Sad. 5 string fretless laying around :rolleyes: ?

My other thought was Nino, but I don't have 4 months to wait....

:help:
 
#5
Well, unless that session is paying $2000+, I would say buy anything decent to do the session (and then resell) and then take your time to buy/order what you really want.


Although a Sadowsky with a defret job from Nolan should be pretty nice, regardless of the situation. . .
 
#10
I've never heard a Sadowsky fretless. Of course, a good fretless tone is in the hands. But.... the Sadowsky basses (at least the stock J models) are quite wide and open sounding, with somewhat of a scoop to them... the opposite of what seems needed for a good, punchy, growly fretless tone. I would think a Metro Modern 5 (or 4) would be the best Sadowsky candidate for a fretless conversion (since the soapbars placed close to the bridge are a little fatter and punchier sounding to me than the Vintage or Standard models with the J's). Also, many have posted that the single coil pickup option results in a more mid present tone, which would be a good thing for fretless IMO.

Just a thought...
 
#11
SharkB8 -

Not exactly the same thing, but if you're nearby (I'm in Oakland) and want to borrow my Turner Electroline fretless, let me know. Free of course...although I'd love to hear the recording. You can try it out/get used to it before you record. It's a sweet sounding bass.

I'm taking time off gigs/recording so I don't mind loaning out gear. Just send me a PM.

Marshall
 
#13
SharkB8 said:
Dre',
I had looked for those as well, but, I would opt for the metal bridge, and can't seem to locate one.
Click to expand...

I have had two with the wooden bridge. My current has the Metal. Metal bridges are custom orders. U wont find too many on the used market.

Though I love the metal bridge and would never opt for the wooden again for personal reasons. Tone of the wooden bridged basses is really sweet. The only other bass I can think of that may give you what you is a zon.

Good luck with your search.
 

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