Of course, it's much more PC to talk about respecting everyone's opinion. There is, however, a difference between respecting a person's right to their opinion and respecting their actual opinion.
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Has anyone bought and NOT liked a Sadowsky??
- Thread starter violetmind
- Start date
+10,000
Isn't it possible that all the different manufacturers are interested in putting forth their vision (?) rather than a crass "I want to make money too"??? I've spent a LOT of hours with a Sadowsky and it fits MY needs really well! Are their others that may too... yeah, perhaps... SO WHAT! If they want/need to make a living at it and CAN - then THAT'S GREAT!
I dunno guys, here's a photo straight from the Japanese shop...
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I am certain each of us would question why said player ever tried a Sadowsky in the first place, but nevertherless, I disagree. If the question is offered as the OP did, the above is a perfectly legitimate reason and reply. One that most would dismiss, but no less valid in the context of the OP. I think your example is extreme, but of course, extremes makes the best examples.
Predictable? Perhaps to someone well studied and who enjoys research and in-depth discussion about bass tone, but I don't think we should always presume a poster to be as such. And, even if your criticism is predictable, that makes it no less legitimate.
If not this thread, then what is a correct context to invite and offer valid criticism of a Sadowsky? (or any other bass for that matter)
Need I point out some of the more extreme examples in this very same thread? I'll be glad to do so, Brad Johnson-style, line by line with an explanation of each, except it would take me a LOT longer
Not to mention the plethora of similar threads exhibiting similar comments. We can be in complete disagreement as to what a 'legitimate' point of view is in regards to hi-end instruments. I still feel, and I use this example again and again for consistency of discussion, that I as someone who has come to dislike ultra-wide piano-like tone in a lot of modern hi-end basses am invaribably biased when I say 'I tried it and it wasn't worth it'. I'd wager that even a top-of-the-line Fodera wouldn't be worth it to me simply because the one's I've played had a tone/playability that didn't work for me.
Again, IMO, and I have modified my own posting to reflect that attitude. I have a lot more to add speaking about instruments I play and love, Fender-inspired modern basses and actual Fenders of course. I would never hop into an MTD thread and start posting negative comments, unless they had to do with expected facets of that $$-level, like fretwork/build/etc.
That being said, I wonder if those who tried and didn't like Sadowsky basses had the RIGHT one for them. The variance from J/P/PJ/Modern 24 is HUGE IME.
Anyone bought one and not liked them?
Of course!
Same as ANY brand. You know, personal taste and all that...
Of course!
Same as ANY brand. You know, personal taste and all that...
First off, Im pro-Sadowsky, but Im not a die-hard fanatic because if there was a consistently better bass out there in terms of what Im looking for (great in the mix, light weight, even string volume, tight B, low action, etc.), Id jump on that wagon. FYI, Ive been playing for 16 years and have owned Fodera, F Bass, Ken Smith, Tobias, Stingray, Fender Custom Shop, Warrior, etc., most of the whos who in terms of 34 5 string basses.
Its interesting to see that most of the answers to the OPs question have been subjective complaints; no one has said that they didnt like their Sadowskys sloppy fit/finish, high action, or anything like that. Someone said that the B was floppy, but I really wonder if theyve tried other high-end 34 5ers ?
So why do some think Sadowskys are worth it and some dont? Heres my theory (getting ready for the flaming): A lot of bassists start out with a cheap bass with a solid color paint job and they dont like the Fender headstock, then they want one with a natural finish, then they want an active bass with a bunch of tone controls, then they want a neck-thru, then they want an exotic looking fancy top, then they start reverting back to the basics; they start wanting a passive bass of some type, then they want a simple J or P bass, then the Fender headstock starts to look more and more right to them, then they come full circle and actually get an American Fender.* Some stop there, but many go onto other basses that have that traditional Fender look, but really arent Fenders at all under the hood, for example Sadowsky, Lakland, Nordstrand, etc.
*
So if youre in the early part of this cycle, there will be plenty of things that you wont like about Sadowskys, but if youre in the later part of this cycle, chances are, youll think Sadowskys are really worth it, even though you may not choose to get one.
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On a side note, I think the new 2008+ Fenders have really changed the game up and the boutique Fender type basses are no longer such a unique offering.* I was really surprised by the new American Standard Precision 5, which I think Fender is outdoing the boutique guys on.* ****
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John
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Its interesting to see that most of the answers to the OPs question have been subjective complaints; no one has said that they didnt like their Sadowskys sloppy fit/finish, high action, or anything like that. Someone said that the B was floppy, but I really wonder if theyve tried other high-end 34 5ers ?
So why do some think Sadowskys are worth it and some dont? Heres my theory (getting ready for the flaming): A lot of bassists start out with a cheap bass with a solid color paint job and they dont like the Fender headstock, then they want one with a natural finish, then they want an active bass with a bunch of tone controls, then they want a neck-thru, then they want an exotic looking fancy top, then they start reverting back to the basics; they start wanting a passive bass of some type, then they want a simple J or P bass, then the Fender headstock starts to look more and more right to them, then they come full circle and actually get an American Fender.* Some stop there, but many go onto other basses that have that traditional Fender look, but really arent Fenders at all under the hood, for example Sadowsky, Lakland, Nordstrand, etc.
*
So if youre in the early part of this cycle, there will be plenty of things that you wont like about Sadowskys, but if youre in the later part of this cycle, chances are, youll think Sadowskys are really worth it, even though you may not choose to get one.
*
On a side note, I think the new 2008+ Fenders have really changed the game up and the boutique Fender type basses are no longer such a unique offering.* I was really surprised by the new American Standard Precision 5, which I think Fender is outdoing the boutique guys on.* ****
*
John
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All nuances of opinion aside.....I too have bought a few Sadowsky basses that I didn't like before THIS current PJ5.
What I really appreciate about Sadowsky basses is that they're essentially tools.
Beautiful and expensive but still tools. Not a bass you'd be afraid to bring to a gig or that would just hand on a wall as decoration.
They don't feel super impressive at first sight or touch but the more you play them, the more you appreciate how well thought and built they are, how they sit or stand in a mix at will, how they never compromise musicality and just let your ideas flow through them.
It's a luxurious workingman instrument. I don't see how one could regret buying one.
Beautiful and expensive but still tools. Not a bass you'd be afraid to bring to a gig or that would just hand on a wall as decoration.
They don't feel super impressive at first sight or touch but the more you play them, the more you appreciate how well thought and built they are, how they sit or stand in a mix at will, how they never compromise musicality and just let your ideas flow through them.
It's a luxurious workingman instrument. I don't see how one could regret buying one.
The thread is about opinions and personal experiences of people who for whatever reason did not bond with a brand of bass, asked by someone who's thinking about buying that brand of bass. And those are going to vary with each individual. I honestly don't see the problem with it or why it would bother anyone who's happy with what they have.
Sounds like a well-rounded way to look at things to me.
I also don't see a lot of people venting their frustrations, other than people who like Sadowskys being frustrating at some people who don't. Just sayin'.
From the initial post...
So.....has anyone played a Sadowsky and NOT liked it? I'm about to take the step to order one so hope to hear some opinions".
No purchase necessary.
Yes, the title says one thing, the post says something else.
The problem is, a lot have no examples to give, but they talk like they raced F1 or NASCAR.
Thus you have opinions of a Jetta give by someone who's only been behind the wheel of a PowerWheels Corvette
This:
When you want to know about this:
Before I get flamed, EVERYone has a valid opinion. But please don't over state yourself. Be honest.
That's all.
KJung and I have a buddy (Ken, you know who I'm talking about) who you would swear is a dyed in the wool hard-core gigging player.
Waxes poetic about gear like you wouldn't believe.
Maybe does 3 gigs a year.
But damn!!! He'll tell you how good or bad a bass works in a live mix/studio.
Sure, I've seen lots of interweb experts. Even met some IRL.
But some people don't post clips... doesn't mean they are any less serious or competent about what they're doing. Then the problem is, many people like to think a lack of clips proves something other than simply a lack of clips.
The thread is about opinions and personal experiences of people who for whatever reason did not bond with a brand of bass, asked by someone who's thinking about buying that brand of bass. And those are going to vary with each individual. I honestly don't see the problem with it or why it would bother anyone who's happy with what they have.
Sounds like a well-rounded way to look at things to me.
I also don't see a lot of people venting their frustrations, other than people who like Sadowskys being frustrating at some people who don't. Just sayin'.
Yes, but would you or anyone else make a buying decision for a bolt-on, Fender-inspired instrument based off of the opinion of someone who exclusively uses humbucker-equipped/exotic-topped hi-end basses and who wouldn't use anything else but a 3-band EQ with a mid-sweep? I sure would NOT. Any more than I would listen to the die-hard 'if it's not Fender it's not good' crowd's opinion of modern hi-end basses.
Here's some examples of the types of posts that I'm talking about, since you seem to think its 'all in MY head':
I feel that I can build 2-3 basses (if just 2 then enough money to go on vacation) for the price of 1 Sadowsky
With the parts and setup I want that would server me better then any 1 Sadowsky.
NOTE: I'm not a hatter I just not into the koolaid. If Sadowsky makes you happy and helps you with your musical goals then by all means get one.
I come in peace.
Played it, liked it, looked at the price tag, didn't like it.
I should add that the above statements are a legitimate as any other statement/opinion, but not IMO qualitative or objective in the slightest.
I am certain each of us would question why said player ever tried a Sadowsky in the first place, but nevertherless, I disagree. If the question is offered as the OP did, the above is a perfectly legitimate reason and reply. One that most would dismiss, but no less valid in the context of the OP. I think your example is extreme, but of course, extremes makes the best examples.
Predictable? Perhaps to someone well studied and who enjoys research and in-depth discussion about bass tone, but I don't think we should always presume a poster to be as such. And, even if your criticism is predictable, that makes it no less legitimate.
If not this thread, then what is a correct context to invite and offer valid criticism of a Sadowsky? (or any other bass for that matter)
on another forum.
JUST KIDDING!
