Has anyone bought and NOT liked a Sadowsky??

[Brad Johnson]

The Metro basses are hand made in Japan, and are NOT "robot" copies. The quality is the same as the NYC line. The only differences are
(a) where they are made
(b) limited options wrt body woods/finishes, & black hardware
(c) the NYC bodies are now chambered, which reduces the weight a little bit.

They play, feel and sound much better than any Fender I've played in the past 30 years.

And nothing beats Roger's customer service and attention to detail.

I honestly did not know that. It's news to me.

 

[Brad Johnson]

First off, I’m pro-Sadowsky, but I’m not a die-hard fanatic because if there was a consistently better bass out there in terms of what I’m looking for (great in the mix, light weight, even string volume, tight B, low action, etc.), I’d jump on that wagon. FYI, I’ve been playing for 16 years and have owned Fodera, F Bass, Ken Smith, Tobias, Stingray, Fender Custom Shop, Warrior, etc., most of the who’s who in terms of 34” 5 string basses.

It’s interesting to see that most of the answers to the OP’s question have been subjective complaints; no one has said that they didn’t like their Sadowsky’s sloppy fit/finish, high action, or anything like that. Someone said that the B was floppy, but I really wonder if they‘ve tried other high-end 34” 5ers ?

So why do some think Sadowskys are worth it and some don’t? Here’s 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 don’t 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 aren’t Fenders at all under the hood, for example Sadowsky, Lakland, Nordstrand, etc.
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So if you’re in the early part of this cycle, there will be plenty of things that you won’t like about Sadowskys, but if you’re in the later part of this cycle, chances are, you’ll 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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I honestly didn't see most of the answers as being subjective complaints... unless "it didn't blow me away" is a complaint. Seems more like a personal observation. And as someone who's played basses that were constructed flawlessly yet bored the hell out of me, there doesn't have to be something wrong with the bass to be "wrong" for the player.

And as someone well into the cycle(), while I have absolutely no problem understanding Sadowskys' worth to other players, I also understand that they don't work for my personal value equation. Pretty sure that's okay.

 

[Matt Dean]

I'm a Jazz bass kind of guy and I've owned two UV70s (Metros) both with single coil pickups. The first, had neck problems that could not be resolved by one of the top guitar techs in Northern Cali. I returned it to the seller (not Sadowsky) for a refund. The second UV70 was immaculately made and a beautifully playing guitar. However, I could never get on with the "Sadowsky" signature tone. It did not sound bad, just not for me.

I found tone nirvana with my passive Nordy vJ4 (w/Big Singles)... but, still think highly of Sadowsky. I think that all the different builders reflect different flavors of good and since we all have individual and unique tonal reference frameworks, I believe all is good in bass guitar land.

 

[Brad Johnson]

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.

No offense, I could easily see why. Just like any other purchase.

No bass is for everyone. So, maybe even after a honeymoon period, buyer's remorse can set in.

 

[Bluesbob]

The Metro basses are hand made They play, feel and sound much better than any Fender I've played in the past 30 years.
And nothing beats Roger's customer service and attention to detail.

IME(xperience) the two Metro basses I played did NOT play any better than "any Fender I've played in the past 30 years." My P(arts)-bass was set up by a pro, to my specs, with a bone nut and frets leveled and polished to perfection. And Hipshot tuners. It weighs in at 8 and 1/2 lbs., without a preamp. The two Metros I played were quite a bit heavier (not a consideration to all, but definitely important for me) and just weren't set up as well as my bass. I played them through a Line6 15" combo amp so I'm not commenting on sound - just play and feel.

And if I'd liked one of them I would have bought it right there and then. I brought my wife with me just in case that happened.

The customer service, especially for someone living close to Brooklyn, is absolutely exceptional. But that's what you're paying for.
I would still like an NYC, set up like I want it, and under 9 pounds, because I know what they can do, if from nothing else than seeing what other players I know and/or respect do with them. But Link Removed is playing more now, and I'm happy with what I've got (until the next outbreak of GAS), for the gigs I play with them. I don't see a need for the Metro, for me, right now. For somebody else, it might be the only thing to play.

 

[MikeBass]

I honestly did not know that. It's news to me.

Yeah, hand made by, if I recall correctly, the same crew that builds/built the Atilier Z basses.

 

[phillipkregg]

When did the focus move from "What music is being played on that instrument?", to , "What instrument is playing that music?"

To say we over-think things on TB is the understatement of the century.

 

[Jared Lash]

Others have posted along the same lines, but my only real comment is that someone who thinks they are getting a slightly souped up Fender Jazz sound from a Sadowsky is mistaken. ESPECIALLY in the case of the Moderns. Visually and in terms of feel they may be similar to a Jazz but in terms of tone they are very different.

I've played a couple Sadowskys in my local high end shop (which recently closed unfortunately) but did get to sit in with a local band whose bass player had a NYC Modern.

Not exactly my tone but it felt great in terms of weight, balance, neck shape and playability and the tone was fantastic. It cut through the mix with great articulation but without being harsh.

Again, not the sound I'd go for and if I were paying that price I'd be looking for a completely custom instrument (just my preference) but if you've tried one and liked the tone I can't really make any arguments against buying one.

But of course, the most important thing IS to try one yourself. I know a lot of people say that there isn't anywhere locally that they can try one, but locating a player in your area who will let you try it, going to a TB GTG or even driving 2 hours to a place that does carry one seems very worthwhile before spending thousands on an instrument without test driving it first.

I'm not saying that's what the OP is doing but there are quite a few TBers who buy instruments sight unseen. A fully custom bass is one thing (especially if you have confidence in the luthier and a strong grasp of what you want) but for basses that are more or less small batch production instruments I don't understand why you wouldn't try before buying.

 

[SlingBass4]

When did the focus move from "What music is being played on that instrument?", to , "What instrument is playing that music?"

To say we over-think things on TB is the understatement of the century.

INDEED

 

[Aaron_D]

A lot of bassists start out with a cheap bass with a solid color paint job and they don’t 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 aren’t Fenders at all under the hood, for example Sadowsky, Lakland, Nordstrand, etc

Someone should sticky this quote!

 

[Tom Howland]

Price a Lakland lately?
The Lakland bridge is built (at least it was for a moment) by HipShot if I recall. Other hardwar is by Hipshot.
Finish is by Wilkins (best in the business) who does Sadowsky.
Electronics were by Bartolini- now by someone else (can't recall the name, but their new electronic are freakin' awesome).

Roger builds some of the finest nylon string and "Jazz Box" hollow bodiy guitars available.
A true luthier. And he employ's the best as well.

What you say about Lakland is true.
My point is Rogers basses other than his pre-amp.
Are still $1500-$2000 more.
Is his pre-amp, and name worth the extra $$$$$.
His over-head maybe more? who knows.
As a buyer, I just don't see why his basses cost so much.
I'm not knocking there playability, or tone.

 

[Infidelity]

What you say about Lakland is true.
My point is Rogers basses other than his pre-amp.
Are still $1500-$2000 more.
Is his pre-amp, and name worth the extra $$$$$.
His over-head maybe more? who knows.
As a buyer, I just don't see why his basses cost so much.
I'm not knocking there playability, or tone.

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't Lakland US line is mass produced? If so then that compares Lakland US to metro basses(which is not really mass produced) than the NYC..

 

[SteveC]

A lot of bassists start out with a cheap bass with a solid color paint job and they don’t 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.

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.

This is me. Been through more basses than I can remember - literally. I am seriously debating a Fender American Standard P or J Passive 5 string - can't go all the way back to 4. I don't always use it, but I hate to not have my B string there for me. I think the new Fender American basses are really nice. They look great, play great and sound great. I say a new Jazz 4 (if it were a 5...) arrive at the store yesterday and it was georgous. Sounded fantastic.

 

[Fuzzbass]

When did the focus move from "What music is being played on that instrument?", to , "What instrument is playing that music?"

To say we over-think things on TB is the understatement of the century.

So, what shall we talk about here in the Basses forum, then?

 

[nostatic]

So, what shall we talk about here in the Basses forum, then?

duh...

Invalid Link Removed

 

[MikeBass]

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't Lakland US line is mass produced? If so then that compares Lakland US to metro basses(which is not really mass produced) than the NYC..

US Laklands are hand made I thought. Not mass produced.

What you say about Lakland is true.
My point is Rogers basses other than his pre-amp.
Are still $1500-$2000 more.
Is his pre-amp, and name worth the extra $$$$$.
His over-head maybe more? who knows.
As a buyer, I just don't see why his basses cost so much.
I'm not knocking there playability, or tone.

Umm....a 55-94D is $4950 list........
And lets say they have a 20% off deal from list.
It's still $4000......
http://www.lakland.com/prices.htm

 

[Scott McArron]

I moved on from Sadowsky mostly because of the B string performance. I know that countless TBers will state that the Sadowsky B string is excellent, and perhaps among 34" scale bolt-ons it is, but having owned other basses such as Modulus, Roscoe and Lakland, I found myself wanting when playing the Sadowskys.

That was my take as well. Coming from the 35" scale Mike Lull (I've owned a few of these), the Sadowsky B just couldn't hang. I owned 1 and have played at least a half dozen more. None of the B strings sounded as tight, clear, and balanced as just about every Lull B string I've tried. For 5 string jazz copies, Lull is where it's at hands down, IMO/IME.

Additionally, the Sadowsky 5 stringers feel way too chunky to me. High action, wide neck/fingerboard, too wide string spacing for a 5 string, and too much space between the body and strings. Again, all these areas are where Lulls just nail it.

Most of this is moot to me now, because I've found I just can't find a 5 string I like completely. I love the 34" scale sound, but hate the Bs, love the 35" scale Bs but don't like the tighter more focused other 4 strings. I've since gone back to 4 bangers and drop D tuner with a spare 5 stringer for those gigs I need to go lower than D.

 

[lgrankin]

I've been reading this thread for the last couple of days...
Some good information, some bad information and lots of laughs.

I think I'm going to flip my Metro and buy Squiers and SX's...
I think I'll also become a vegan, or perhaps a meatatarian, or a...

Cheers,
LR

 

[MikeBass]

That was my take as well. Coming from the 35" scale Mike Lull (I've owned a few of these), the Sadowsky B just couldn't hang. I owned 1 and have played at least a half dozen more. None of the B strings sounded as tight, clear, and balanced as just about every Lull B string I've tried. For 5 string jazz copies, Lull is where it's at hands down, IMO/IME.

Additionally, the Sadowsky 5 stringers feel way too chunky to me. High action, wide neck/fingerboard, too wide string spacing for a 5 string, and too much space between the body and strings. Again, all these areas are where Lulls just nail it.

Most of this is moot to me now, because I've found I just can't find a 5 string I like completely. I love the 34" scale sound, but hate the Bs, love the 35" scale Bs but don't like the tighter more focused other 4 strings. I've since gone back to 4 bangers and drop D tuner with a spare 5 stringer for those gigs I need to go lower than D.

I'm gonna come across as a jerk, but I really don't mean to...

High action.....umm....it's adjustable and can go as low as you need.....on any bass really. To say Sadowsky has "high action" as a reason to not like them is like saying it didn't sound good because it was a blue bass.

Neck is 1 7/8" at the nut.....same as Sadowsky and just guessing as they use a Hipshot bridge, 19mm (3/4") at the bridge string spacing.

Space between the body....pick-guard or non pick guard?
On the Lulls I played (pick guards on them), it's the same as my Sadowsky's and my Fenders with pick-guards. Can't comment on the non pick guard versions by Lull.

So, your points are kinda...well....

35" scale. You may/may not have a point. The ones I played were no better than a 34". But it could be a few things IMO, basic set-up, strings (SS or Nickle, even brand or age). So, I can't really debate one side or the next. YMMV as it would seem.

Again, no disrespect meant. Just you main points don't really make any sense. Maybe a little further explaination.....

Over all though, Lull makes a KILLER bass.

 

[bikeplate]

HI

Ive had an artist deal with Lull. Now I have an artist deal with Sadowsky. I didnt like the 35 inch scale and some other things. I also believe that Roger's pre is the easiest to dial in, most musical available

Rob