Has anyone bought and NOT liked a Sadowsky??

[capnsandwich]

The key is, is that there is much more that goes into making a bass great than just the machine it's cut from. The wood selection, the parts, the build quality, the electronics, the final touches, and everything else is involved in separating good from great. It's like a house. You have to build it from the ground up, all with great parts and great craftsmanship. It doesn't matter where the lumber comes from, as long as it's good quality lumber. My opinion mind you.

 

[Nenor]

No offense to Roger at all, but when I shell out that kind of money (which I have for several Conklins in the past), I want to to know my instruments are hand-made and that they weren't, in my opinion, tossed on a CNC while the operator grabbed a coffee. I want to know my money was spent on that level of craftsmanship. I am well aware of the programming and work that goes into CNC work, so before y'all attack that comment, just stop.

So this is really all about you. You need to be convinced that whoever gets your money worked hard as hell, burned his bones to the ground, smoked off his butt... whatever. Using CNC in your view takes off the hard work you'd expect to get from your bass builder. It seems you are not so much concerned about the end product but counting how many coffee mugs are on the table at 20 Jay St. Common!
Check the basses, ask around about customer service, check out who is playing these basses. You ARE getting the highest level of craftsmanship when you buy a Sadowsky bass.
If they're not for you, don't buy one. If they're priced too high in your opinion, don't buy one. I don't get into this because it's irrelevant. If it was too expensive Roger would have gone out of business. I got mine used because I can't afford a new one. Maybe one day..

 

[Darkstrike]

Might wanna be careful posting that pic about TB, with the framed pic in the middle...

 

[capnsandwich]

How 'bout some beauties and a Sadowsky!

Might wanna be careful posting that pic about TB, with the framed pic in the middle...

+1

I've got that same amp.

 

[ClassicJazz]

Might wanna be careful posting that pic about TB, with the framed pic in the middle...

There...I made Marilyn Monroe PG rated....

 

[Infidelity]

That's exactly right. SX Jazz bass bodies and USA Fender Jazz bass bodies are both cut with CNC machines. There is a *substantial* difference in cost between the two. Kinda gets one thinkin', doesn't it?

just wondering why did you choose Acura over Honda?

 

[Fuzzbass]

There...I made Marilyn Monroe PG rated....

 

[g4string]

I don't understand why everytime there is thread that doesn't sing the high holy praises of Sadowsky basses, there is public outcry to have such threads closed (like this one)....damn near borderlining on public mutiny. There have been numerous requests during the course of this of this discussion to have this thread closed. Maybe we should change the name of the website to "Talk Bass, just dont say nothing bad about Sadowsky dot com" When are the fanbois going to understand that there are relevant reasons why one might not care care for Sadowsky basses. And, it's ok to talk about it......just let it go. This why why TB exists....to talk about bass.

Now mods, hurry up and close this thread!!

 

[malthumb]

I don't understand why everytime there is thread that doesn't sing the high holy praises of Sadowsky basses, there is public outcry to have such threads closed (like this one)....damn near borderlining on public mutiny. There have been numerous requests during the course of this of this discussion to have this thread closed. Maybe we should change the name of the website to "Talk Bass, just dont say nothing bad about Sadowsky dot com" When are the fanbois going to understand that there are relevant reasons why one might not care care for Sadowsky basses. And, it's ok to talk about it......just let it go. This why why TB exists....to talk about bass.

Now mods, hurry up and close this thread!!

Interesting. This thread has run 23 pages (okay, 21 if you factor out the babe pictures) so if there were calls for closing it, there apparently was not enough of them to matter. Didn't see the mutiny.

And for the most part, most level headed posters, including Roger Sadowsky himself, concluded that Sadowsky basses are not the Holy Grail or the answer for every bassist.

So for 23 pages (21 plus 2 really really good pages ) people have been talking bass.

At least that's the way I've seen it.

 

[g4string]

Interesting. This thread has run 23 pages (okay, 21 if you factor out the babe pictures) so if there were calls for closing it, there apparently was not enough of them to matter. Didn't see the mutiny.

And for the most part, most level headed posters, including Roger Sadowsky himself, concluded that Sadowsky basses are not the Holy Grail or the answer for every bassist.

So for 23 pages (21 plus 2 really really good pages ) people have been talking bass.

At least that's the way I've seen it.

Maybe by post was made I haste....I dunno? You are correct, this particular thread has been pretty civil.

 

[ElMon]

I do think this may be my best post ever on TB.
Hell, it may be THE best post ever on TB!!!

High quality parts, EXPERTLY assembled I like the profile also.... great low end, smooth mids, and very present up top.

I'm amazed that you can get that much bottom end out of something with such light building materials. I always thought you needed heavier wood to accomplish such a task, but apparently huge bottom can come from many different sources. I bet that one is particularly present in the low mids. Full and thick but not that 20hz spread that can overwhelm your sofa....err....I mean mix.

 

[johndough247]

I don't understand why everytime there is thread that doesn't sing the high holy praises of Sadowsky basses, there is public outcry to have such threads closed (like this one)....damn near borderlining on public mutiny. There have been numerous requests during the course of this of this discussion to have this thread closed. Maybe we should change the name of the website to "Talk Bass, just dont say nothing bad about Sadowsky dot com" When are the fanbois going to understand that there are relevant reasons why one might not care care for Sadowsky basses. And, it's ok to talk about it......just let it go. This why why TB exists....to talk about bass.

Now mods, hurry up and close this thread!!

I've read this entire thread today (whew!) and from what I've gathered, that's not the reason they're calling for closure. It's the fact that some people came on here seemingly with an agenda: to slander Roger's reputation, making him come off as a mere assembler of parts and nothing more (some even suggesting that he's taking people for their money because he uses a CNC)...and then when people who own, have owned or at least have dealt with Sadowsky (the man, the bass or the company in some shape or form) comes on here to defend these attacks we belittle them. They only started calling for the thread to close when ppl started making vile, unwarranted comments about Roger's work ethics. If I believed in a friend/colleague's work and integrity I wouldn't idly stand by either.

I'll give an exact flipside opinion about your experience with a Sadowsky metro. Back in college, I owned a Lakland skyline 55-02 (the "metro" to Lakland's 55-94), and my next door neighbor owned a 55-94 (it was a music school lol). We sat and compared the two one night and tonally there was barely any difference. However, I sold mine a year later because of 3 big issues:

1) The neck. 35" scale wasn't for me, I literally ran into serious carpal tunnel issues after a year of playing that bass exclusively in classes, gigs and practicing (my previous (and only) bass was a Fender Jazz Am. Dlx. 5 string, 34" scale). Sure I could've played the 1st position stuff further up the neck using the B string, but we all know most B strings have a sound of their own so that wasn't an option
2) The weight was too much for me, doing gigs for hours constantly standing took its toll on my back.
3) the tone wasn't for me...granted it was a great sound, but it wasn't what I was looking for.

I say this not to bash Lakland at all (Dan responded to many questions I had very promptly...I think they're doing great things over there, and I've always had GAS to this day for a Darryl Jones Lakland), but only to reiterate the point that a lot of the "fanboys" as u call them are saying: Different strokes for different folks, man...You're not meant to like them all. Even if Lakland makes 34" 5 strings now, there's still the tone and the weight that, again, wasn't for me.

I've played several other basses over the years and finally decided to order a Sadowsky NYC (which I'll hopefully receive early next year). My reasons were simple: I want a 5 string bass with a neck that won't hurt MY hands (both scale and overall width), a body that won't hurt MY back as much after long gigs...oh yea, and MY OPINION of the best sounding/most versatile bass in the studio/stage (i.e. not in my bedroom/guitar store) within (again my opinion) of a decent price range. I don't have money burning a hole through my pocket, i'm not one of those guys with a bass museum, far from it...i waited years to save up for this AND There's a 7 day return policy...If it turns out I don't like it then fine i'll return it and look around some more (or try a different model), but I'm not gonna slander his name because it didn't met my expectation of the perfect bass, nor will I accuse those who like and defend that bass/company as mindless fanboys...it comes off as though the majority must be aligned somehow with your way of thinking, else TB is too biased...If so many people like Sadowsky and you don't, don't get a hissy fit over it...think of it as you know the big secret the rest of the mindless fanboys don't LOL

Talking bass is all fine and well, which I think most people have been doing, but please lets not get nasty and attack a person's perfectly legitimate livelihood because you wanted salmon and all they had was steak lol. It is a public forum yes...but, contrary to popular belief, there's no need for some people to be a **** (rhymes with lick) about it

 

[johndough247]

Oh and most of that was not directed at g4string FWIW, just the counterpoint to the lakland/sadowsky comparison.

 

[Brad Johnson]

So this is really all about you. You need to be convinced that whoever gets your money worked hard as hell, burned his bones to the ground, smoked off his butt... whatever. Using CNC in your view takes off the hard work you'd expect to get from your bass builder. It seems you are not so much concerned about the end product but counting how many coffee mugs are on the table at 20 Jay St. Common!
Check the basses, ask around about customer service, check out who is playing these basses. You ARE getting the highest level of craftsmanship when you buy a Sadowsky bass.
If they're not for you, don't buy one. If they're priced too high in your opinion, don't buy one. I don't get into this because it's irrelevant. If it was too expensive Roger would have gone out of business. I got mine used because I can't afford a new one. Maybe one day..

When you're spending your money, yes it is all about you. Who else would it be about? You may disagree with his stance but as long as it's his money, his logic prevails as to what he spends it on. Right?

 

[g4string]

Talking bass is all fine and well, which I think most people have been doing, but please lets not get nasty and attack a person's perfectly legitimate livelihood because you wanted salmon and all they had was steak lol. It is a public forum yes...but, contrary to popular belief, there's no need for some people to be a **** (rhymes with lick) about it

I don't recall attacking anybody nor do I think anything I said warrants being called a "richard".....I give up

 

[Brad Johnson]

I've read this entire thread today (whew!) and from what I've gathered, that's not the reason they're calling for closure. It's the fact that some people came on here seemingly with an agenda: to slander Roger's reputation, making him come off as a mere assembler of parts and nothing more (some even suggesting that he's taking people for their money because he uses a CNC)...and then when people who own, have owned or at least have dealt with Sadowsky (the man, the bass or the company in some shape or form) comes on here to defend these attacks we belittle them. They only started calling for the thread to close when ppl started making vile, unwarranted comments about Roger's work ethics. If I believed in a friend/colleague's work and integrity I wouldn't idly stand by either.

I'll give an exact flipside opinion about your experience with a Sadowsky metro. Back in college, I owned a Lakland skyline 55-02 (the "metro" to Lakland's 55-94), and my next door neighbor owned a 55-94 (it was a music school lol). We sat and compared the two one night and tonally there was barely any difference. However, I sold mine a year later because of 3 big issues:

1) The neck. 35" scale wasn't for me, I literally ran into serious carpal tunnel issues after a year of playing that bass exclusively in classes, gigs and practicing (my previous (and only) bass was a Fender Jazz Am. Dlx. 5 string, 34" scale). Sure I could've played the 1st position stuff further up the neck using the B string, but we all know most B strings have a sound of their own so that wasn't an option
2) The weight was too much for me, doing gigs for hours constantly standing took its toll on my back.
3) the tone wasn't for me...granted it was a great sound, but it wasn't what I was looking for.

I say this not to bash Lakland at all (Dan responded to many questions I had very promptly...I think they're doing great things over there, and I've always had GAS to this day for a Darryl Jones Lakland), but only to reiterate the point that a lot of the "fanboys" as u call them are saying: Different strokes for different folks, man...You're not meant to like them all. Even if Lakland makes 34" 5 strings now, there's still the tone and the weight that, again, wasn't for me.

I've played several other basses over the years and finally decided to order a Sadowsky NYC (which I'll hopefully receive early next year). My reasons were simple: I want a 5 string bass with a neck that won't hurt MY hands (both scale and overall width), a body that won't hurt MY back as much after long gigs...oh yea, and MY OPINION of the best sounding/most versatile bass in the studio/stage (i.e. not in my bedroom/guitar store) within (again my opinion) of a decent price range. I don't have money burning a hole through my pocket, i'm not one of those guys with a bass museum, far from it...i waited years to save up for this AND There's a 7 day return policy...If it turns out I don't like it then fine i'll return it and look around some more (or try a different model), but I'm not gonna slander his name because it didn't met my expectation of the perfect bass, nor will I accuse those who like and defend that bass/company as mindless fanboys...it comes off as though the majority must be aligned somehow with your way of thinking, else TB is too biased...If so many people like Sadowsky and you don't, don't get a hissy fit over it...think of it as you know the big secret the rest of the mindless fanboys don't LOL

Talking bass is all fine and well, which I think most people have been doing, but please lets not get nasty and attack a person's perfectly legitimate livelihood because you wanted salmon and all they had was steak lol. It is a public forum yes...but, contrary to popular belief, there's no need for some people to be a **** (rhymes with lick) about it

Then why not simply report those posts and leave the thread be? The vast majority of this thread was nowhere near slander.

 

[Brad Johnson]

Aren't all of us that work for a living concerned about where our hard-earned dollars are going? I don't own any Tara Labs cables for the same reason. I'm not comparing Sadowsky to Tara Labs, just using it as an example.

Maybe Steve uses a CNC, but he's just high when programming!

As I've stated earlier, I have owned a few custom Conklins. All great basses. They are all gone now. I have owned, and still own, a Conklin Groove Tools GT-5. If we are talking build quality, feel, etc., then the customs simply buried the GT. Tonally, however (to MY ears), the GT, with US Barts and an OBP-3, always gave me exactly what I wanted. None of the customs ever matched that. I wish they could have. Here's the thing though: The customs were thousands of dollars each. Much of that $$$ went for the pieces of wood, the carved and figured Cherry top, etc. The very simplistic by comparison GT was $750. If Conklin made a GT with wider spacing, I'd probably never buy a custom.

Actually, I'll be more honest.... When I bought my customs, I had money burning a hole in my wallet, I was a headstock whore, and dammit I just wanted a custom... just to say I had a custom. Now I'm much older, wiser, and mature, and would probably never spend that kind of cash on ANY instrument again. My main three basses today are the GT, a Yamaha RBX765A, and a modded SX Jazz. They suit me pretty well, actually.

True, but let's compare prices between one of your basses and an NYC Sad. Your prices aren't listed on your site anymore, but they used to be substantially cheaper than any NYC. I've had the privilege (and pleasure) of playing both a Sadowsky NYC and a Nordstrand NX, and I was always more impressed with your basses, Carey. I'm sorry you took offense to my post. One of the reasons I liked you (much like why I have always liked Bill Conklin, Mike Tobias, The Roscoe crew, etc.), is you never used to come off as another Ken Smith.


For whoever mentioned Roscoe's use of the CNC (I looked, couldn't find the post)... When I was there (last summer), the CNC was pretty much being used as a storage table and was covered in sawdust. It obviously hadn't been used in quite some time. Gard told my most of their basses continue to be hand carved. Besides, my issue is NOT with so much using a CNC. It had to do with labor / price points, essentially. If two builders dedicate the same amount of labor / time / and effort, and then release equally impressive instruments, but sell at a substantially lower price, then what's the motivation to buy, other than the name?

They're different. That difference is enough for plenty of people. If OTOH you don't see, feel, hear or otherwise experience a difference then no, there isn't much of a reason other than things like resale value.

Again, I mean no disrespect. For those (the one or two of you that take this crap personally like I'm slandering your mom ) and infer said disrespect, then responded in such a way to my earlier post(s), I really couldn't care less what you think. I gave my opinion because it was asked for on a public forum. Don't like it? Sorry.

That was the point of this thread.

 

[johndough247]

maybe the last part of my post was a bit much, but I do believe some people just took shots solely at Roger (i.e. not at any other boutique builder that does similar practices) that I believe were uncalled for.

Then why not simply report those posts and leave the thread be? The vast majority of this thread was nowhere near slander.

As the last guy just pointed out, it's a public forum lol. Also, It was enough to provoke Roger to defend himself...so you tell me.

Anyways, I said my piece mainly because most people were bringing up why one would chose a certain bass over Sadowsky, I just wanted to give any other potential buyers (and i still consider myself one, I don't possess a Sadowsky yet) a counter-point to those comments. Sorry if I ruffled any feathers.

 

[g4string]

Oh and most of that was not directed at g4string FWIW, just the counterpoint to the lakland/sadowsky comparison.

The thread was never about Lakland -vs- Sadowsky. My Lakand is a "CNC" bass just like Sadowsky. There is not much different between the two in regards of quality. It boils down to feel, playability, asthetics, sound, and specs. Which is what the OP is trying has out....what people don't like about Sadowsky's feel, sound, etc.

 

[johndough247]

The thread was never about Lakland -vs- Sadowsky. My Lakand is a "CNC" bass just like Sadowsky. There is not much different between the two in regards of quality. It boils down to feel, playability, asthetics, sound, and specs. Which is what the OP is trying has out....what people don't like about Sadowsky's feel, sound, etc.

I know it wasn't about that. Like you said, he wanted to know about the feel and sound, and my point and subsequently my answer to the OP (as long-winded as it was) was simply "hmm...i don't know, and you won't know either until YOU hold one...feel and sound is subjective."