Has anyone bought and NOT liked a Sadowsky??

[malthumb]

Speaking from experience, I can say that Alembic owners may irk Non-Alembic types because they are so utterfly confident in their basses. They can sound sometimes like religious fundamentalists.

I think people who don't or can't own Alembic should just be happy for them. Like a religion, it is a wonderful when something helps you live your life and helps you make sense of what it is you do.

Like religion, Alembics will not light everyone's path, but for those who are lifted by owning one, more power to you!

Speaking from experience, I can say that Fodera owners may irk Non-Fodera types because they are so utterfly confident in their basses. They can sound sometimes like religious fundamentalists.

I think people who don't or can't own Fodera should just be happy for them. Like a religion, it is a wonderful when something helps you live your life and helps you make sense of what it is you do.

Like religion, Foderas will not light everyone's path, but for those who are lifted by owning one, more power to you!

Speaking from experience, I can say that Dingwall owners may irk Non-Dingwall types because they are so utterfly confident in their basses. They can sound sometimes like religious fundamentalists.

I think people who don't or can't own Dingwall should just be happy for them. Like a religion, it is a wonderful when something helps you live your life and helps you make sense of what it is you do.

Like religion, Dingwalls will not light everyone's path, but for those who are lifted by owning one, more power to you!

Speaking from experience, I can say that ERB owners may irk Non-ERB types because they are so utterfly confident in their basses. They can sound sometimes like religious fundamentalists.

I think people who don't or can't own ERB should just be happy for them. Like a religion, it is a wonderful when something helps you live your life and helps you make sense of what it is you do.

Like religion, ERBs will not light everyone's path, but for those who are lifted by owning one, more power to you!

In light of the Election Day spirit in the US I am applying the equal time doctrine to Dr. Cheese's most excellent post.

 

[80'sRocker]

HI

All 3 late night guys play them. My friend Rob just finished a bass for Mike Merritt from Conan's show. If u look at the pro's playing these instruments, you'd understand a little better about the tone and quality. My god, the majority of recordings coming out of Nashville are done w Roger's instuments.

Also, if you havent tried one or better yet gigged one how can u really comment? I tried a Sadowsky 5 about 10 years ago and was not impressed at all. Frankly, I dont know what I was expecting. Was it supposed to play itself for me? LOL. Of course not. I bought a 4 string a few months later for kicks and have never looked back. Sold off everything I had(Lull, Fodera's, Roscoe, MTD, Celinder, Pensa, Etc) Nothing punched thru a mix like it. They are virtually plug and play. Never played a room where I couldnt get the tone I liked. Def cant say this for other basses Ive owned regardless of price and mid controls.

If you dont like the price, so be it. There is more to life than saving money. There is such a thing as paying for quality, service, workmanship, years off expert knowledge. Im happy to play Sadowsky and be one of his artists. Were not here to convince you to own one. But I will say if you played a weekend of gigs with one, your opinion would quickly be altered.

Rob

Rob REALLY knows his Sadowsky's! You still playing the Sadowsky bass amp?

 

[Brad Johnson]

Man, lack of mid control?!?!?!?!? Listen to this clip... basically the Sadowsky pre either flat, or with just 10% bass boost... relatively stock model, although with Sadowsky singles. Do you hear a 'lack of mids' with this clip!?!?!?!?

I'm not saying it is or should be your tone, but the clips I've heard you put up with your basses sound nice, but VERY scooped, and you seem to dig Andrew Gouche's tone, where I think he literally removes all mids from his tone by cranking the bass and treble all the way up.

Just confused!?!?!?

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

No offense, genuinely curious... does Will Lee have you as perplexed?



Anyway, back on topic, generally spoeaking, seemed like the OP was asking about a particular situation, not about getting the usual counterpoints from the faithful. People who love their Sadowskys... he wasn't talking about you.


I spent quite a while in Roger's shop several years ago, couldn't have been more gracious, etc. Checked out just about everything there, great setups, a couple of very nice rigs, I didn't pull the trigger. Played a bunch before and since. It's not that I didn't like them, I simply didn't like them enough for what I'm trying to do. I'm pretty sure that's still okay.


BTW cranking bass and treble doesn't remove mids... they're still there. And IME you don't have to do that to get a similar MTD Ash/Wenge tone. Just play it flat with some stainless steel strings. It'll sound like you cranked the bass and trable.

 

[Brad Johnson]

Speaking from experience, I can say that Sadowsky owners may irk Non-Sadowsky types because they are so utterfly confident in their basses. They can sound sometimes like religious fundamentalists.

I think people who don't or can't own Sadowskys should just be happy for them. Like a religion, it is a wonderful when something helps you live your life and helps you make sense of what it is you do.

Like religion, Sadowskys will not light everyone's path, but for those who are lifted by owning one, more power to you!

This thread really appeared to be a request for some balance from a potential buyer, actually a pretty smart thing to do considering the investment. If all you get is the happy talk...


And yes, that can go for just about any brand. When you get to the point that you dismiss people who don't like what you do as idiots, it might be time for reflection. Unfortunately that vibe is a regular occurence with many non-conformist threads/posts.

 

[bassist343]

I haven't played a Sadowsky, but I'm sure it'd sound better then my Squire

 

[Dr. Cheese]

This thread really appeared to be a request for some balance from a potential buyer, actually a pretty smart thing to do considering the investment. If all you get is the happy talk...


And yes, that can go for just about any brand. When you get to the point that you dismiss people who don't like what you do as idiots, it might be time for reflection. Unfortunately that vibe is a regular occurence with many non-conformist threads/posts.

Years ago, I met some resistance when I said that Music Man has build quality comparable to Sadowsky. The biggest difference being that Music Man was not as selective about wood choices which is why many Stingrays are heavy. Sadowsky folks got mad until someone pointed out that Roger Sadowsky himself commented on how well Music Man basses are made.

I think several people have said they have played them and weren't impressed enough to buy one. Several have said they owned Sadowskys, but decided that other basses worked better for them.

My post prior to this just stated that some folks really love them to the point that they are zealots, and that those who don't feel it that way should just be happy for them and keep doing what we do.

 

[c-ba55]

I tried a new Sadowsky a few weeks back. I had been at least a few years since I played one, and I don't remember what I thought before. This new one though, I think it was a Metro, I didn't like at all. The fretboard / neck edge was very sharp, to the point of distraction (maybe it just needs to be broken in?) and the tone no matter how I messed with it, was not rich, pleasing or solid. I think the amp was a GB shuttle 9 through a Bergantino AE410, so that could have been why the bright grittiness was dominant. I was really surprised.

 

[ElMon]

A few things....

Saying that there is a measure of standards as far as build in certain price points that a Sadowsky doesn't live up to, such as exotic woods sandwiched together or midrange controls and/or a thousand ways to get unuseable sounds, is kind of silly. Are we talking musical instruments here that will be played or just collectible art? Because I've owned/played/gigged some of the most beautifully crafted pieces of woodwork in the bass world (MTD(4)/Smith(3)/Roscoe/Fodera/Modulus/Warwick/etc only to have spent most of the actual gig tweaking the EQ on the bass/amp unable to find a sound that I could really fall in love with. Not to mention, and I AT LEAST won't go into a venting session because I find some of the current offerings 'not worth it', more than a few of those incredible instruments could not cut the mustard in the mix, studio/stage. And that's too bad, because a few of these basses played more smoothly and effortlessly than all 6 of the Sadowskys I"ve now owned/own.

I finally understood 'the fender thing' after being in the studio enough and having producers scoff at the fancy hi-end bass I brought. A/B'd to the Fender P or J that I used to make a pass at the track, the Fender simply sounded BETTER. 9 times out of 10, and by all means this may be different for people who NEED modern 'zing' in their tone for gospel/fusion/solo playing/etc, the producer/bandleader wanted a thick and round sound that fit in the track snugly without overpowering anything. In short, a 'fender-type sound'.

To me, and for the gigs that I play, the ultra-wide tone of most humbucker-equipped modern axes just gets lost in the mix or worse has a nasally midrange honk that makes it stick out, which AGAIN can be a GOOD thing in some music. Not for me after MANY attempts.

Going back to the fit/finish/build, my NYC Sadowsky is made of equal if not BETTER quality neckwood/body wood than any of those other basses, and I can tell by how loud and clear it plays acoustically, a principle that Roger maintains from his acoustic guitar building days and that IMO accounts for a lot. And a bunch of those other boutique builders achieved the same. My Sadowsky fits in my hands and inspires me to play just as much as any other bass I"ve had, except an MTD 535 I had which just that THE most playable setup I"ve ever encountered.

The difference, to me, is how Roger's preamp is both A) equal to NONE in how it achieves that 'thick yet clean' tone that can do modern AND vintage with minimal tweaking and B) PERFECTLY voiced for what is instruments are designed for. I always thought that the Bart/EMG/Aguilar setups I tried were ill-suited to those other instruments, especially when compared to their acoustic tone. Like I said, I was doing a fiddling with my amp and the bass' EQ (and I KNOW frequency points and how to use minimal EQ'ing) which led to a lot of bass/amp swapping, always towards 'that sound in my head'. Sadowsky does that for me, and the only tweaking I EVER do is VTC on or off, blend on P or J pickup. Can't say the same for those basses I had that contained a plethora of preamp options, all of them IMO thin and uninspiring in the end. To me, having a naturally thick and punchy tone is MUCH MORE important than having to EQ it in with a surgical preamp.

Lastly, the price-to-bass ratio is like this for me: If you come across a bass that perfectly achieves the 'sound in your head' that you've sought for years, and that your bandmates/audiences/producers/whoever likes to hear as well, then it is worth HOWEVER MUCH IT COSTS........

Though you're DAMN lucky if when this happens the price tag only says $1199.99!!

 

[drgregn]

A few things....


The difference, to me, is how Roger's preamp is both A) equal to NONE in how it achieves that 'thick yet clean' tone that can do modern AND vintage with minimal tweaking and B) PERFECTLY voiced for what is instruments are designed for. I always thought that the Bart/EMG/Aguilar setups I tried were ill-suited to those other instruments, especially when compared to their acoustic tone. Like I said, I was doing a fiddling with my amp and the bass' EQ (and I KNOW frequency points and how to use minimal EQ'ing) which led to a lot of bass/amp swapping, always towards 'that sound in my head'. Sadowsky does that for me, and the only tweaking I EVER do is VTC on or off, blend on P or J pickup. Can't say the same for those basses I had that contained a plethora of preamp options, all of them IMO thin and uninspiring in the end. To me, having a naturally thick and punchy tone is MUCH MORE important than having to EQ it in with a surgical preamp.

+1...

I've come to the point where I just want my basses to play easily and sound good without a lot of extra work on my part or anyone else's. Sadowskys by and large do that for me. I like Nordys with 2-band preamps a lot also.

 

[Brad Johnson]

Years ago, I met some resistance when I said that Music Man has build quality comparable to Sadowsky. The biggest difference being that Music Man was not as selective about wood choices which is why many Stingrays are heavy. Sadowsky folks got mad until someone pointed out that Roger Sadowsky himself commented on how well Music Man basses are made.

Yep... Roger has never been the issue. He understands that there is no bass that will be the ultimate for everyone.


And as crazy as it may sound, everyone's not hung up on weight either.

I think several people have said they have played them and weren't impressed enough to buy one. Several have said they owned Sadowskys, but decided that other basses worked better for them.

My post prior to this just stated that some folks really love them to the point that they are zealots, and that those who don't feel it that way should just be happy for them and keep doing what we do.

True but in a thread where someone's clearly asking to hear from them... it should be okay for them to relay their experiences sans rebuttals. But that simply can't happen.

 

[Ebelow]

Hi, I built my first electric guitar 31 years ago, when I was eleven years old and no such a hardware store or Guitar Center around in my small town. I used what I found at home for electronics, such us the kitchens cupboard's lock (actually the magnets from it), found some wire as well, someone worked for a telephone factory,and I used at least four tools, but long story short, could be pages to tell what I used for the whole instrument;
than later I had some gigs with it at my schools cafeteria with my first formed band. I was fifth grader that time (have a pics too from that gig) and this band been together more than 20 years and from scratch reached some serious record companies, TV shows, arena shows and of course gigs where only the bartender and a dog was the crowd.
Anyway, I had couple of great instruments and I loved all, I must say I love all type of bass, sometime just not sure about the weird body style but that is just different, I tried same amount of instruments at stores, and never found one what I like in my hands at the first time, I mean the setup never been perfect to me. But I do not care that at the store, I easily can setup instruments, even the high end basses was not good enough to me because the setup. So after saving money for ages to get my Sadowsky and after the long wait, guess what,...........
it was nearly perfect ,....yeah I had to adjust some neck and bridge, but I have to tell this bass was the first, where I felt like..YEEAH, this is the feel, finish, weight as should be a great bass. Really justa small touch to my taste and the bass was ready for me! And no any, not even a tiny dot mistake on this bass.
I had some high end bass and first took out the case and I did find some problems, mostly cosmetic probs, but sometime was missing hole and screws from pick guard, yes from a MIA bass!!!... and yes I am a way too perfectionist if I am about instruments.
-Thanks Roger being the same and putting these great basses out to the musicians!
oh one more thing: I would change the fixed string spacing for the adjustable one, at the bridge, but that is just me.
-I sold my first own built guitar for less then a Dollar about 29 years ago, today I would not sell for even $2500 and nobody would buy it even for a dollar
Thanks TBers taking time to read my words!
Ps.:
+1 I am with Roger and yes, I LOVE my Sadowsky

 

[maurilio]

Brad, 'ssup?

I agree with you, but when the "ney" saying are people that have never played them, or even things like "$200 worth" part basses with no frigging clou of what they are talking about... I can not pass it on...

I had 3 Sadowsky that I loved and enjoyed for years, till I finally got my dream bass (that's another story).

I can totally understand those who don't like Sads, that's why we have so many builders.... but PLEASE, let's open our mouth when we have something constructive (with knowledge) to say and not just to give air to our teeth

M

 

[Munjibunga]

I tried a new Sadowsky a few weeks back. I had been at least a few years since I played one, and I don't remember what I thought before. This new one though, I think it was a Metro, I didn't like at all. The fretboard / neck edge was very sharp, to the point of distraction (maybe it just needs to be broken in?) and the tone no matter how I messed with it, was not rich, pleasing or solid. I think the amp was a GB shuttle 9 through a Bergantino AE410, so that could have been why the bright grittiness was dominant. I was really surprised.

This is why god ... no, wait! ... Roger ... gave us the Vintage Tone Control. Just roll her back and PRESTO! No more bright grittiness.

 

[Infidelity]

This is why god ... no, wait! ... Roger ... gave us the Vintage Tone Control. Just roll her back and PRESTO! No more bright grittiness.

Treble cut for me, I feel different..

 

[Margus Alviste]

I bought a Metro from Station-music.de and got the RV5 with a very dull wood. The sound was ok but I didn't like the "lifeless" of the bass. Sold it soon. Then got two other Metros that were both much better. I think it's all about the specific instrument and the woods that have been used.
Now having a Fodera NYC5 I must say that I like this bass more than the Sadowskys I've tried so far. I also like MTDs more. I highly appreciate Roger's work ethics and customer service though. One of the best companies of our days.

 

[Buster Brown]

I have never heard anything but great things about Sadowsky basses. Unfortunately, I have never played one (although I would love the opportunity to do so).

That being said - My Wife bought me a Rolex Submariner for our 25th wedding Anniversary. Absolute STUNNING watch. The attention to detail is second to none. I LOVE the watch.

Here's the deal - My Wife knows that I would NEVER spend that kind of money (back then it was $3900) on myself. Just wouldn't do it. I have been wearing Seiko since the early 70s. Not overly expensive, but nice, nonetheless.

I play Fenders and Rickenbackers and they have served me quite well for the past 30 years or so. I have always envied guys who would drop $10,000 on a Ritter, but never really understood it (But to each his own!)

As I stated in the opening, I am absolutely sure that Roger builds GREAT basses - but for me - it's much ado about nothing. My Jazz and Precision basses (although not nearly as good as a Sadowsky) have provided me and my family with a pretty nice living over these many years along with the various Rics - I have always been a "happy camper"

Now, everything just "might" change if I ever get the opportunity to hol one in my "hot little hands", but until then - it's no biggie.

And, as usual IMO and YMMV and all that other stuff....

 

[plangentmusic]

I haven't played a Sadowsky, but I'm sure it'd sound better then my Squire

Depending on which one you have, you may be surprised.

 

[KJung]

No offense, genuinely curious... does Will Lee have you as perplexed?



Anyway, back on topic, generally spoeaking, seemed like the OP was asking about a particular situation, not about getting the usual counterpoints from the faithful. People who love their Sadowskys... he wasn't talking about you.


I spent quite a while in Roger's shop several years ago, couldn't have been more gracious, etc. Checked out just about everything there, great setups, a couple of very nice rigs, I didn't pull the trigger. Played a bunch before and since. It's not that I didn't like them, I simply didn't like them enough for what I'm trying to do. I'm pretty sure that's still okay.


BTW cranking bass and treble doesn't remove mids... they're still there. And IME you don't have to do that to get a similar MTD Ash/Wenge tone. Just play it flat with some stainless steel strings. It'll sound like you cranked the bass and trable.

Wasn't commenting on the OP's question.... covered that earlier. Again, simple concept to that question... zero issues in quality, tone is totally subjective. I agree, reasonable question, since many high end brands have gone through 'rough spots' (e.g., Fodera).

And, cranking the bass and treble definitely increases the ratio of bass and treble to mids... which LITERALLY is the same thing as removing mids (you are confusing the LEVEL of the frequency curve, with the PATTERN of the frequency curve... the pattern is what defines the tone profile). That is just another ugly path to a smiley face EQ (which some guys really dig I guess... so even that is not 'wrong or right', of course). This has nothing to do with digging Sadowsky's or not... pure personal taste. +1 all the way. However, just like the 'user error' with the Markbass heads that we often discuss (where guys put everything, including the filters, to noon, and then complain about the heads being 'dark and boomy), there are a lot of cats who get confused, for example, about boost only tone controls. I can't tell you how many guys came into LDS (that carried Metro's), and immediately cranked the bass and treble to the noon position, which of course sounded like a clicky, boomy mess, and then said 'this ain't happening, I would need a mid control'

There are three simple questions here that anyone shopping for basses wants to know, and only the first one can be answered objectively by others:

1) Is the service and support, build quality, fit and finish, etc. of the Sadowsky up to par with other expensive boutique basses? Answer: Absolutely.

2) Will the tone of one of the Sadowsky models fit my needs? Answer: maybe yes, maybe no!

3) Is a Sadowsky worth the high price? Answer: maybe yes, maybe no!

 

[tycobb73]

I don't like finnished necks and I prefer 2 + 2 headstocks so I'm considering ordering a Stambaugh and having him put Sadowsky guts in it.

 

[Marlat]

If everyone who bought a Sadowsky liked it, you would see far less up for sale and Roger wouldn't have a 7 day trial policy. The only questions the OP needs to worry about are:

1. Does he like the bass?

2. Can he afford the bass?

If you like it and you can afford it. Why not? If you can't afford it, there are plenty of other excellent quality basses out there that get you pretty close to a Sadowsky. FWIW I've owned two Sadowsky's and I still own one. I sold the other purely because I needed the cash and in many ways wish I hadn't sold it! I'd buy another one just to cash in on Roger's excellent sushi tips - that man knows his fish!