If Only One Bass, Fender or Sadowsky?

[jnammy]

Yes, I done did it, this time it's Fender vs. Sadowsky. Here are the rules again:

You can only have one Fender or Sadowsky for the rest of your life, it's free, you cannot sell or trade it, you cannot modify it, you can choose from any Fender ever made, from a '51 to a current Masterbuilt, and there is no wait time for either bass. Which would you choose (list model, year, woods, finish, etc.) and why?

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

I'd say any Fender, because obviously the best Sadowsky is just a clone of the best Fender.... flame on...

 

[jnammy]

So why am I doing this type of poll again? It's because for me, I really don't know if I would choose Fender, Fodera or Sadowsky for my ONE bass. If Fender made a 60's 5 string with a good B, I would pick that, but they didn't. FWIW, I've owned all 3 and various models of each of them.

 

[RBrownBass]

you cannot sell or trade it, you cannot modify it

The Sadowsky.

 

[Leo thechampion]

The original for me.

 

[EagleMoon]

Having had quite a few of both, I'd vote Sadowsky since I can get a lightweight, very well built instrument that will last me a lifetime, and the customer service is the best around.

 

[EatADeadGoat]

Sadowsky. Fenders (can) feel and play nice, but there are so many things that I usually don't like. Like the over-glossed necks, the lower horn on the body gets in my way when going to the highest frets, ect ect ect.

As a completely unrelated question, I know Fender makes 5 string basses, but do they make 6 string basses?

 

[jnammy]

I wonder if Sadowsky will do any better than Fodera did with 40% of the votes against Fender after 350 votes, which I thought was impressive. I have a feeling that Sadowsky will do similarly or slightly worse. I'll say Sadowsky will get 35% of the votes after 350 votes. Anyone else?

 

[Timmay on bass]

I've owned lots of Fenders, but since I play mostly 5 string these days, and I'm not impressed with Fender 5's, I have to go with Sadowsky.

 

[RBrownBass]

Sadowsky. Fenders (can) feel and play nice, but there are so many things that I usually don't like. Like the over-glossed necks, the lower horn on the body gets in my way when going to the highest frets, ect ect ect.

As a completely unrelated question, I know Fender makes 5 string basses, but do they make 6 string basses?

They make the Steve Bailey fretless. It may come fretted as well, but I'm not sure.

 

[notverygood]

Fender. I like them.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I'd take a new light weight Sadowsky NYC P/J 5-string.

 

[pacojas]

FENDER, DAMMIT!!!

 

[Catbuster]

Can somebody say "the Fender Marcus Miller Jazz"?

 

[Rage1331]

Yes, I done did it, it's time for Fender vs. Sadowsky this time. Here are the rules again:

You can only have one Fender or Sadowsky for the rest of your life, it's free, you cannot sell or trade it, you cannot modify it, you can choose from any Fender ever made, from a '51 to a current Masterbuilt, and there is no wait time for either bass. Which would you choose (list model, year, woods, finish, etc.) and why?

If I can't modify it, I don't want it. I like Fenders (I'd probably like Sadowskys too if I could afford them...) but I hate the stock Jazz bass pickups. Not a big fan of the piece-o-tin bridge either.

 

[CTC564]

Sadowsky....every time

Although I believe it'd be more relevant to compare Fender to---

Lull
Sadowsky
Nordstrand
Alleva-Coppola

And any other top of the line Fender boutique basses

 

[mikezimmerman]

I admit to being pretty impressed with the new Fender Precision 5 I played recently, and I'd love to try out the new Jazzes. Still, it didn't feel to me like it was in the same league as the two Sadowsky 5's I've owned, and I preferred their downsized bodies and neck profiles, as well. Also, the Sadowsky's seemed to sit in the mix better than any other Fender-style bass I've played. So, for me, I'd go with one of the Sadowsky 5-string Jazz models...but I'd want to try out the Modern and the PJ before deciding which one.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I don't see the point of this one. The Fodera or Fender question at least compared basses that have significant differences in the style of construction. When it comes to Fender or Sadowsky, it is more a question of which tone or neck profile does a person like the most. Quality of construction can be an issue, but depending on the Fender, the construction can be very close.

 

[jnammy]

So which one did you choose Dr? I personally find it very interesting that it is exactly the opposite of the Fender/Fodera poll, with Sadowsky holding a steady 60% after 100 votes.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

So which one did you choose Dr? I personally find it very interesting that it is exactly the opposite of the Fender/Fodera poll, with Sadowsky holding a steady 60% after 100 votes.

In absolute terms, Sadowskys are better basses, IMO. I am, however, a bit sentimental when it comes to Fenders, but if I could only have one, I would take a a nice Sadowsky five string Jazz.