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Is A Sadowsky For Me?

PinkTelephone

PinkTelephone

Feb 18, 2004
1,220
0
38
Shrub Oak New York
#1
I really have been gasing for a sadowsky since I started posted on talkbass but always thought i would never have the cash for one. Now being a little bit older and having a full time job, that for me only being 18 turning 19 pays nicely, i have the cash for a sadowsky metro (or really anything else in the price range). I just don't know if a vintage style Jazz is for me. I usually play anything from harder rock along the lines of metal and hardcore all the way down to rock stuff like saves the day circa survive and at the drive in if you guys are Familiar with those bands (check out any tracks from saves the day latest album, sounds the alarms for the tone I'm after. Songs from it can be found on there myspace). I really an used to a thicker style neck but I think I could ultimately get used to a thinner jazz style one. From what I gather they don't sound much like a Fender jazz does but how far off could it really be? I love the way some Fender Jazzes sound but others are just alright to me. I mean I would love to try one out but with my schedule it would just be almost impossible to get down to Brooklyn to try one out. So really if sadowsky isnt the bass for me, someone point me in the direction of a higher end bass that would be.

if any other info is need just lmk haha.
thanks guys.
 
#3
If your able to take the drive then do it. Maybe not straight off but just stick the money under your matress until you can. Nothing could be worse than laying down a few grand on an instrument that doesn't feel right in your hands or sound like it was worth the money.

Surely you can't be busy between now and the rest of your life to make that once off trip. In the mean time try out a few things close to home

You said that you've only wanted one since you started posting in here. Which means you done nothing but bought into a load of hype. Remember everyone elses opinion is not your opinion. Try it out if you can
 
#5
I've said it before, I have never had ANY issues with a Sadowsky on ANY gig.
Something I can't say with just about every other bass I've owned.

They always work.
 
#6
@ PinkTelephone,

If your profile is correct, you're in Shrub Oak (which is really close to where my parents live, actually) which is not that far at all. I go to school at Binghamton and have made a trip down to Brooklyn from Binghamton. Just to give you an idea if you're not familiar with the distance, it was about a 4-hour drive. Amount of money spent on gas: appx $45.00. Result: $500.00 deposit on a Sadowsky NYC that is appx. $4000.00.

Price ratio: $45.00:$4000.00 to see if the Sadowsky was right for me. Going by the math, you have a lot less to lose if you happen to not find that Sadowsky's are not for you, so just take a trip.
 
#7
Marcus Alan said:
@ PinkTelephone,

If your profile is correct, you're in Shrub Oak (which is really close to where my parents live, actually) which is not that far at all. I go to school at Binghamton and have made a trip down to Brooklyn from Binghamton. Just to give you an idea if you're not familiar with the distance, it was about a 4-hour drive. Amount of money spent on gas: appx $45.00. Result: $500.00 deposit on a Sadowsky NYC that is appx. $4000.00.

Price ratio: $45.00:$4000.00 to see if the Sadowsky was right for me. Going by the math, you have a lot less to lose if you happen to not find that Sadowsky's are not for you, so just take a trip.
Click to expand...

+1 You won't know until you play one. A visit to Brooklyn will expose you to every model of Sadowsky offered... thats a best case senario.
 
#8
For a close approximation of the Sadowsky Sound (tm), I'd suggest you try out one of the Sadowky outboard preamps first. Beg, borrow, or steal a Jazz bass and run it through the outboard preamp to see if you can get the sound that you are looking for. If you like the result, then you'll be really happy with the Sadowsky bass itself.
 
#9
PinkTelephone said:
From what I gather they don't sound much like a Fender jazz does but how far off could it really be? I love the way some Fender Jazzes sound but others are just alright to me.
Click to expand...

I just traded away a Sadowsky (RV-4) and decided to keep my Fender Jazz. I too wanted to see (and hear) what Sadowsky tone was all about.

I would have to say that IMO the two basses were more similar than they were different. They are both jazz basses, and to me they both sound like a classic jazz bass. The differences that I heard in tone were subtle. The Sadowsky had a much more even tone from note to note and up and down around the neck. Every note sounded full and at the same volume. It made my playing sound more even. The Fender had more grit. The notes on the Fender sounded one way up high on the neck and a a little different down low on the neck. The Fender responded to palying hard with a funky bite. The Sadowsky was much more well behaved.

IMHO, a Sadowsky RV sounds like a J-bass. If you like a Fender J tone than I doubt you'll have any issues with Sadowsky. It will be up to you to decide if you like the Sadowsky J-bass tone better than the Fenders you have tried. Some do, and some don't.
 
#11
I LOVE my Sadowsky 5-24 - great sound, great looks, great feel - what more could I ask for?

The other builder I would consider, based on the one I have, is Alleva-Coppolo. I have a alder body, morado board jazz bass and it absolutely kills.

I would REALLY hate to have to choose between the two!

Dan K.

Bassfamilyphoto2.png
 
#18
Pan said:
I know I would!
I'm buying 'blind and unplayed' based mostly on TB'er's words so you'll hear about it if I'm not ecstatic!
I noticed those Sadowsky guys have been at my credit card today too. Hmmm.
Click to expand...

Pan,

I bought mine off the rack (it was in stock) sight unseen and sound unheard when I was in Korea. I chose Sadowsky based entirely on their reputation. No bass is for everyone, but I have never read a negative word about Sadowsky quality or customer service. Since then, I've even sent it back for mods and have had zero problems. Like Nino says, you have 7 days to make up your mind. It worked out for me. :cool:
 
#19
thanks for all the info guys.
I've decided soon enough I'm just gonna take the trip to the shop and try one out. I'm in Manhatten at least once every two months so it wouldn't really be that big of a difference to just go over the bridge. Even with my working 5 or 6 days a week and going to school 5 days i'll fit it somewhere. Marcus Alan made a great point too.

thanks again guys.
 

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