Lakland, and Sadowsky

[leroy diamond]

To me the difference is that the "Boutique" basses have very unique personalities. Basses like Ken Smith, Pedula, Fodera, MTD, Wynn, Ritter, Alembic, and Schold are very well made instruments but very much have unique tones. Many are even great works of art, some like Ritter are instantly collectable and most have great solo voices. But many are so elegant their are a lot of clubs I'd be scarred to take one too

To me the Lakland, Mike Lull,Performance, Xotic, Nordstrand, and Sadowskys are more gigging player basses. They are made for pros who play a variety of music and need an instrument to make money with in whatever situation they find themselves in, including lousy club sound men or producers who couldn't get a good bass tone on their own if their lives depended on it. Roger Sadowsky has said he takes pride that his basses are for "working" bass players.

Yep owned a Pedulla Thunderbolt 5 and it had a fabulous finish, a really beautiful piece of wood. Was always a bit nervous taking it to gigs. Just never Took to playing a five so let it go. Sure it would have looked beautiful hung up over the fire place, but IMO instruments are made to be played.
Also had a Jaydee supernatural and used it for 20 years and it got plenty of knocks. The most exotic looking bass I ever owned.
As a working bass player I never cut corners when it comes to buying gear and that's why I use a Sadowsky. It was more expensive than the Pedulla or the Jaydee, looks killer, fantastic build quality and has the tone that nails it for me at every gig. IME a fantastic bass. It sure would look good in a glass case in the living room , but if I had a Harley Davidson I would ride it. The Sadowsky U.S. bass holds its value on the used market on this side of the pond, unlike Skjolds and Pedulla's IME.
I know guys around here with Fodera's and Alembics and these instruments get used all the time, as they should when in the hands of Bass players IMO.
I know one guy who collects expensive guitars. he is not a player, but likes to have them on display. I don't get it, but each to his own.

 

[Dan Knowlton]

Wheres the line here?. Both U.S. made Sadowsky and lakland basses are IME top of the line, high end, instruments. Beautiful finishes on these instruments. I have tried a good number of top end basses and for me Lakland and Sadosky are right up there.

For me, the degree to which the customer can get non-standard specifications made.

From my personal experiece, Sadowsky (I just sold my 4th one) and Lakland (still have the 55-94 my wife bought me) had a limited range of options - great options done well, but still limited. When I ordered a Ken Lawrence, anything was possible. I decided on a Brase 5 as I liked the shape but Ken could have built me whatever I wanted, for a price.

Dan K.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

Are Lakland, and Sadowsky considered hi end basses? When I say hi end I mean like a Ken Smith, or Fodera.

Look at the prices.

 

[lomo]

Good point. I don't think think "boutique" is a very useful descriptor. There are custom builders with whom almost anything is possible, and there are small production builders (USA Sad, Lakland, Lull, Dingwall) who build a standardized product line, and there is also the distinction between basses always built by 1 person (CB, Elrick) vs the "small team" approach.

For me, the degree to which the customer can get non-standard specifications made.

From my personal experiece, Sadowsky (I just sold my 4th one) and Lakland (still have the 55-94 my wife bought me) had a limited range of options - great options done well, but still limited. When I ordered a Ken Lawrence, anything was possible. I decided on a Brase 5 as I liked the shape but Ken could have built me whatever I wanted, for a price.

Dan K.

 

[LaMarquis J]

I've owned both Lakland and Sadowsky and enjoyed both but I STILL have the Sad(s) with my 3rd being made now. The thing about sadowskys are you get the best of everything old and new school Jazz Bass wise. The "boost only" preamp is the gift that keeps on giving. The low end fully engaged will literally slap the left hand of the keyboard player til he only plays right handed lol! The hi end can be as bright or as dark as you want it to be with help of the Vintage Tone Control (VTC). The beauty of this whole setup is if you just want an American Fender Jazz sound for a particular gig just bypass the preamp and you got it. If you want ridiculous tone that will cut through any mix live or recorded and will bring a permanent Koolaide smile to the engineer the Sad does it every time. Lakland didn't provide any of this for me. I hope this helps

 

[slagbass]

The flatter neck radius is the most striking difference. The back of neck profile on the Sadowsky is somewhat deeper front to back, when compared to my 1964 Fender Jazz bass so I had it modified by Roger with excellent results. Thats the advantage of using a boutique builder

Even within Sadowsky basses these parameters can vary. I believe the standard radius is 12" but on the NYC Ultra Vintage models it is 9". I don't find the difference between the UV and a vintage Fender to be that striking.
On neck depth.... if you like a shallow profile, I had a '96 NYC that was as shallow as anything I've played. The newer ones have a bit more depth as you indicate.

 

[leroy diamond]

Even within Sadowsky basses these parameters can vary. I believe the standard radius is 12" but on the NYC Ultra Vintage models it is 9". I don't find the difference between the UV and a vintage Fender to be that striking.
On neck depth.... if you like a shallow profile, I had a '96 NYC that was as shallow as anything I've played. The newer ones have a bit more depth as you indicate.

The older Sadowsky necks were shallower for sure. True the Ultra Vintage offer the 9'' radius option, but I have never seen them in stock at any of the Sadowsky dealers in Europe.
Wonder why Roger goes for the 12'' radius on his standard vintage Jazz basses?.

 

[burk48237]

I've owned both Lakland and Sadowsky and enjoyed both but I STILL have the Sad(s) with my 3rd one is being made now. The thing about sadowskys are you get the best of everything old and new school Jazz Bass wise. The "boost only" preamp is the gift that keeps on giving. The low end fully engaged will literally slap the left hand of the keyboard player til he only plays right handed lol! The hi end can be as bright or as dark as you want it to be with help of the Vintage Tone Control (VTC). The beauty of this whole setup is if you just want an American Fender Jazz sound for a particular gig just bypass the preamp and you got it. If you want ridiculous tone that will cut through any mix live or recorded and will bring a permanent Koolaide smile to the engineer the Sad does it every time. Lakland didn't provide any of this for me. I hope this helps

Very well said. I've played at a couple of churches that have very serious music ministries. And I can't remember how many times I pulled out the Sadowsky, plugged it in and had a sound man compliment it. OTOH, I've owned Alembic, Pedulla, Factor, Warwick, Pre-Gibson Tobias, Yamaha, and Fender, and while they were all excellent basses they never sat in the mix the way the Sadowsky's did, or drew the raves from engineers, and band mates. You're right about that Pre LJ, it's just magic, and it works.

As far as neck contour, IMHO, for my smaller hands, no one has the five string neck contour, the way Roger does. To me they are just the WORD on the way a five string neck should feel.

I had to sell mine due to finances, but I will get another one. They are my "last" bass.

 

[SteveC]

I've had both and while I really like Lakland basses, most people who remember ask about the Sea Foam green MV4 with the Rosewood board. That is one of the very few I'd like back.

 

[LaMarquis J]

As far as neck contour, IMHO, for my smaller hands, no one has the five string neck contour, the way Roger does. To me they are just the WORD on the way a five string neck should feel.

Burk be sure to play the Will Lee bass first chance you get. The 5 string neck is even narrower and feels absolutely perfect not to mention the mid-range boost option. Roger sent me a loaner while mine is being built and I'm in tone heaven! Roger and Will got it right.

 

[burk48237]

Burk be sure to play the Will Lee bass first chance you get. The 5 string neck is even narrower and feels absolutely perfect not to mention the mid-range boost option. Roger sent me a loaner while mine is being built and I'm in tone heaven! Roger and Will got it right.

It's on the list, but frankly right now I'm just trying to survive. Playing a very good Valenti on loan from Mike Fredericks. Thanks, for the tip. Love your playin!

 

[leroy diamond]

I've owned both Lakland and Sadowsky and enjoyed both but I STILL have the Sad(s) with my 3rd being made now. The thing about sadowskys are you get the best of everything old and new school Jazz Bass wise. The "boost only" preamp is the gift that keeps on giving. The low end fully engaged will literally slap the left hand of the keyboard player til he only plays right handed lol! The hi end can be as bright or as dark as you want it to be with help of the Vintage Tone Control (VTC). The beauty of this whole setup is if you just want an American Fender Jazz sound for a particular gig just bypass the preamp and you got it. If you want ridiculous tone that will cut through any mix live or recorded and will bring a permanent Koolaide smile to the engineer the Sad does it every time. Lakland didn't provide any of this for me. I hope this helps

Good description of the Sadowsky preamp. IME what I find unique about the Sadowsky is that there is not a sweet spot, rather there are many sweet spots due to the fabulous preamp and VTC, combined with pickup pan. I have to say though that the Sadowsky in passive mode doesn't quite naile the tone from my fender jazz. Maybe that's because my Sadowsky is loaded with humcancelling pickups.

 

[LaMarquis J]

You're right Leroy. I have hum canceling in my old NYC and single coils in the new Will Lee. I've now ordered the single coils for the NYC as well. Roger's latest single coil has been re engineered to deliver much less hum then ever before.

 

[leroy diamond]

You're right Leroy. I have hum canceling in my old NYC and single coils in the new Will Lee. I've now ordered the single coils for the NYC as well. Roger's latest single coil has been re engineered to deliver much less hum then ever before.

Just when I was singing the praises of my Sadowsky, now I gotta go and order a new set of pickups--more money. Thanks a million LaMarquis J

 

[J. Brooks]

Hi LaMarquis, a bit OT but I was recording for 'Bassy' Bob the other day and learned that he had mixed Waterfalls. I once transcribed that bass part note for note for a gig, great playing on there.

Back OT, I agree, the sadowsky preamp is super useful. Even with a p bass / flatwound strings I use it all the time to get more brightness, bass, drive the amp more, or drive my pedals more. US Laklands are nice too but the Sadowsky pre is an indispensable tool for me.

 

[Boombass76]

Actually, I've got to stick up for Fender here. I have a UV 70 5 string metro and an 2012 american standard jazz, and I regularly gig both side by side. If it wasn't for the fact that I need a 5 string on some tunes, the Metro would probably stay in it's case. Sound wise...the Metro is good, but the Jazz is better IMO

I think the key here is 'at least pricewise'. This may not be true in other countries, but here (Denmark), a lakland Skylune is roughly the same price as a a MIA Fender. A Sadowsky Metro is at least +$1,000. Whether you prefer one above the other in terms of sound, that's a different story.

 

[Boombass76]

I've owned both Lakland and Sadowsky and enjoyed both but I STILL have the Sad(s) with my 3rd being made now. The thing about sadowskys are you get the best of everything old and new school Jazz Bass wise. The "boost only" preamp is the gift that keeps on giving. The low end fully engaged will literally slap the left hand of the keyboard player til he only plays right handed lol! The hi end can be as bright or as dark as you want it to be with help of the Vintage Tone Control (VTC). The beauty of this whole setup is if you just want an American Fender Jazz sound for a particular gig just bypass the preamp and you got it. If you want ridiculous tone that will cut through any mix live or recorded and will bring a permanent Koolaide smile to the engineer the Sad does it every time. Lakland didn't provide any of this for me. I hope this helps

I must admit that I never really became friends with the Sad preamp. The three Sads I have owned (NYC, Metro and Tokyo) all played amazingly well, but drowned in the mix way too easily. The 4-string Metro P/J was the best and I almost regretted selling it, but the other two (a 4-string NYC and a 5-string Tokyo, both Jazz type) didn't compare well to my Celinder, which was my main bass back then.

 

[Steve]

Roger's latest single coil has been re engineered to deliver much less hum then ever before.

The Sadowsky single coils run straight up the middle are the quietest pickups I have ever heard. They are quieter than Rogers HC's

And they do sound amazing.

 

[PJ Muzikmansky]

I think the key here is 'at least pricewise'. This may not be true in other countries, but here (Denmark), a lakland Skylune is roughly the same price as a a MIA Fender. A Sadowsky Metro is at least +$1,000. Whether you prefer one above the other in terms of sound, that's a different story.

Got you now: sorry I missed the context of your original statement

 

[bassistloaded21]

I recently got a sadowsky. it can do it all. LOVE the pre. Recorded this last night. Not perfectly old school, but it can get that vibe along with almost any other sound. Many have said the Sadowsky is bright, but I havent found that. I can make it bright, but that isnt how the bass sounds on its own. EQ is your friend lol. VTC is your best friend lol
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