Lakland vs Sadowsky

[fishdude101101]

I like my preamps outboard, so if I wanted the sadowsky sound I'd put their preamp on my pedalboard. Also if I'm paying that kind of money, I don't want extra unused dials hanging out on my bass.

Fair. I'm just the opposte, I want onboard. it just sounds different to me.

 

[fishdude101101]

I do not believe that the more budget friendly Sadowskys are still made in China- They are German now, made in
the Warwick factory.
The NYC basses are custom made with lots of options, but there are many things that Roger just will not do.... perhaps
sometimes for good reasons.... sometimes because he has no need to experiment with the formula....
I asked if he would make a fretless with a piezo pick-up..... nope.

There is the MetroExpress -- Made in China
Metroline and some masterbuilt are made in Germany
NYC obviously NYC.

 

[MrRiff]

I would be buying the German made one. I'm pretty much a no-China guy unless I have no choice. Not trying to start a war, just saying.

The dead spot that gets me is d string, 7th fret. Fundamental becomes a harmonic in about 2 seconds and just doesn't sound full.

Did you change the string? an issue with the wrap on the core wire might cause that especially if it’s a round core string.

 

[tb-player]

What put the sadowsky on another level?

For me it’s finish, fretwork and preamp. I can’t speak for the Metrolines. Mine were all NYCs. So not the same price point. But the fretwork is perfect. The finishes are gorgeous and the Sadowsky preamp is the ballsiest preamp out there. I really love it.

 

[billiard]

Lakland is a Lincoln

Sadowsky is a Cadillac

Just get an American made one and you'll be fine

 

[2thAche]

The dead spot is more of an individual bass problem than a Lackland problem. That said I've got 2 MIJ Sadowskys and I've got nothing but good to say about them, especially the necks. They are exactly as you describe; a bass that asks you to be a better player.

The NYC is better in small details, not large details, but mainly in weight due to the chambered bodies. I can't speak to the German ones.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

Full disclosure, Lakland 'fanboy' here. I've owned them for 23 years. They're my main bass, used at 90% of the hundreds on gigs I do annually. The Sadowskys I've played in stores were absolutely great, amazing instruments though. My only gripe is the vast majority of them are all active and I don't like the fact that there's no 'center' detent on the preamp (correct me if I'm wrong).

 

[fishdude101101]

Did you change the string? an issue with the wrap on the core wire might cause that especially if it’s a round core string.

Yes, probably on my 4th set of strings. Played quite a few gigs on it and i deaden strings quickly.

 

[fishdude101101]

Full disclosure, Lakland 'fanboy' here. I've owned them for 23 years. They're my main bass, used at 90% of the hundreds on gigs I do annually. The Sadowskys I've played in stores were absolutely great, amazing instruments though. My only gripe is the vast majority of them are all active and I don't like the fact that there's no 'center' detent on the preamp (correct me if I'm wrong).

I'm taking it you play mostly passive laklands then?

The Sadowsky pre is boost only so "center" is just all the way off.

I'm the opposite these days. I don't think I'll ever buy another passive bass. In my hands they all sound the same to me. I'm gong back to the 90's lol. I like my tone better back then anyway. Quit playing for 10 years, and was in shock at the passive pbass revival I ran into. IN the 90's I didn't know a single person playing a passive fender.

 

[pbass2]

I have a very early USA Lakland Glaub that is probably the best built, best feeling bass I've ever had my mitts on. I also had a very early Metro JJ, also great. Also had several USA L2500s and now favor my USA JB-5 and Kiloton 5. They're all great, but different.
Aside from the feel and fit and finish, here's an idea---see if you can try the Sadowsky outboard pre on your existing basses. It really kinda does turn any bass into a Sadowsky (give or take of course). I used mine on my L2500 a ton, totally smoothed it out, transformed it.

 

[fishdude101101]

For me it’s finish, fretwork and preamp. I can’t speak for the Metrolines. Mine were all NYCs. So not the same price point. But the fretwork is perfect. The finishes are gorgeous and the Sadowsky preamp is the ballsiest preamp out there. I really love it.

I've always heard if you want the deep cavernous lowend you hear on some recordings go with a Sadowsky pre. Your saying it has more down low than the lakland pre?

The Metrolines are Warwick-made now, so I can't imagine they'd be anything but well-made basses.

 

[fishdude101101]

I have a very early USA Lakland Glaub that is probably the best built, best feeling bass I've ever had my mitts on. I also had a very early Metro JJ, also great. Also had several USA L2500s and now favor my USA JB-5 and Kiloton 5. They're all great, but different.
Aside from the feel and fit and finish, here's an idea---see if you can try the Sadowsky outboard pre on your existing basses. It really kinda does turn any bass into a Sadowsky (give or take of course). I used mine on my L2500 a ton, totally smoothed it out, transformed it.

I've thought of that. I do think its not exactly the same to me, I've owned a tone of outboard pre's and theres just something different when its outboard that I can't put my finger.

As far as the l-2500's, I'm probably selling them. I have 2 l-1000 series 750's that do the trick for me, but only in OMG mode, as it smooths them out. I think the cut only preamp kinda stinks in my mind. Just not for me. Sounded great in youtube videos but I can't find a single usable sound on them. I love them...until I plug them into an amp.

 

[fishdude101101]

Lakland is a Lincoln

Sadowsky is a Cadillac

Just get an American made one and you'll be fine

Might end up being German if Sadowsky.

 

[fishdude101101]

The dead spot is more of an individual bass problem than a Lackland problem. That said I've got 2 MIJ Sadowskys and I've got nothing but good to say about them, especially the necks. They are exactly as you describe; a bass that asks you to be a better player.

The NYC is better in small details, not large details, but mainly in weight due to the chambered bodies. I can't speak to the German ones.

I agree. Its probaby the worst placed dead spot I've ever had though. Not the worst deadspot, but the one I forget about the most

 

[stevensivak]

Thanks for the heads up on the Asian Sadowskys...

Has anyone ever done a side by side test of all three: USA, German and Chinese?

 

[Stranger Danger]

Lakland B string will be better than the Sad and will likely balance better if that’s important to you. Sad does the Sad thing and it’s awesome if that’s your tone.

 

[PrimitiveMan]

I played quite a few Lakland and never had one with a dead spot, so I don't think it's a common issue. If that's the only thing bothering you about the bass, you can cheaply replace it with another Skyline. Or buy a used USA

Either way that's cheaper than buying anything but a Chinese Sadowsky

I've never played a NYC Sadowsky but have played some German ones and they are great instruments. I don't think it's worth the price for me though.

 

[DWBass]

Lakland B string will be better than the Sad and will likely balance better if that’s important to you. Sad does the Sad thing and it’s awesome if that’s your tone.

Love my Lakland.

 

[DWBass]

I played quite a few Lakland and never had one with a dead spot, so I don't think it's a common issue. If that's the only thing bothering you about the bass, you can cheaply replace it with another Skyline. Or buy a used USA

I still say, source another Lakland neck, if possible. Contact Lakland. They may sell you one or check eBay.

 

[fishdude101101]

I still say, source another Lakland neck, if possible. Contact Lakland. They may sell you one or check eBay.

Might look into it if its hassle free.

And by hassle free I mean I'm waiting too long for a respnose or a shipment.