More Sadowsky Modern Goodness!

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

It would be so funny if this were in fact Bartolini pickups. I listened to many of the demos of this Sadowsky model online and none of that moved me particularly. However I really like the way the bass in video posted in the first post of this thread sounds and I generally like Bartolini pickups.

He seems to think they are Bartolini pickups.

I agree, and I mentioned that in my first comment. He's an excellent player and the bass sounds great. The pickups are Bartolini!

 

[Saulo Cirilo]

After doing my homework, I've now confirmed the full story.

This bass was built by the Brazilian luthier Donda and was originally sold under his own brand, Kempt. At some point, the Sadowsky name was added later.

As I mentioned before, the neck and fingerboard are made of marfim wood, the top is a type of cedar, and the body is mahogany — all of which he personally confirmed.

The pickups and preamp are Bartolini.

Based on this information, it's clear that this is not an original Sadowsky instrument, which is exactly what I stated from the beginning.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

It really depends on the Tagima era, because the brand has gone through different phases.

In the early days, the instruments were built by Seizi Tagima himself.

Later, some models started being manufactured in China.

And some high-end models are built in Brazil by a well-known luthier, Márcio Zaganin, who is also the owner of the N. Zaganin brand.

So not all Tagima basses are the same. It really depends on when and where they were made.

I knew about the original Mr. Tagima and Chinese manufacture. I understand Tagima is planning on having basses made in the USA. My Tagima is a TJB435 made in Brazil in 2021. It is an incredible instrument. It is better than a USA Geddy Lee Signature Jazz I used to have.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

After doing my homework, I've now confirmed the full story.

This bass was built by the Brazilian luthier Donda and was originally sold under his own brand, Kempt. At some point, the Sadowsky name was added later.

As I mentioned before, the neck and fingerboard are made of marfim wood, the top is a type of cedar, and the body is mahogany — all of which he personally confirmed.

The pickups and preamp are Bartolini.

Based on this information, it's clear that this is not an original Sadowsky instrument, which is exactly what I stated from the beginning.

Great eye and great investigative work. Thank you so much for following up.

 

[Saulo Cirilo]

Great eye and great investigative work. Thank you so much for following up.

Thank you, I really appreciate it!
I just wanted to bring solid proof this time, since my opinion didn't seem very convincing at first.
Lesson learned — next time I'll probably just keep quiet.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Thank you, I really appreciate it!
I just wanted to bring solid proof this time, since my opinion didn't seem very convincing at first.
Lesson learned — next time I'll probably just keep quiet.

No it was very much appreciated. I think the OP appreciated it as well. No bashing ever occurred and it is a forum where opinions are able to be discussed. You taught me a very valuable lesson as far as boutiques go. We can all take a lesson.

On another topic, do you have any basses that really stand out was you all time favorites? You've have so much boutique experience. If you had to pick maybe a top 5 , what would they be?

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Thank you, I really appreciate it!
I just wanted to bring solid proof this time, since my opinion didn't seem very convincing at first.
Lesson learned — next time I'll probably just keep quiet.

I appreciated your input. I just wanted you to explain clearly how you knew bass was not a genuine Sadowsky. You did that and I appreciate you sharing that information.

 

[Saulo Cirilo]

No it was very much appreciated. I think the OP appreciated it as well. No bashing ever occurred and it is a forum where opinions are able to be discussed. You taught me a very valuable lesson as far as boutiques go. We can all take a lesson.

On another topic, do you have any basses that really stand out was you all time favorites? You've have so much boutique experience. If you had to pick maybe a top 5 , what would they be?

Yeah, my top 5 definitely includes Sadowsky NYC. I'm also a big fan of Alleva Coppolo, MTD, Olinto, and some Foderas — those are easily the brands I gravitate toward the most.

That said, Sadowsky NYC is still at the top for me. No question about it.

 

[prndltech]

After doing my homework, I've now confirmed the full story.

This bass was built by the Brazilian luthier Donda and was originally sold under his own brand, Kempt. At some point, the Sadowsky name was added later.

As I mentioned before, the neck and fingerboard are made of marfim wood, the top is a type of cedar, and the body is mahogany — all of which he personally confirmed.

The pickups and preamp are Bartolini.

Based on this information, it's clear that this is not an original Sadowsky instrument, which is exactly what I stated from the beginning.

How in the world did you figure all that out within a day?!

That's wild

 

[Saulo Cirilo]

How in the world did you figure all that out within a day?!

That's wild

I have many friends in Brazil, so it was easy. I shared the video, they contacted the bassist, and I found out he was already following me on Instagram. Since I'm Brazilian too, the language wasn't a problem.

 

[baxter_x]

Good job. You were right. Even if to me, that's not really a fake Sadowsky but more about a modified instrument that was added the Sadowsky logo afterward, you spotted the it wasn't an original one.

 

[Bass Viking]

I still prefer the Japanese metros, but that's just me.

What do you prefer about the Japanese Metros?

 

[Bass Viking]

Thank you, I really appreciate it!
I just wanted to bring solid proof this time, since my opinion didn't seem very convincing at first.
Lesson learned — next time I'll probably just keep quiet.

Thanks for enlightening us. The bass sounds great but I really hate when someone applies a fake logo!

 

[Saulo Cirilo]

Thanks for enlightening us. The bass sounds great but I really hate when someone applies a fake logo!

Same here. It's not just about the fake logo. The body shape, neck contours, and pickup placement are clearly copied to imitate a Sadowsky model. I always make this very clear to anyone who does this.

 

[Jugghaid]

What do you prefer about the Japanese Metros?

The feel. They just feel like a better built and better playing bass than the German ones to me. May be the neck shape. May just be the little things, not sure. But I have played them side by side.

Sound wise, I don't think there is really any difference.

 

[baxter_x]

I have tried both and I felt the German made are equal to my NyC model. Both in terms of finish and playability.

 

[Jugghaid]

I have tried both and I felt the German made are equal to my NyC model. Both in terms of finish and playability.

Which German ones have you tried? I have tried a German Will Lee 5, a Master built 4 limited red quilt one, a couple of the limited Master built walnut topped Moderns and one of the very early limited kinda weird blueish quilted ones they did. The newer ones seemed better to me so maybe they are improving.

I played my Japanese my modern next to the German ones.

I'd love a 5 string PJ if I can find a great deal on one.

 

[baxter_x]

Which German ones have you tried?

A Modern5 and a Jazz 5. However, I admit the very first German model I have tried was not that good. But nowadays, they are flawless IMO.
I own both a USA and a Japanese one. I mainly play the US on but mainly because it's a Modern5, whereas the Japanse one is a Jazz 5.

 

[Saulo Cirilo]

For those asking, this bass has Bartolini M45S 5-string Singularity pickups and a 918F preamp.

 

[Ric Vice]

I can't get enough of this tone! Unfortunately, I still have just a little bit of GAS because I am going to get a Metroline Modern in addition to my Metro Express with VTC. These and my Jazz Basses are all I need.

Great sound bass playing great music. What could be better. I love when it doubles up on the walking line . "How Sweet It Is" ala Junior Walker