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Musicman to.... Sadowsky??

B

basschrs

Sep 8, 2008
96
0
Philadelphia, PA
#1
Hey all, I own a Musicman 5 Stingray (2 pickup double coil version, I use the switch in center postion), and I absolutely love it. It's growly, punchy tone rips right through my guitarist's full stack marshalls in the mix; and gives me a great bass heavy, but still clear tone for my groves and solos. I play alternative/modern rock (think along the lines of Kings of Leon, Three Doors Down, or All American Rejects), and we have a 3 piece band, so each instrument having a strong sound that can hold it's own and fill out the mix nicely is critical. I own several other basses, but I don't really play them anymore, so I am going to sell them off, which leaves me needing a backup / new main bass for shows.

My question is, has anyone in a similar style of music gone from playing a Stingray to a Sadowsky? I tried the Sadowsky Metro M5-24 a few days ago, and it sounds amazing (didn't try it with other instruments though, just by myself in the bass store). I am really interested in this bass, but I wanted to get some opinions 1st.

P.S. I am also interested in folks opinions who play modern rock who use Sadowsky basses. Why do you use them, and what kind of tone does yours give you that you like?
 
#2
basschrs said:
...and we have a 3 piece band, so each instrument having a strong sound that can hold it's own and fill out the mix nicely is critical.
Click to expand...

There is one thing you'll never be able to do with a Sadowsky bass: getting lost in the mix.

basschrs said:
P.S. I am also interested in folks opinions who play modern rock who use Sadowsky basses. Why do you use them, and what kind of tone does yours give you that you like?
Click to expand...

The music I play in my current band is more classic rock (Springsteen, Petty, Dylan, The Band, etc.), but Sadowskys can get a vast array of modern tones, especially the M5-24. In fact, some old school cats find Sadowskys to be too modern sounding for their tastes which is not true if you use the proper strings and onboard eq settings. IMO, and most Sadowsky players agree, these are very versatile instruments.
 
#3
Go for it! you won't regret it, i can assure you that! Live or in the studio the Sadowsky sounds much better than the musicman Sterling (older model with birdseye maple neck and newer model) I used (not only according to me) and I've got to tell you the older Sterling was one of the best sterling/stingrays I played

The Sadowsky just rocks! I bought it before I had the chance to play one and it's the best decision I ever made!!!! :hyper:
 
#4
My Sadowsky 5 hasn't replaced my Stingray 5, both great basses but pretty different.

The broader neck and wider string spacing took me a while to get used to (wider spacing on the Sadowsky)

I still find the SR5 neck "faster" but the Sadowsky is the better instrument accross the board.

Sadowsky's are rediculously good :cool:

I love mine and you won't be disappointed at all.
 
#5
Thanks for the replies all! Everything I've seen and read about this bass makes me think it will be a sweet player for my music. I want it so bad (mega gas attack!) and the store that has it offers no interest financing (they are killing me lol) but I have to force myself to wait until I sell my other basses 1st. Gotta get some pics taken to sell em....
 
#6
I recently sold my SR5 HH because my Sadowsky MV5 was getting all of the playing time.

I thought my SR5 was just about perfect until I purchased my Sadowsky. My MV5 is 8.6 lbs which makes a huge difference in terms of comfort. I also greatly prefer the 19mm spacing and tone I get from my Sad.

My SR5 was a great bass, but I'm no collector and if it doesn't get played it has to go. I would like to find an RV5 or a recent American Standard Jazz to go along with my Sad.

I always thought that I wanted an M5-24 until I went to the shop and played a bunch. That's where I realiazed that an MV5 was for me.

Cheers,
LR
 
#7
lgrankin said:
I always thought that I wanted an M5-24 until I went to the shop and played a bunch. That's where I realiazed that an MV5 was for me.

Cheers,
LR
Click to expand...

Cool! I'll have to check out your bass sound at your next gig. I own an M5-24. I played several basses at Bass Central at it won out over the others. I've never tried any Sadowskys besides mine but I've been pondering getting a 4 string Sad, one that isn't a Modern model so I'll have something sonically different.
 
#9
rayzak said:
Are you considering selling your Stingray to acquire the Sadowsky? I wouldn't.... it would make a great addition to your Stingray, but keep the Stingray until you are absolutely certain about it.
Click to expand...

No, my stingray is staying. I have a couple other basses that I don't really use much anymore, that will at least pay off a large chunk
of the sad cost. But the Ray is staying for sure, I absolutely love that bass.
 

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