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Nordy or Sadowsky???

#6
They are both great bass's and bass companies, both Carey and Roger are first class guys with THE PASSION for building outstanding bass's.
You really can't go wrong with either, its all about playing them and deciding which is best for YOU.
Good Luck!
MG
 
#8
For my money, it's Nordstrand all the way. But that's only but so helpful, because it's your money, isn't it?

There are several threads that compare the two, but in short, a lot of people view Sadowsky as a 'modern' Jazz, whereas the Nordy is more true to the vintage sound/feel. Beyond that, you really just need to try at least one of each to get some representation. The good news is, since not everyone can easily do that, you're going to get a great bass, whichever you choose.

To me, Nordys and Sadowskys sound very different. Largely due to Carey's pickups, a standard Nordy sounds fairly vintage, with a good bit of midrange content. A Sadowsky, on the other hand, has deep bass and lots of sizzly treble, but definitely scoops the mids to give a more modern sound. I also prefer the Nordstrand preamp; it's much more adjustable, whereas just a little bit of boost in the Sadowsky preamp gives a dramatic change in sound, and that can be hard to control.

Anyway, that's my take. Good luck!
 
#9
I would have to agree with the above. Both are amazing instruments, but I would say Carey's basses capture the vintage vibe a bit better, while the Sadowsky's offer a slightly more modern take on the Jazz sound. The Nordy's will typically be a little heavier, but the Nordy's also have a compound radius on the neck that is amazing. Both basses playability is as good as it gets. I've owned both and you can't go wrong with either one. Both are absolutely world class instruments!
 
#17
Personally, I can't get past the look of the Nordy headstock. Same problem with Lulls. Sadowsky actually uses Nordstrand pickups now, it is the Sadowksy pre that gives it the sound. that being said, I run my Sadowsky in passive mode almost all the time. I have a M5-24 though, which has a huge ballsy tone due to the Duncan Humbuckers. If I were going for a true jazz bass I would probably get an Alleva, which look way cooler than Nordy. If I wanted a more modern tone I would get the Sad.
Also, for this price range, you could get a really nice early 70's Fender. Why not get the real thing? It will sound, look, and feel like a real jazz bass! I played a 73 Fender at Corner music a few months back that was one of the best sounding basses I have ever heard, and the neck was worn and smooth as butter.

(jessica biel)
 

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