Sadowky m5-24 vs Stingray H 4 string

IMO.......the M5-24, I've owned several stingrays, they do the stingray thing good, but that's about it, another reason is the string spacing, the stingray is too narrow for me, the M5-24 is more comfortable.

Again this is my opinion only.

Mike

 

+1.. the Moderns sound a lot like a standard MM with the stock pickup swapped for a Bartolini (even though the M24's have Seymours)... not quite as aggressive up top, more inherent low mid bump, fatter, and more low mid 'burp' than the stock MM tone.

The main issue with the MM 5 string is that very narrow bridge spacing. If that doesn't bother you, I would probably go with the MM, and swap the stock pickup if you want it a little more 'warm and fat' versus grindy and aggressive.

If you need the full 19mm spacing, you would probably be happier with a M24 Metro with the VTC option.

Another thing to consider is the Lakland 55-02 (or 55-94 if you have some cash to throw around). The bridge pickup tone with the new Lakland pickups is kind of halfway between the Sadowsky Modern and MM, and you get more versatility, full bridge spacing. It is 35" scale, but is one of those basses where many don't really notice it.

If you want slightly wider bridge spacing, a true MM tone, and lighter weight, Nino Valenti could make you a killer bass using a Nordstand MM pickup and Sadowsky pre with a light ash body. TBer Mikebass has one of these (with the addition of a neck J pickup) and it is KILLER.... lightweight, and it totally cops the MM vibe in a lighter, more 'boutique' feeling instrument. IMO and IME!

IMO.

 

The string spacing becomes a non-issue on the 4 string.

+1 on the 55-02... while in the same tone univers, it's less aggressive than the MM and less punchy than the Sadowsky Modern. Just threw it out there as an idea.

If you really dig the MM vibe and want to stick with a 5 string, the Valenti model really is killer, and the 18mm spacing is 'doable' even if you like the full 19mm feel.

 

StingRays were made for sitting in the mix. I'm just sayin'...

 

When I was on my stingray kick, I swapped the stock pickup for the bart, it definitely smoothed the top end and gave it a bit more low and low mid to my ears. You will have to route the cavity to accomplish this, the bart pickup is a bit deeper.

I agree with Ken that the 55-XX will kind of be right in the middle tone wise, it has a slightly narrower nut but 19mm at the bridge.

Good luck with your choice,

M

 

I like both.

That's why I will be owning... both .

I really don't get the string spacing thing though. I'm sure it might make a bigger difference for different styles, but when I tried the Sadowsky modern I really didn't feel that big of a difference between it and my SR5 (which is relatively narrow spacing-wise).

I guess it all depends on the player. Some people say playing 35" scale basses should make no difference, but I just can't do it... to me that makes a world of difference and string spacing makes none. I'm sure there are those out there who scale makes no difference and string spacing is make or break for them. What's most important is that you find a bass that you're comfortable with and you are able to get good sounds you are comfortable with out of the bass.

 

If you try out a 55-02 or 55-94 make sure it has the new Lakland electronics. They are fantastic. I've owned two SR's, a M5-24 (in my avatar) and a 55-02. The 55-02 was my personal favorite of the three.

 

Yes. They had Bartolini's before the switch. The Bart setup wasn't "StingRayish" at all IMO. The Lakland LH3 system is SO much better for getting the SR vibe.

 

Both are awesome basses. I especially like the Stingray with the Nordstrand Pick up upgrade. IMO the tone goes from great to unbelievable. Here are some sound samples of Stingray pickups if you want to check them out.

http://www.basstasters.com/pickups/Nordstrand_MM.html

IMO, if you can afford the price tag, go Sadowsky. If price is a concern, the Stingray is hardly a consolation prize. It's an excellent bass and you really cant go wrong with either. Disclaimer: the 24F-5 is my main bass so I'm terribly biased.

 

If you want a sound that will sit in the mix and never get burried, than the SR-5 H is all you will ever need.

 

There's no comparison between the two basses you listed. For what you want, only the Sadowsky will suffice (of those two choices). I concur with Ken's thoughts on a Lakland or Valenti.