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Sadowsky Metro question

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by ric426, Nov 15, 2005.

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  1. Nov 15, 2005 #1
    ric426

    ric426 In my defense, I was left unsupervised.

    Mar 27, 2002
    Southeast Michigan
    Ok all you Metro (and NYC) owners,
    I've got an RV-4 that I really like and I've been thinking about getting either an MV-4 or a 4 string Ken Smith with soapbar pickups. My question is, having not played a maple fingerboard in 30+ years, can you still get a good "old school" tone from the maple/ash combo of an MV-4 or are they strictly modern, bright sounding? I'd like to get something that's gonna sound different than my RV-4 and the Ken Smith would certainly do that, but I'm really liking my other Metro and would like a second one. I'm strictly a fingerstyle player and don't slap any more than enough to embarass myself, so I don't need the super bright high end. I lean towards a thicker, punchier sound. Should I stick with rosewood and alder?
    Opinions?

    BTW, I've read all the rosewood/alder vs. maple/ash stuff I could find, but I've yet to hear much discussion about getting old school sounds from a maple/ash bass.
     
  2. Nov 15, 2005 #2
    Nino Valenti

    Nino Valenti Supporting Member Commercial User

    Feb 2, 2001
    Staten Island NYC
    Builder: Valenti Basses
    If you get a Metro MV4 with the VTC option, you will be able to tame the treble down and will most likely achiev what you're looking for.
     
  3. Nov 15, 2005 #3
    ric426

    ric426 In my defense, I was left unsupervised.

    Mar 27, 2002
    Southeast Michigan
    I'd definitely want the VTC. It's the best thing I did for my RV-4. In your opinion, would an MV-4 with the treble rolled off still sound different enough from the RV-4 to be worth it? I'd think that the ash body would still give it a different tonality. Just using different strings would help too. The only thing is, I'm getting such an ideal sound with my RV-4, that I'm not sure where I'd be trying to go with another Metro 4.
     
  4. Nov 15, 2005 #4
    Larry99

    Larry99

    Aug 17, 2005
    Philadelphia, PA
    Is this an option now or still a retrofit?

    ...man, I'm really gasing for a Sadowsky these days and have another question. What would you consider the most versatile bass, tone wise, in the line? I assumed it'd be the 24 fret with the soapbars and a maple neck but after seeing this reply I'm not so sure. I'd love to get the vintage fingerstyle sound OR a bright modern sound OR good slap tone when the situation demands. ..sounds like I could accomplish that with an MV and VTC? ...although I do like having the 24 frets. hmmmm decisions, decisions.
     
  5. Nov 15, 2005 #5
    bikeplate

    bikeplate Supporting Member

    Jun 7, 2001
    Upstate NY
    HI

    I have 4 of them. 3 have maple boards. I'm not one for the old school tone. You can get that easily. Put a pillow over your speaker. I buy Sadowsky basses because they are dynamic and "open" sounding. I would never get the vtc and if it came on my bass, wouldnt use it. This being said, get the vtc!!! LOL It will allow you to take all the tone out

    Rob
     
  6. Nov 15, 2005 #6
    ric426

    ric426 In my defense, I was left unsupervised.

    Mar 27, 2002
    Southeast Michigan
    At first I was a bit offended by those statements and was going to reply accordingly, but then I realized you were totally joking. I read it a couple of times before it dawned on me that no one would say things like that with a straight face.
     
  7. Nov 15, 2005 #7
    bikeplate

    bikeplate Supporting Member

    Jun 7, 2001
    Upstate NY
    HI

    LOL

    How offended?

    How do u know I was joking?


    Rob
     
  8. Nov 15, 2005 #8
    CaptainWally

    CaptainWally Booger Guy

    Oct 21, 2000
    Sandy Eggo, CA
    If you're buying (justifying) the purchase of a $2000 instrument because you think Ash/Maple will sound different enough from Alder/Rosewood, then you have either:

    A) Lots of money

    or

    B) More GAS than a chili festival

    Nothing wrong with either, of course.
     
  9. Nov 15, 2005 #9
    ric426

    ric426 In my defense, I was left unsupervised.

    Mar 27, 2002
    Southeast Michigan
    It'd have to be B since I don't have lots of money, but I'm in the process of selling some other bass gear. I haven't had a bass with a maple fingerboard since 1970, so I really don't have a first hand feel for how different a maple/ash bass sounds compared to a rosewood/alder one. I thought I try to get some thoughtful answers and useful guidance here...
     
  10. Nov 15, 2005 #10
    ric426

    ric426 In my defense, I was left unsupervised.

    Mar 27, 2002
    Southeast Michigan
    Hi Rob,

    I guess I don't really, but I figured that
    A) you were joking or
    B) you think everyone should sound like you.

    My guess is A.
     
  11. Nov 15, 2005 #11
    burk48237

    burk48237 Supporting Member

    Nov 22, 2004
    Oak Park, MI
    I have both an MV5 (NYC) and a Metro RV5, from what your describing as your desired sound it sounds more like the RV then the MV. In fact I use my RV when I want a "fatter, fuller" sound. You might want to play around with strings a little too, I believe the RV came with stainless, Try Sadowskly Bright Nickels first. But don't feel bad if you end up with another Sadowsky, it's a disease! :D
     
  12. Nov 15, 2005 #12
    bikeplate

    bikeplate Supporting Member

    Jun 7, 2001
    Upstate NY
    HI

    Not what I meant at all. Dont want anyone to sound like me. Sound like yourself.

    My point is I dont think the vtc is that big a deal. Others will argue but there are plenty of Sadowsky users who dont have them. Will Lee included. He is quite respected, by most

    Ive had an alder Sadowsky. Was not as sharp or percussive as my ash basses. The maple board will also have more snap or presence.

    I never cared much for maple boards until I started playing Sadowsky, exclusively. Now I love em. I think the pre and the vtc will give u plenty of versatility. Dont hesitate. Metros are great, as u already know. Too bad Roger doesnt offer a P or PJ metro. That would be the ticket!!!!!!

    Rob
     
  13. Nov 15, 2005 #13
    bikeplate

    bikeplate Supporting Member

    Jun 7, 2001
    Upstate NY
    HI

    One more thing. If u end up in Upstate NY, look me up. I have 4 to sample. Open invitation

    Rob
     
  14. Nov 15, 2005 #14
    ric426

    ric426 In my defense, I was left unsupervised.

    Mar 27, 2002
    Southeast Michigan
    Now we're getting somewhere! That's the kind of stuff I was wondering about. I like a sound with good attack, but want some control over the high end bite. That's the thing I like about the VTC. You don't have to use it, but it's there if you want to control the high end. It sounds like I could have a more percussive attack with the ash body and still have control over the bite of the maple fingerboard. I'm sure string choice would be a big factor too. So, I'm thinking that the RV-4 would be good for thick, full sounds and an MV-4 would be better for a more in-your-face, aggressive sound.
    Am I getting close?
    I'd really like a 2nd Metro, but want to be reasonably confident that the two would have different enough personalities and that I'd be able to control the brightness of an MV-4 well enough. Sounds like a yes on both.

    FWIW, I was reading in one of the forums, I think it was here in fact, that Roger *is* talking about a P or P/J Metro. I'd *really* go for that! A maple fingerboard and P/J pickups seems like it'd be the best of both worlds.
     
  15. Nov 15, 2005 #15
    ric426

    ric426 In my defense, I was left unsupervised.

    Mar 27, 2002
    Southeast Michigan
    Thanks! Who knows? It could happen sometime. My favorite bicycle builder is in Saratoga Springs, so I could cover my two favorite activities in one trip.

    Ric
     
  16. Nov 15, 2005 #16
    bikeplate

    bikeplate Supporting Member

    Jun 7, 2001
    Upstate NY
    HI

    Cool. I love Sadowsky's. If they all sounded the same, I'd still own a bunch. LOL. There def is a difference in tone between woods, fingerboards, etc. No VTC for me, though. LOL

    The ash/maple just might work for u. You could VTC it and use nickel strings or flats, even pluck nearer the neck.

    The more Sadowsky's, the merrier. Saving up for a PJ NYC and a SA200 tube amp! MMMMMMMMMMMMM

    Here is a pic of my stable. PM if you have any other questions

    Rob
     
  17. Nov 15, 2005 #17
    bikeplate

    bikeplate Supporting Member

    Jun 7, 2001
    Upstate NY
    HI

    Serotta? Did I spell that right?

    I live in Saratoga so it would be a cool get together

    Rob
     
  18. Nov 15, 2005 #18
    burk48237

    burk48237 Supporting Member

    Nov 22, 2004
    Oak Park, MI
    Ric, I live a little closer! I met you at the Bill Clements clinic. Anyway if you ever want to meet at LDS and sample either of mine, just PM me.
     
  19. Nov 16, 2005 #19
    Larry99

    Larry99

    Aug 17, 2005
    Philadelphia, PA
    oooo, that quilted maple caramel burst with the maple neck is sweeeeet!

    suddenly I feel like some chili.... :hyper:
     
  20. Nov 16, 2005 #20
    rayzak

    rayzak

    Jan 13, 2001
    Louisville, KY
    It sounds like you and I dig the same type of tone. I have a Metro MV4, and to be honest, that's my only gripe I have with this bass... that it's difficult to "tone down" the high end without the VTC. The VTC is in my near future. Other than that, it's the most comfortable bass i've ever played(for me). I love the tone, it's very versatile, but I think with the VTC, it would make it THE perfect bass for me.
     
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