Sadowsky modification: Good idea or sacrilege

[JRBrown]

A Sadowsky bass "upgraded" by JR Brown doen't improve the value (sorry!). .
Jeff

- I agree, a Sadowsky up graded by JRBrown won't improve its value, and likewise, a Smith modified by Sadowsky won't improve its value either.

- The thread is not about trying to improve the value of a Sadowsky. It's about exploring the possibilities of alternate/more Fendery tones from an extremely finely crafted instrument.

- To say a different pup won't work in a Sadowsky bass then marvel at how the Sadowsky preamps (internal and external)work superbly with a Brand-X bass with the same non-Sadowsky pup is questionable.

- One would think that if Roger has the perfect combination of wood, craftmanship, and preamp, substituting the Dimarzio Ultra-Jish pup for a Dimarzio Model-J pup will produce equally amazing results.

 

[Jeff in TX]

Just to be clear, I'm certainly not saying a different pickup won't work! I'm saying it's your bass - have at it! I have a friend that wanted more sustain from his Sad and changed the bridge. He loves it.

 

[Big String]

In regards to Craig's statement about Sadowsky wood selection, I can testify to that. My pre ordered NYC PJ4 took seveal extra months to complete due at least one rejection of the Alder that was coming to them. It was heavy and unsatisfactory.... anyway it was worth the wait as it turns out because my PJ4 is quite excellent! Further I'm very happy with the sound/tone of this bass. It took a little while to get used to (at least for me). After I put Sadowsky Flats on this bass I was in heaven. I'm still finding out how versitile it is and I absolutely LOVE the color I chose (Inca Silver w/morado, partchement p/g) I get raves about the sound and look everytime I play. The stage light colors pickup the silver like a mirror. again...

 

[temp5897]

I suppose my point was that there are plenty of builders who pay quite a bit of attention to wood selection (I'm obviously not comparing a Sadowsky to Fender's or anything like that) and in that case building a bolt on ash/maple combo etc. the difference in what kind of tone you achieve from the wood would be minimized in my opinion. So then what's the one major part of the equation left?

 

[MAJOR METAL]

In regards to Craig's statement about Sadowsky wood selection, I can testify to that. My pre ordered NYC PJ4 took seveal extra months to complete due at least one rejection of the Alder that was coming to them. It was heavy and unsatisfactory.... anyway it was worth the wait as it turns out because my PJ4 is quite excellent! Further I'm very happy with the sound/tone of this bass. It took a little while to get used to (at least for me). After I put Sadowsky Flats on this bass I was in heaven. I'm still finding out how versitile it is and I absolutely LOVE the color I chose (Inca Silver w/morado, partchement p/g) I get raves about the sound and look everytime I play. The stage light colors pickup the silver like a mirror. again...

I am happy everthing worked out and you finally got your bass, i remember reading about you wait.Arent the chambered body's great?. Sadowsky rocks

 

[Fuzzbass]

it's your bass - have at it! I have a friend that wanted more sustain from his Sad and changed the bridge. He loves it.

What Jeff said. Modding someone else's bass without permission would be sacrilege. If someone doesn't like what you do to your own bass, tell them to pound sand!

 

[toad]

Sacrilege? My goodness. I know it's somewhat tongue-in-cheek, but the way Sadowskys get talked about on this forum, I sometimes wonder. If buying any bass makes you hesitate in experimenting, maybe it's the wrong bass. The fact that you're considering it probably means you have at least a curiosity in what you might get. I say execute and find out. Tear the thing up however you feel; it'll probably be liberating.

 

[JimS]

DO IT.

If you don't like it put the original pups back in.

 

[64jazzbass]

i had roger install lindy fralins in my Sadowsky and although i get a bit of hum when each pickup is soloed, i prefer the sound to the stock Sadowskys.

 

[Craig Garfinkel]

Well, the man himself will do it, so it can't be sacrilege.

Roger is all about whatever the customer wants.

 

[JRBrown]

I guess that answers my question.

Roger and crew have earned the respect of musicians [and luthiers] for producing a superbly crafted product. Additionally, he's garnered the trust and loyalty of numerous customers with equally stellar after-sales support. I doubt that he would make modifications to one of his "babies" which would knowingly adversely impact his product and/or his reputation. Therefore, as Craig Garfinkel stated above, it can't be sacrilege.

 

[bassminister]

I don't post much about Sadowsky's, but I definitely love mine. I have a VJ-5 Ash/Maple with Bart's installed. It's a 98 model ( I think) Roger had the option of putting Bart's or his pups in at the time. I think the Bart's are a bit tamer sounding than the Sadowsky pups. The Sadowsky pups have such an aggressive sound. I have thought about trying some Sadowsky hum-cancelling pups. Anybody wanna trade??

 

[Richard Lindsey]

Your bass, your bucks, your call.

The concept of sacrilege doesn't apply, unless you literally (not figuratively) worship your bass.

 

[JRBrown]

I received a loaner pair of Fralins J-pups via USPS today. All I need now is a Sadowsky to try them in.