Sadowsky observation - has anyone noticed....

Yeah, I totally agree. Most Sadowskys in the Classifieds are Metros, as an example. And they are plentiful compared to the NYC ones.

It seems that Metros are now "Sadowsky", and the American-made ones are "Sadowsky NYC".

I'd prefer them to be labeled as Sadowsky Metro/Sadowksy for Japanese/American models.

 

I disagree somewhat, on TB, folks may say Skylines, but in the real world, most Skylines are just called Laklands.

In the case of both Sadowsky and Lakland, the cheaper instrument has become dominant because the originals are very steep.

 

+1

The kid working at Guitar Center is gonna sell up that Skyline as if it were an american made Lakland to anyone who will listen- even if the salesjerk KNOWS the difference between the two! We on TB tend to nerdify up on our bass knowledge.

I don't have anything against the Skyline line, but trying to push off a Skyline as an American Lakland is wrong. Same would be if you're trying to push off an Epi for a Gibson.

 

Some people talk about Groove Tools (GT) Conklins, too. I'd say there are a lot of guys who talk about their MIA, MIM, and MIJ Fenders.

 

I'm with Doc Cheese on this one... and the OP also. I do find myself referring to Metros when I say Sadowsky - it's because it's the line I'm even remotely close to affording.

I could be wrong but I would assume that more people have Metros than NYC's now so that becomes the "norm"... Right???

Same with Laklands... But I have no facts to base this on, purely a guesstimate.

But I think this is only for conversation sake, if you were buying/selling something it's important (fair) to note the difference.

 

I think it's the price point that makes a difference. Since the Metro's are in excess of $2K there really is no low cost "economy" model. There are just the expensive Sadowsky's and the ULTRA expensive (custom shop) Sadowsky NYC's.

 

Not sure I agree 100% with the Cheeseman.

I bought a used 1992 Sadowsky NYC for less than the cost of a new Metro. Sure you can have Roger make a crazy custom $5000 NYC bass but many great and minty used ones are available for under $2000.

BTW... From this point forward I will be referring to my Sadowsky NYC as a MIA Sadowsky.

 

Speaking from personal experience, I think the NYC is labeled just to distinguish it from the Metro. Any Sadowsky is a fantastic bass, but prior to the Metro's, the NYC shop put out so few basses, that any Sadowsky I saw on the west coast was kind of a big deal. Now, because of the Metro, Sadowsky's are more commonly found, but the NYC's are still rare, because they don't make too many of them. It has been argued and discussed to death on this board about Metro vs. NYC, but in either case, you are getting a handmade bass assembled by some of the best technicians of their craft.

So yes, I agree with the OP, but I do think that the NYC carries a little more mystique solely based on the amount that are produced and the fact that a majority are custom orders start to finish.

Also, I don't think the Lakland Skyline comparison is an accurate one. I am assuming, (hugely) that more man hours go into a Metro, than a Skyline. Also, you could probably flip/flop workers between Sadowsky NYC and Sad Tokyo, and yield similar products, but I'd bet you couldn't do the same with Lakland Korea (cort.) Possibly Shoreline though. (remember this is just my speculation)

For the record, I am not flaming Skylines, I have owned 5 total and still own two and find them to be one of the best values in its price range.....

 

But the idea most people like about gettin' a NYC Sad is that you can get that crazy custom.

 

Missing In Action???
My Irreplaceable Ax?
Monster Instrument Actually?


Roger

 

As usual, my comments refered to new instruments.

 

I love your sense of humor.

 

I think the NYC in my expirence is what people first refer to. There are alot of players out there who are so focused and peroccupied with playing that they dont know of the other Sadowsky variations.

 

I consider it a compliment to the quality of the Metro Line that people may not make any distinction between them and the Sadowsky NYC.

Roger

 

I believe there's a blurb on your website stating that if one doesn't require the custom bells, bangs, and whistles, its more cost effective to go with a Metro model. You also state that the current Metro line is essentially identical to the early NYC production.

I'll take your word on it as I've never laid hands on a Sadowsky NYC.

Riis (owner of MS5 #M1195)

 

+1 This is high praise indeed.

I think it is commendable that Sadowsky introduced a line of instruments that are much more accessible to most people than the NYC made models were. The fact that they are built to virtually the same extremely high standards as the original line is amazing IMO. Add to that the fact that the company stands behind every one of them just like they do the NYC basses and we have a win-win situation. Good for those that can now acquire a Sadowsky bass that couldn't before, and good for the Sadowsky company.

I don't own a Sadowsky but I think you and Sadowsky basses, rock!

Kudos to Mr. Sadowsky

Al

 

but is there any difference in quality between the metro and the NYC?

 

I don't think so. The Metros do not have chambered bodies or graphite in the neck, but other than that, they are virtually identical to comparable NYC models.

Roger