Sadowsky PJ 4 & 5 String Basses

[Joeykun]

I am seeing a wave of Sadowsky 4 & 5 string basses with the PJ pickup configuration lately here on TB.
I was curious how they sound compared to a JJ configuration. Is the J pickup in the 60's or 70's position?
If some of you could chime in and give your opinions I would appreciate it. Don't be afraid to show off your bass either.
Pics are welcomed! Here is some of the configurations I would like to hear about:

* Standard PJ
* Reverse PJ
* J in 60's or 70's position.

I know someone on here has a PJ Modern 24/5. I would love to here about that one especially!
The 5 string Metros are coming with the PJ option later this year. So, I would like to hear more
on your take of the PJ -vs- JJ!

Thanks!

 

[Fran Diaz]

Both of my PJs have the J pickup in the 60's position.

I find that the PJs have thicker low mids that I like better for most styles (rock/country/soul/...).

I only prefer the JJs for slap; don't get me wrong, you can get some great slap tones out of the PJs, but I like the JJ slap tone better. Since I don't slap much these days, I keep my basses with the PJ setup (both or them are also routed to accommodate a J pickup on the neck position).


Here are mine (I know, I need a better photo, but I got the fretless a few days ago and I can't put it down).

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[zac2944]

I have a PJ and used to have a JJ. J is in the 60's position. I prefer the PJ for slap. I dig that 70's slappin on a P-bass tone. So funky.

 

[bikeplate]

HI

My metro hybrid kills. It really does. Ive had two NYC pj's also. Both were awesome but my metro is just as great at a fraction of the cash. Grap one, Joey

Rob

 

[Jim Carr]

...Grap one, Joey...

Oh Yes, P/Js! I like P-basses and Jazzes (own/owned plenty of both).

My NYC P/J (chambered Alder and Brazilian Rosewood) is the ideal instrument for me...uh...maybe I'll get a 5er too!
Kevin? Kevin Drexler? Calling Kevin Drexler...

Seriously, this instrument is way better IMHO than any Jazz I have ever owned or played!

 

[BartmanPDX]

Of the nine basses I own, this is the undisputed #1:

Mine converts to JJ but I have kept it as a PJ almost the whole time I've owned it. It's great as a JJ but more interesting tonally (to me) as a PJ, and definitely more useful to me in that the P tone is right there.

It has a great P tone, and the PJ tone is one of my favorite tones of all my basses.

It is the most comfortable playing bass I own. It is also one of the most versatile, tonally. The band I'm playing with plays everything from pop to country to metal to R&B and classic rock. This one bass covers it all.

I have never played a better Jazz-type bass than it.

That good enough for you?

'60s position, BTW. I bought mine used here on TB.

 

[Joeykun]

Of the nine basses I own, this is the undisputed #1:

I have never played a better Jazz-type bass than it.

That good enough for you?

Well, I am not surprised that everyone loves them. I was hoping to hear more about the tonal differences. Especially between standard and reversed P. By the way, great looking basses everyone!

Who has that Modern 24/5 with the PJ pickups????

 

[pickles]

I just picked up a used NYC PJ5, non-reverse, 60's position J. Rosewood board. It is amazingly clear and articulate, while still having a convincing P style tone off the neck pickup, especially when I roll back the VTC a bit. I have not had a chance to gig it yet, but am looking forward to it! The B string sounds great, especially in blended mode.

Its not quite as P-bassy as my '72 ... but its got the right vibe, and also does "the sadowsky thing", naturally. Great bass.

I have not had a chance to try a reverse P ... if I end up still digging this bass a few months down the road I may have it routed, just so I can try it.

 

[Joeykun]

Bump! Anyone else want to comment on their Sadowsky PJ 4 or 5???

 

[bikeplate]

HI

Yea. Buy one. LOL.

You'll love one, J. You'll get a slightly thicker jazz tone but you can roll to the P pickup and it sounds sooo good. Especially with a pick if you are doing lots of rock covers. I love my hybrid and the 2 NYC's I had killed. also

I use my hybrid slightly panned towards the bridge. Has the jazz thing going but with a bit more roundness. Plus the Sadowsky tone to boot. Dont hesitate. Maybe I can let u try mine for a weekend sometime? Still need to visit you

Rob