Sadowsky question

[Musicman1901]

Hey guys, I stumbled across this video today and I was wondering if anybody could identify which Sadowsky model this is. Zon looks like a legacy and Sandberg looks like a California VM if I'm not mistaken. I'm in the market for a new 5 string and I'm blown away by the tone of all 3 of these basses.

 

[kobass]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Jrussblues]

M5-24

 

[Jrussblues]

It's doppelgänger is on reverb right now. Fwiw.

 

[Musicman1901]

Thanks for the info guys. What a killer sounding bass, all 3 of them actually. Haven't heard a ton about Sandberg but that thing has some serious tone.

 

[Bass Viking]

I own the Metro version of that Sadowsky model. It`s amazing! Those other basses sound fantastic as well. Here`s what mine sounds like:

 

[Bass Viking]

This video is a good representation of how the Sadowsky sounds:

 

[Musicman1901]

This video is a good representation of how the Sadowsky sounds:

Sounds great. I was originally sold on a Zon and as I was searching YouTube clips I found that comparison and started to look into Sadowsky and Sandberg too. Now I'm back at square one

 

[SteveC]

M-24 is a killer bass. The only Sadowsky B string that I've liked.

 

[Musicman1901]

Yeah a tight be is crucial!

 

[Bass Viking]

Yeah a tight be is crucial!

Amen!

I think you need to buy all 3 of those basses!

 

[bucephylus]

Though darker, I really dig the sound of that Zon. Very nice bass.

The Sandberg with the Delano pickups has a really nasty great tone, particularly for that style of music.

I've had great luck with the Delano pickups. My recent NYC build included Delano JJ's. Took a little arm twisting, because the shop had no previous experience with them. But, I believe now they would be OK with using them. I like my JJ's specifically because they can do all the typical J tones; but, the kicker is that the neck pickup does a VERY credible vintage P sound.

In this clip, the Sadowsky sits very nicely somewhere in the middle. Such versatile instruments!!

 

[Musicman1901]

Amen!

I think you need to buy all 3 of those basses!

I wish I had that kind of cash, decisions would be much easier and require much less thought haha

 

[roller]

I wish I had that kind of cash, decisions would be much easier and require much less thought haha

Funny yet true! That should be your tagline here on TB!

 

[Musicman1901]

Though darker, I really dig the sound of that Zon. Very nice bass.

The Sandberg with the Delano pickups has a really nasty great tone, particularly for that style of music.

I've had great luck with the Delano pickups. My recent NYC build included Delano JJ's. Took a little arm twisting, because the shop had no previous experience with them. But, I believe now they would be OK with using them. I like my JJ's specifically because they can do all the typical J tones; but, the kicker is that the neck pickup does a VERY credible vintage P sound.
View attachment 2908901

In this clip, the Sadowsky sits very nicely somewhere in the middle. Such versatile instruments!!

Yeah that Zon sounds brutal. However, I think a new Legacy is pretty pricey when a Sonus can be had with the same electronics for significantly less. I think it would be between a Zon Sonus, Sadowsky M 24, and a Sandberg California VM5

 

[Aqualung60]

Though darker, I really dig the sound of that Zon. Very nice bass.

The Sandberg with the Delano pickups has a really nasty great tone, particularly for that style of music.

I've had great luck with the Delano pickups. My recent NYC build included Delano JJ's. Took a little arm twisting, because the shop had no previous experience with them. But, I believe now they would be OK with using them. I like my JJ's specifically because they can do all the typical J tones; but, the kicker is that the neck pickup does a VERY credible vintage P sound.
View attachment 2908901

In this clip, the Sadowsky sits very nicely somewhere in the middle. Such versatile instruments!!

I have to agree, I personally liked the Zon better but on the other hand I've never heard a bad Sadowski either.

 

[bucephylus]

I have to agree, I personally liked the Zon better but on the other hand I've never heard a bad Sadowski either.

Two different flavors of great. Joe and Roger are both great builders.

 

[bucephylus]

Yeah that Zon sounds brutal. However, I think a new Legacy is pretty pricey when a Sonus can be had with the same electronics for significantly less. I think it would be between a Zon Sonus, Sadowsky M 24, and a Sandberg California VM5

You might want to keep in mind that the Sadowsky 24 has a somewhat more specific voicing with the pickup locations. I think the standard J spacing with either soaps or single coils would get you much closer to the Zon sound.

 

[Musicman1901]

Yeah out of the 3 I have to say I think I like th Sadowsky the least. Sandberg sounds super aggressive and raw but it seems like it lacks bottom end compared to the zon

 

[Scarey Larry]

I own a Sadowsky NYC 4 (have played a couple 5's), and owned a Zon Sonus 5?? a few years ago. After buying the Sadowsky I now know what all the fuss is about and sold my Fender Am Dlx. Am considering a Sadowsky 5. The Zon had a nice thick sound with Bartolini soap bars. It was also damn heavy and that precipitated it's voyage to a new home. I believe that Zon weight will depend on options etc. Pricing for the Zon and NYC are similar and would recommend either if you have the $$$. Try before you buy. Only know about Sandberg through reputation.