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Sadowsky Question

lowdownwalt

lowdownwalt

Mar 23, 2008
244
1
BC Canada
www.yourcards.biz
#1
Just throwing this out...

I've done some pretty extensive research on Sadowsky's and I'm impressed by the instrument! I like and am comfortable with Fender J and P Bass's as thats what I've played most through the years.

Here's my question... Would you buy a Sadowsky without having actually played one? The reason I ask is that the nearest dealer is a couple of hundred miles away.

Thanks in advance
 
#3
Sadowsky has a 7 day return policy (see [Invalid or Expired Link Removed], last section on the bottom)... it is a good thing.
Sadowsky's bass are extremely good quality instrument but are not for everybody, before laying down $4k you should be able to try.
I do think the Sadowsky team is very aware of this and it's the reason why they have this policy.

:)
 
#6
I FINALLY got to play one yesterday in bass central. I liked it. The build quality was nice... but the tone really didn't seem THAT different from a good Fender. I was looking to get one for a high end bass, but I realized that they really aren't too different from the rest of my arsenal.
 
#7
I bought 3 Sadowsky basses without ever playing one of them.
One of them was from Bass Central. The bass was delivered and setup perfectly out of the box.

Buying one direct from Roger and crew is the best bet. With the 7 day return and Rob's (Dragonbass) suburb setup!
However, I highly doubt you will ever send it back.

Nike said it best: "Just Do It!" :D

Good luck with your purchase!
 
#10
Listen to American Idol or the Late Show with David Letterman through your TV's speakers and you'll notice that the bass comes through cleanly and beautifully every time. The Sadowsky preamp is sweet.

Lonnybass
 
#11
I've purchased several Sadowsky basses sight unseen and have not regretted it. My suggestion to you if you are hesitant is to purchase one used here on TB in the for sale section. There are usually several models to choose from and if it's not your cup of tea you'll be able to get most of your money back.

Also, before you pass judgement on the bass, play it live or at band practice! I can't overemphasize this piece of advice. IMO, the mix is where the Sadowsky shines, not so much in the bedroom.
 
#13
I would have totally ordered one without playing one first. Luckily for me, my local metro dealer is the Sadowsky Shop lol. Went in played a metro for about 30 seconds and was sold from the first note. If I didnt suck so bad I woulda kept on playing all day but I figured I'd spare Roger and the crew.

In two words: Do it.
 
#15
I would have no problem buying a Sadowsky without playing it. I did play mine though. To be honest, while its a great bass, I has sucked in by the TB/GAS hype at the time. I don't regret the purchase though. As noted by others if you buy from New York Roger has a 7 day return policy however your import costs would still be the there. Many dealers have a good return policy. Some in my town have 30 days which boggles the mind. If your dealer (Bob Lee?) has a return policy then it seems to be a no brainer. But some folks don't like the Sadowsky sound. You might you might not.

I have purchased my Roscoes, Rob Allen and NS Design having not played them and not regretted it. Its a risk. The fretted Roscoe, while the same electronics as the Roscoe fretless, took a bit of getting used to. I wasn't totally sure it was for me.

The only bass transactions I have regretted is selling my Marcus Miller 5 and my Kubicki.
 
#16
lowdownwalt said:
Here's my question... Would you buy a Sadowsky without having actually played one? The reason I ask is that the nearest dealer is a couple of hundred miles away.
Click to expand...

In a second! I've had o Sadowskys, NYC & Metro, and all of them were flawless, played and sounded great out of the box (case in this case (pun intended) since it's included in the price).
 
#17
You're up in Kelowna, right? Thinking of buying from Tom Lee in Vancouver? If so, I'll go play the few they have and report back to you. By the way, I bought my first Sadowsky off the rack at Tom Lee. Great bass. Traded it for a Sadowsky UV70 I had never seen or played. Guess what... another great bass!

PS: Like you, I also have a 62 RI Jazz. You will find the fingerboard radius much flatter on Sadowsky basses and the tone a little different. Kinda thicker and more meaty.
 
#18
It's not for everyone. :) But most guys tend to like the Sadowsky feel and tone. I'm one of those.

You must love their return policy, so you are pretty safe as long as you follow their rules. And make sure to play it for a couple of days before you make up your mind.
 

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