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Sadowsky Question

#21
I ordered mine direct (NYC 24F5) and was not the least bit dissappointed. Tom Lee does usually have a few Metros but I find they have the worst environment for trying the basses out. It is busy, noisy, and I find their selection of amps pretty weak. I would just order it from NY (even the Metros have the 7-day return). I would also get the VTC installed on it.

Later
Rob
 
#22
Visirale said:
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.
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This is why I'm hesitating. I've heard some clips that I really liked and others that sounded like a Fender. I'm going to wait until I get to Bass Central.
 
#23
Bass Viking said:
This is why I'm hesitating. I've heard some clips that I really liked and others that sounded like a Fender. I'm going to wait until I get to Bass Central.
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Good plan. Dropping around $2k on a bass you are unsure of is crazy IMO. I love Sadowskys so I would have no problem buying sight unseen, but no way would I do that with a different brand.

I love the look and technology I see in Dingwalls (and I am a Canadian) as an example but there is no chance in hell I would buy one without trying one first to see if those crazy fanned frets work for me or drive me crazy.
 
#24
Baird6869 said:
Good plan. Dropping around $2k on a bass you are unsure of is crazy IMO. I love Sadowskys so I would have no problem buying sight unseen, but no way would I do that with a different brand.

I love the look and technology I see in Dingwalls (and I am a Canadian) as an example but there is no chance in hell I would buy one without trying one first to see if those crazy fanned frets work for me or drive me crazy.
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I bought a Dingwall after playing one at Bass Central. I have bought other basses sight unseen. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't. No matter how well made a bass is there's always the personal preference factor.

Regarding Dingwall, I don't think the fanned frets would be a problem but you may not like the neck shape, sound, etc. One thing to be aware of: when you're playing the lowest notes on the B string it's a bit of a stretch. If you have small hands and like to spend a lot of time down there, you might want to consider another brand.
 
#25
Visirale said:
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.
Click to expand...

I bought my UV70 from Bass Central without playing it. I love it. But regarding the above post by Visirale, I can understand what you're saying. When I pulled mine out of the case and started playing it, I thought, "Yeah, pretty nice", but I wasn't blown away. It wasn't until I got together with my band that I really appreciated it. I know it gets old hearing this, but the Sadowsky's really do "cut through" well. In your living room, or even in a music store, you can't really appreciate it unless you get a guitarist and drummer to jam with you a bit. Then you'll see why so many people like them. (Just an aside, but I WAS totally blown away immediately by the bass's beauty. Transparent White with white blocks & binding. But of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.) Good luck!
 
#26
Visirale said:
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.
Click to expand...

Play it with a band. You will change your mind. Mine doesn't impress me at home but, in the mix it blows away everything I've played before. I'm SO glad I bought mine without ever playing one first.
 
#28
:smug: Roger should quote this post on his website somewhere, IMHO.

maconbass said:
Play it with a band. You will change your mind. Mine doesn't impress me at home but, in the mix it blows away everything I've played before. I'm SO glad I bought mine without every playing one first.
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It pretty much explains why there are so many Sadowsky devotees out there :smug:, alongside so many people who don't quite get it :hmm:.

Sorry, I'm spreading "hype" again :hiding:.
 
#30
I have to say a Metro 24fret 5 String came through my shop today for some setup and finish repair and the tone and playability is incredible. I have played a few Sadowsky NYC's in the past and they have always sounded great. I can't imagine you being disappointed with the sound or anything else on the bass for that matter.
 
#37
lowdownwait, here's my take. I have no doubt the Sadowsky is an awesome product. I had a US Lakland that I thought was also a great bass. I sold a 62 RI Jazz to help finance the Lakland and of all the basses I've let go the 62 RI Jazz is the one I wish I still had. So if you have an OLY white 62 RI jazz I strongly suggest you put it up for sale here to go for the Sadowsky. That move may just make two people happy. ;) By the way the USA Lakland was bought without playing and it was just sweet, I doubt a Sadowsky would be much of a gamble.
 
#38
babaseen said:
Do you think Sadowsky's increase in value over time like the the old 50s/60s Fender originals that are in good condition??? Specifically is a ten year old Sadowsky worth more than the original sticker price, if it is in near mint condition? What about when it gets to 20 or 30 years old? Just curious;)
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I bought a mint 1992 Sadowsky NYC last year for just under $2000 tax in. It is a great bass but swamp ash with no crazy exotic wood top.

To answer your question, it doesn't seem that older used Sadowskys are worth much more than used recent models but I have not seen any very low serial # basses sell recently (mine is #1293). I hope/think the older ones appreciate, but I doubt I will ever sell my Sadowskys anyways.
 
#39
USAJO said:
lowdownwait, here's my take. I have no doubt the Sadowsky is an awesome product. I had a US Lakland that I thought was also a great bass. I sold a 62 RI Jazz to help finance the Lakland and of all the basses I've let go the 62 RI Jazz is the one I wish I still had. So if you have an OLY white 62 RI jazz I strongly suggest you put it up for sale here to go for the Sadowsky. That move may just make two people happy. ;) By the way the USA Lakland was bought without playing and it was just sweet, I doubt a Sadowsky would be much of a gamble.
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As you can see I have a burst 62 Jazz reissue and I intend to keep it.
I will add a Sadowsky fiver soon.

Thanks to everyone for their encouragement regarding buying a Sadowsky without having played it.

Walt
 
#40
Well as I was watching American Idol with my parents tonight, everything you guys said just clicked. I was listening to the recap clips and holy crap Ricky Minor's playing just shines through the mix. It's so pristine. It's not like a big rock sound but it's pristine and piano like, and that's the sound I've had in my head.

I liked it so much I'm considering selling my ray 5 to get a sadowsky... and probably my marcus miller. Should I do this? I know I'll regret selling the ray now, but I know I'll be able to get another one down the line.

Also, does anyone know if Minor uses a vintage or modern sadowsky? I assume he uses a straight J model or soap bars... his sound isn't very "p."
 

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