Sadowsky thoughts?

[tomshepp]

I was just looking at the other thread and it came to mind, how older Sads compare to newer ones? I have an older 24 fret w/ morado board and swamp ash body. I wonder if I changed the EMG pups to Sad soapbars, what I might expect? Your thoughts are very much appreciated.
Tom

 

[lefty007]

I'm sure most here will say that quality has been mantained since Roger started building, and it probably has increased.

I remember two important changes over the years that made the basses better:

-The introduction of easy-to-adjust wheel for the truss rod, and
-The thickening of the headstock, to lessen potential dead-spots.

And as you mentioned, the introduction of new Sadowsky-brand soapbar pickups, instead of EMGs.

I can only especulate that the newer Sadowsky soapbars sound warmer than the EMG?

 

[jobo4]

Keep it stock. I'm sure it is great as it is, and one day folks might be seeking out unmodified older Sads.

 

[seebee]

I was just looking at the other thread and it came to mind, how older Sads compare to newer ones? I have an older 24 fret w/ morado board and swamp ash body. I wonder if I changed the EMG pups to Sad soapbars, what I might expect? Your thoughts are very much appreciated.
Tom

I have a sound clip of a 2004 24 fret with Sad Soapbars swamp ash body but with a maple board it may give you a idea of how it may sound.

 

[MAJOR METAL]

From what I have heard alot of the guys have favored the switch to the new soapbars.

 

[burk48237]

I had Roger do the truss rod upgrade on mine. It's worth every dime. As far as pickups if you like the EMG's stick with them, but the Sadowsky soapbars sound cool.

 

[57pbass]

I have a 24 fret 5 string maple neck from the mid 90's and had the new pickups installed about two years ago.
I just liked the way they sounded compared to the original EMG pups. Much warmer sounding to my ears....

I also had the spoke wheel truss rod adjuster installed and works very well..much easier than the original

Since I have no intention of selling this bass I really did not think about keeping it stock but that is a very good point and should be thought through... I guess if you do the upgrade save the old pups...