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Sadowsky/Valenti questions.........

jady

jady

Jul 21, 2006
4,726
8
54
Modesto, CA
www.myspace.com
#1
OK so i actually heard a Sadowsky in person a few nights ago at a Larry Carlton/Robben Ford show and I was truly blown away. Larry's son Travis was playing a Sad. Jazz (not sure of the model) through an Aggie DB750 and I can honestly say it is the sound I have been searching for all these years. Most of what I heard was through the house so I am attributing it to the Sad. Needless to say, I must have one.

My questions are,

1. I have done a lot of searches and have come to the conclusion that the only real diff between the NYC and Metro series are the wood choices, a few options and the lack of a chambered body. Is this correct?

2. I would expect a NYC to have an awesome setup due to coming straight from Rogers shop. How do the Metro setups compare?

3. I love the Jazz sound but the PJ is interesting for the tonal variety. Do you loose a lot of the jazz bass "flavor" with the PJ?

4. The biggest draw to the sound was the even volume and tone throughout the entire range of the instrument, it actually got louder when he went to slapping. Is this as consistent on the Metros as well?

5. I know Nino Valenti has just left Roger's shop to do his basses full time. How do his basses compare tonally to a Sadowsky? His basses are beautiful and look really well made and I dig supporting newer builders, coming out of the Sadowsky shop do his basses have the same response and tone? Are they similar? Has anyone A/Bed them?

I know that's a lot to throw out there. I just wanted to make sure I have understood what I have read and processed all the info correctly.

Thanks, John :bassist:
 
#3
There have been a bunch of "Metro or NYC" threads. Search. :)

jady said:
1. I have done a lot of searches and have come to the conclusion that the only real diff between the NYC and Metro series are the wood choices, a few options and the lack of a chambered body. Is this correct?
Click to expand...
Pretty much. Larger headstock and graphite incorporation in NYC but Roger addresses this in the FAQ. Personally, if I wasn't a slut for figured wood I'd get a Metro. But I am a slut for figured wood.

2. I would expect a NYC to have an awesome setup due to coming straight from Rogers shop. How do the Metro setups compare?
Click to expand...

Pretty dang good. I'm sure if you blindfolded me I'd have a hard time telling the difference.

3. I love the Jazz sound but the PJ is interesting for the tonal variety. Do you loose a lot of the jazz bass "flavor" with the PJ?
Click to expand...
YES!!!!!!
But both are wonderful. See my profile.

4. The biggest draw to the sound was the even volume and tone throughout the entire range of the instrument, it actually got louder when he went to slapping. Is this as consistent on the Metros as well?
Click to expand...

I don't know.

5. I know Nino Valenti has just left Roger's shop to do his basses full time. How do his basses compare tonally to a Sadowsky? His basses are beautiful and look really well made and I dig supporting newer builders, coming out of the Sadowsky shop do his basses have the same response and tone? Are they similar? Has anyone A/Bed them?
Click to expand...

I'm not sure. I only played one Valenti and it was a great bass but a tad heavy and he was just starting out then. I know he has switched body suppliers since. The two builders do not use the same onboard preamp. I have the feeling that Valenti may offer more options outside the vintage style that Sadowsky tends to adhere to excluding his Modern model. I have stuck with Sadowsky because every instrument I've gotten from him has been wonderful. Tough call. If I came down on either side the other would send me a mail bomb.


.
.
 
#4
JimS said:
There have been a bunch of "Metro or NYC" threads. Search.
.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info, I did do a few searches but it I just wanted to make sure I had my facts straight :p.

For the record, I am not trying to start a Sadowsky vs Valenti argument, From what I have read here I kinda got the impression that Valenti's were more of a rock bass and since I play mainly fusion/Jazz I was wondering if Valenti's were as versatile. I obviously need to get one of each :D

See the kids for sale in my user title please, all offers considered :eyebrow:
 
#5
Hi John,
Travis is a good friend of mine! His Sadowsky is a Metro MV5 (vintage, sunburst). He uses D'Addario XL strings and most of his sound comes from his hands (I'm not joking, I know him pretty well!)... but it is a pretty good rappresentation of the Sadowsky' s sound.

Mo'

jady said:
OK so i actually heard a Sadowsky in person a few nights ago at a Larry Carlton/Robben Ford show and I was truly blown away. Larry's son Travis was playing a Sad. Jazz (not sure of the model) through an Aggie DB750 and I can honestly say it is the sound I have been searching for all these years. Most of what I heard was through the house so I am attributing it to the Sad. Needless to say, I must have one.

My questions are,

1. I have done a lot of searches and have come to the conclusion that the only real diff between the NYC and Metro series are the wood choices, a few options and the lack of a chambered body. Is this correct?

2. I would expect a NYC to have an awesome setup due to coming straight from Rogers shop. How do the Metro setups compare?

3. I love the Jazz sound but the PJ is interesting for the tonal variety. Do you loose a lot of the jazz bass "flavor" with the PJ?

4. The biggest draw to the sound was the even volume and tone throughout the entire range of the instrument, it actually got louder when he went to slapping. Is this as consistent on the Metros as well?

5. I know Nino Valenti has just left Roger's shop to do his basses full time. How do his basses compare tonally to a Sadowsky? His basses are beautiful and look really well made and I dig supporting newer builders, coming out of the Sadowsky shop do his basses have the same response and tone? Are they similar? Has anyone A/Bed them?

I know that's a lot to throw out there. I just wanted to make sure I have understood what I have read and processed all the info correctly.

Thanks, John :bassist:
Click to expand...
 
#6
maurilio said:
Hi John,
Travis is a good friend of mine! His Sadowsky is a Metro MV5 (vintage, sunburst). He uses D'Addario XL strings and most of his sound comes from his hands (I'm not joking, I know him pretty well!)... but it is a pretty good rappresentation of the Sadowsky' s sound.

Mo'
Click to expand...

Cool. tell him he was definitely noticed and appreciated in Modesto!!!!! I noticed he used low action with a really light touch (something I am working on pretty hard).

It's good to hear the Metro's are as good sounding as the NYC. I would love to be able to save a few grand without sacrificing tone :p

How much difference does the VTC circuit make? Is it worth it?
 
#9
jady said:
Cool. tell him he was definitely noticed and appreciated in Modesto!!!!! I noticed he used low action with a really light touch (something I am working on pretty hard).

It's good to hear the Metro's are as good sounding as the NYC. I would love to be able to save a few grand without sacrificing tone :p

How much difference does the VTC circuit make? Is it worth it?
Click to expand...

Yes, he's a bada$$.... we were together, as students, at the MI and I always liked his tone/playing... I actually prefer the sound he had with his previous Yamaha BBNE!... but it's just me...
I did install the VTC on mine, it's well worth it (IMO), ... I think the $150 they charge is far out! Two pots (~$30) and ~30min labor! It should be not more than $70/80.... as always, IMO! Sadowsky can get a little too bright and I like to be able to warm it up.

M
 
#10
You're gonna get lots of personal opinions here, but in terms of trying to make a decision that's fine.

1. I have done a lot of searches and have come to the conclusion that the only real diff between the NYC and Metro series are the wood choices, a few options and the lack of a chambered body. Is this correct?
Click to expand...

The NYC's also have graphite-reinforced necks, and the Metro line is limited to a few specific models (for example, if you want a P with a P neck, you have to go NYC -- I think). That's the situation "on paper" and according to Roger's own FAQ's. But I've been to Roger's shop a number of times, played both NYC's and Metro's, and I've just always preferred the feel and sound of the NYC's. I honestly can't tell you why that it, but it's certainly worth trying both out to see if you feel the same. Also, if you're looking for a "bass for life," don't underestimate the long-term value of the 1-2 pound weight difference you get from the chambered body on an NYC.

2. I would expect a NYC to have an awesome setup due to coming straight from Rogers shop. How do the Metro setups compare?
Click to expand...

I think the final setup on the Metros is done at Roger's shop, but I'd defer to Metro owners on that one. [/quote]

3. I love the Jazz sound but the PJ is interesting for the tonal variety. Do you lose a lot of the jazz bass "flavor" with the PJ?
Click to expand...

The answer is yes. I have an NYC PJ (and an NYC J) and I think the PJ is great in terms of capturing a P tone as well as an interesting hybrid tone blending P and J. But I don't think it's at all good in capturing a traditional blended J tone.

4. The biggest draw to the sound was the even volume and tone throughout the entire range of the instrument, it actually got louder when he went to slapping. Is this as consistent on the Metros as well?
Click to expand...

Don't know - haven't owned a Metrol

5. I know Nino Valenti has just left Roger's shop to do his basses full time. How do his basses compare tonally to a Sadowsky? His basses are beautiful and look really well made and I dig supporting newer builders, coming out of the Sadowsky shop do his basses have the same response and tone? Are they similar? Has anyone A/Bed them?
Click to expand...

I'm a hardcore 4-string player, but decided I needed a 5 as part of my arsenal. I was on the verge of buying a Metro but decided instead to go with a Valenti with Sadowsky electronics. The Valenti gave me a bunch of options I could only get with an Sadowsky NYC at less than half the price (and maybe $500 less than the closest Metro I could get). The bass Nino built looks and feels absolutely superb, and I love the sound of it on the E through G strings -- in fact it sounds very much like my Sadowsky, adjusting for the ebony fretboard. But I don't really like the sound of the B string, and as a result, the Valenti doesn't get much play time. That said, in the interest of full disclosure, I'll add that I don't like the sound of most B strings, including a Sadowsky NYC Modern 5-24 that I own. In fact, the only B I've ever really liked was on a Dingwall.

If you can afford the float, it's worth tryng out a few used Sadowskys and Valentis. If you spend a little time investigating resale values, you should be able to buy, try, and resell without a loss (except maybe shipping), and sooner or later you'll find the bass for you. Alternatively, if you're loaded, take a trip to NYC and try everything in Roger's shop. You'll probably find something to love, and if not, you'll at least have a much better sense of the relevant parameters.
 
#12
The biggest difference I see between the NYC and the Metro, besides the ability to get a customized instrument, is the weight. I have a Metro 5 that I love but it weighs 9.5 lbs, I have a NYC 5 on the way that weighs ina 7.75 lbs. If weight is an issue this is definitely something to consider.
 
#14
I have decided to sell one of my two Sadowskys, and If it's any indication, I'm keeping my Metro. They both are GREAT basses, but unless weight is super critical or you just have to have AAAA spalted maple burst flamed Koa top to compete with Munjibinga, the Metro does it just fine. If you order one from Roger direct you get the seven day approval period, or you can buy one from one of the several metro dealers.

That evenness you speak of from note to note is what sold me on Sadowsky in the first place and my RV5 does that great. The two options I would certainly purchase are the VTC (to tame the high end and add a vintage flavor) and the Sadowsky Porta bag. As far as your questions.

1) The differences are the graphite reinforcement and the weight if you order a chambered body. But for the most part standard Sadowskys are on the light side for fivers, my metro is well under Ten pounds. Only the full body UV series tend to run heavy. As far as the Graphite reinforcement, the old Sadowskys that didn't have it hold up just fine. Roger has real stable necks.

2) Metros are set up at NYC, but one that has been in a store awhile might need a tweak. Mine came from the shop perfect.

3) Since I've never owned a PJ I'll defer.

4) Yes, Metros are very even thru-out their entire range. I get compliments from the bass players in the audience every time I play, and its for my sound, certainly not my playing.:D

5) Nino, makes a great boutique jazz. Roger makes Sadowskys. The amazing thing about Rogers basses is how consistent they sound from instrument to instrument. They sound like Saowskys. If I was looking at Mike Lulls, Low End Jazzs, Sandbergs, and Fender Custom Shop, I would definitely consider Nino's work, with the right pickups and pre, he offers some killer basses (especially that blueburst with Nordstroms). But If I wanted a Sadowsky, I would buy a Sadowsky.
 
#15
RunngDog said:
But I don't really like the sound of the B string, and as a result, the Valenti doesn't get much play time. That said, in the interest of full disclosure, I'll add that I don't like the sound of most B strings, including a Sadowsky NYC Modern 5-24 that I own. In fact, the only B I've ever really liked was on a Dingwall.
Click to expand...

What strings have you tried? I suggest some laBella hard rockin steels if you have not tried them ... should clean that low string right up.
 
#16
I have always wanted an NYC PJ5, but balked at the price (I was on the phone with Kevin one time to talk about a pre-owned one they were selling, and it was still just a bit out of my comfort zone), so I just commissioned one from Nino.

I've owned one valenti previously and thought that the fit and finish was as fine as any bass I've ever seen, and with sadowsky pickups and electronics it sounded virtually identical to the RV5s I've had.
 
#18
Oh yea, VTC is very useful. You can dial in different sounding highs by messing with the high boost + VTC, and you can roll off some of the natural brightness of the bass for situations where you need to be felt but not stand out of the mix.
 

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