• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Sadowsky, Valenti, something else?

TrooperFarva

TrooperFarva

Nov 25, 2004
3,244
15
New City, NY
#1
Ok, I played a used 5 string Sadowsky at Guitar Center today (sidenote: who would trade a Sadowsky into Guitar Center? anyway). I had tried it months ago, when I really sucked, and I didn't like it, because I didn't know what I was doing. Today however, while I wouldn't exactly say I knew what I was doing, I was able to appreciate why it costs as much as it does. It sounds phenomenal, and plays just as good.

This particular one was selling for $3000. More than I can afford. However. If I were to get a Sadoswky, either NYC (yeah, right) or Metro, or a Valenti, it would replace my USA Fender. Also, I haven't really touched my Berg since I got my Schroeder. Sure, I go back to it from time to time, but the Schroeder seems to be much more what I want.

So, here come the questions. Whats the difference between the Metro and NYC Sadowskys? Just that the metro is made in Japan? That's not really too critical a question, because unless I find some random pawn shop deal, I can't afford one. So, for the value of a 97 USA Fender Jazz w/ J-Retro and a never-been-gigged NV215, what would be my best bet? Sadowsky Metro? Valenti? Somethine else? Is that enough for new, or would I have to get used? I prefer the Standard/Modern look, without the pickguard, such as Major Metals green Sadowsky or [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. It's gotta be JJ, no PJs or soapbars, etc.

I'm not set on getting or getting rid of anything, it's just something I'm considering. So throw some ideas my way. Thanks, as always.
 
#2
I would stick with the Jazz personally especially if it plays well. reasoning behind is that Sadowskys are good, very good, and Roger is a great guy, but: there is not a 2000 dollars worth of difference between sadowskys and MIA Jazzes, more like 500-600 dollars over the MIA Jazz, imo!!
if you are dead set on a sadowsky, you can get a few Metros every once in a while in the classifieds for 1800-1900!
 
#3
joeyl said:
I would stick with the Jazz personally especially if it plays well. reasoning behind is that Sadowskys are good, very good, and Roger is a great guy, but: there is not a 2000 dollars worth of difference between sadowskys and MIA Jazzes, more like 500-600 dollars over the MIA Jazz, imo!!
if you are dead set on a sadowsky, you can get a few Metros every once in a while in the classifieds for 1800-1900!
Click to expand...

I can totally respect that opinion, but I gotta disagree. The Fender I have is one of the best I've ever played (vintage aside), but the Sadowsky slayed it. But to each his own.

Now, let's not let this thread get derailed into a flame war over whether Sadowskys are worth what they cost, I'm just looking for some information.
 
#4
The Value of your NV215 and American Jazz should definitely put you real close to used Metro territory ( around 1800$). Having said that, you may like the Berg better with the Sadowsky then the Schoeder depending a lot on the music you play and the head your driving it with. I know an awful lot of guys here that get moved by Berg/Sadowsky combos! As far as the difference in between the Metro and the NYC, unless you want to special order a fancy wood top or gold hardware or you want a P/J the only real difference is weight, Roger offers the NYC's with chambered bodies and they tend to be about a pound and a half lighter. The VTC (vintage tone control) is standard on the NYC and an option on the metro but they are both GREAT basses and in a band context IMHO they will shine over your Fender.
 
#6
I have both a Fender MIA JBass and a Sadowsky M5-24 and the Sad's a much better made and sounding bass. I did buy my Sad's used so much cheaper, but what's cool is I have emailed Roger questions and he helps me same as if I was the original owner.

Now I love my Fender MIA JBass and after modding it sounds great. I put on a BA III bridge, Nordie PUPs, and finished it off with a Sadowsky onboard pre-amp with VTC. I love the VTC.

From everyone I have talked to the Metro basses are as good as the NYC's, but there are only a couple models and they don't have the options the NYC's do.
 
#9
American Dlx Jazz = 1300
Used Sad metro = 1800

There's your 500 dollar difference... but as I hear the quality is easily much more.



Anyways, to the original poster the only difference between NYC & Metro is the NYC is lighter, has different options (Metros are Standard, NYC is optionable), and comes w/ options of pickups being humbucks or singles, and i think might have VTC on it? Not sure.

But a Metro could be Single Coiled & VTC'd.
 
#10
$3000 for a used Sadowsky sounds a bit on the high side for me, unless it is some incredibly tricked out model. As others have said, there are Metros available almost every day in the $1800 area. You often see REALLY NICE NYC's for sale here in the $2500 area.
Having said all that, I've yet to play a Fender that compares to a Metro. And before Sam J jumps all over me for saying that, I LIKE FENDERS.
 
#11
burk48237 said:
you may like the Berg better with the Sadowsky then the Schoeder depending a lot on the music you play and the head your driving it with. I know an awful lot of guys here that get moved by Berg/Sadowsky combos!
Click to expand...

Damnit, that's a very good point. I'm trying to avoid paying anything out of pocket, should I decided to go ahead with this. This wrecks my whole plan, I'll have to rethink this.
 
#12
I'll share my personal experience as well as common realizations of others in similar situations. I've only been playing my newly acquired, used metro RV5 for a couple of weeks now. I used to think my Jazz killed with all the tone I would ever want. I switch to the MIA Jazz Std now it sounds muddy and lacking depth and life. So now I'm trying to figured out what I can do to make my Jazz sound like my Metro. Both are JJ configurations... More than likely, I will take out a second mortgage and get a Rotten wood P/J NYC and leave the Fender stock. After all. If you want something that sounds like a Sadowsky, you might just have to get a Sadowsky. The Fender still does a great job, A/B from the Sads to the Fender just hurts.

I would think that if you didn't need a P/J configuration, then a Metro should do the trick. And if you wanted, you could always add the VTC to it later if you find the bass to be too bright for your taste.

Have fun!

:bassist:

Oh yeah, also running through a Berg Stack, Aguilar pre and loving it!
 
#13
Pako said:
I switch to the MIA Jazz Std now it sounds muddy and lacking depth and life
Click to expand...

That's it exactly. The Sadowsky sounded incredibly clear, even through a crappy combo. I tried a Schecter Custom 5 after that, and it was all sludge, just entirely unusable. I've tried the same bass before, and thought it was pretty good, but right after the Sadowsky, forget it. The same with my USA Fender, I love it, but the tone compared to the Sadowsky was just muddy and useless. And if I decide to mod my Fender, I gotta swap the preamp, pickups, bridge, neck, and hardware. Basically everything except the body, and it still probably won't add up to what I played yesterday.
 
#14
cheezewiz said:
$3000 for a used Sadowsky sounds a bit on the high side for me, unless it is some incredibly tricked out model. As others have said, there are Metros available almost every day in the $1800 area. You often see REALLY NICE NYC's for sale here in the $2500 area.
Having said all that, I've yet to play a Fender that compares to a Metro. And before Sam J jumps all over me for saying that, I LIKE FENDERS.
Click to expand...

That's what I paid for my NYC M5-24 with a Quilt Maple top. It was in mint condition not a scratch to be found. I just missed an amazing Sad JBass on another site with AAAAA Quilt Maple top for $1600. Good deals on Sad's can be had if patient and look around.
 
#15
TrooperFarva said:
Damnit, that's a very good point. I'm trying to avoid paying anything out of pocket, should I decided to go ahead with this. This wrecks my whole plan, I'll have to rethink this.
Click to expand...

Sadowsky basses into Berg cabs (or Sadowsky cabs, which of course are designed by Jim B), are indeed a thing of beauty. :D
 
#16
I got my new (used) Sadowsky back from my expert setup guy last night.

Hands down, best Jazz bass I've ever played. In terms of tone and playability, it definitely surpasses even my much-loved Lakland. I stayed up wayyyy past midnight because I couldn't bear to put it down. Now I understand why people are so passionate about Sadowskys. It IS a step above.

On the plus side, I'm going to find it much easier to manage to part with my Lakland. :)
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back