Sadowsky vs. Mike Lull vs. ?

When I got my fretless Elrick, the seller also had two other basses... a Fodera and an A bass, equipped with a U-Retro preamp. it's the reason I bought a J-Retro for my own JD5. Playability and sound were excellent. It was also equipped with Lane Poor pickups.

 

It was a very nice Jazz bass. Excellent neck and playability. With the electronics package he had (LP is still out of business, I think) it had a nice combination of tones available and was very easy to play fast and clean, with no sign of harshness.

How does it compare? I could be perfectly happy with an A bass or Sadowsky or Fender Jazz, they're all viable choices IMO. I have no idea where A's are sold or what street prices are.

 

In that price range, you have many great options. It really comes down to your personal choice.

For me, the best choice was a Sadowsky. I've owned Tobias, Warwick, Modulus, Zon (3), Pedula, Fender, Ibanez and others. I've demo'd many, many others before making my choice. I have never been more pleased with an instrument. I am most impressed with how it sounds and how well it plays. Add to that flawless construction (never seen a bass as carefully made) and then incredible customer support you get from Roger and you get a very complete package.

The last interesting point for me was how well the Sadowsky sounds to others. I've been playing with practically the same group of folks for 5 years. I would get the comments like, "Jeff got another bass... looks nice...sounds like the last one you had, you know, like a bass.." Since I've had the Sadowsky, I receive unsolicited compliments on the tone - I even get compliments from the audience. I find that interesting.

In almost 20 years of playing, I have never been bass brand loyal until now. I have a fretless Sadowsky under construction (hopefully, to compliment and not replace my Zon ).

I would suggest playing as many instruments as possible until you find "the one" for you.

Or, just love the one you're with!

Good Luck!
Jeff

 

I've never played a Mike Lull bass but I love my Sadowsky bass!!!!!

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I'm in persuit of a 4 string. I have to say that the above Sadowsky is one of the best feeling, playing & sounding basses i've ever played. As soon as I picked it up, I knew it was the one!!!!!

 

There is the the other thread "Sadowsky" going on as well but just to make the rounds and echo what Jeff said: the first time I played live with my Sadowsky jazz bass and heard it moderately loud in a band context was a wonderful experience. I remember the first set's lead off song and ripping the first notes of the song "Play That Funky Music White Boy" with fingerstyle and slap and thinking to myself, "Now this is what bass playing is all about!"

 

So, how do they "compare"?

 

id make sure to play a lull before ordering a sadowsky. the worksmanship is just as good as is the sound. the price is a lot more realistic considering what they are. you also get quite a few electronics options. aero,duncan,barts,fralins, and if you order it from steve barr you can have a j-retro preamp stock.

 

Narud,

Have you played live and recorded with both a Lull and Sadowsky of similar models (two jazz or two PJ)?

 

I can vouch for Lulls. They are amazing basses. I've played Sadowskys, but not as extensively as I've played Lulls. I've taken a Lull out on tour, and in the studio. I plan on getting a Sadowsky one day, but as of now, I don't have a whole lot of experience with one.

 

there both fine non-Spector basses.

 

i havent recorded with either, but i have played both in a band situation. theyre both great jazz style basses, but id pick the lull based on price. the truth is, i played a warmoth at the bass exchange with what i think was a walnut body, hipshot hardware, and emg's that i liked just as much as any of the high end jazz basses out there.

 

I think you've got to throw Fodera and Lakland in the mix. Gard let me play a Fodera down at BC, and it's the only bass I've played that MIGHT sound better than my Laklands. It was like a choir of angels.

 

I tried Laklands and a Fodera Monarch (had for a week or two) and preferred the Sadowsky. When I get a second bass it'll be Sadowsky too: alder + rosewood with JJ or PJ, 4 or 5...or both...OH NO, GAS!!!!!!!!!

TANGENTIAL: I think a great place to hear Sadowsky basses is not only Marcus Miller work but Hiram Bullock CDs because Will Lee is all over them. In particular, "Live at Manny's Car Wash" smokes!

 

My experience was this:

Compared to the Sadowsky, the 2 Lulls I played did not have the sustain, clarity or articulation of the Sadowsky. I thought the Lulls were fine basses, but the Sadowsky edged them out. The fit 'n finish was also not as good, but I don't know how that effected the tone, if at all. Also, I preferred the feel of the Sadowsky over the Lull.

The workmanship on my Sadowsky is better than any of the basses I've owned and better than the Zons I have had built - and I really like Zon. Comparing tone, again I prefer the Sadowsky fretted over a fretted Zon, but then I think Zon's fretless models are better than their fretted. Just my opinion based on my experiece.

I have never played an A Bass. Hopefully, I will.

I am not suggesting anyone else should share my point of view regarding Sadowsky. I would suggest to try every bass you can and choose the one that "does it" fo you. Or like some of us, the many

Jeff

 

That question wasn't meant for you, Jeff... you compared it to other basses in your first post

It was meant for those who didn't

 

I'll elucidate my post and keep to the thread topic because I'm afraid Brad will cane me if I don't. But if you do cane me, make sure it's with 5A quilt maple.

Lull--never tried one. I tried many brands (see the current "Sadowsky" thread) and Sadowsky hit the mark. Why look elsewhere?

Fodera Monarch--had it for over a week and returned it. Great bass, a little heavy but thankfully well balanced. Gorgeous tone, nice electronics but too many switches and knobs for my taste. It lacked the pop or snap (not crackle) of the Sadowsky which also had a more defined, focused or tighter sound. The Sadowsky had a "happier" sound to be totally obtuse.

Lakland--I tried a few models, 4 and 5, including Joe Osborn. The latter seemed in desparate need of cardioversion. The others sounded very good and similar to the Sadowsky but again, the Sadowsky tone to my ears was tighter, clearer, and more focused. Also, I prefer simple things and Sadowsky basses are sparsely featured yet remarkably versatile instruments. The Lakland seemed a bit cluttered control wise. Sadowsky's high end figured woods seemed consistently finer than the Laklands I saw. Not all of Roger's woods are gorgeous but when you pay for a premium piece you can rest assured you'll get mother nature's finest. Finally, I think the Lakland bridge is less than aesthetically pleasing.

I love my 4 string ash maple board Sadowsky jazz bass. I keep trying to hang on to the memory of the sensation and sh*t eating grin I had when I tried a Sadowsky PJ 4 string alder + Brazilian rosewood in May: gorgeous sounding and very different sounding than my jazz. It doesn't detract from my J-bass but man, kind of like the finest and most talented blonde and brunette you'll ever come across without either getting jealous.

Uh-oh, I'm digressing and might get flamed.