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Sadowsky vs Mike Lull

#21
I can't weigh in, I was jsut curious as to how people responded and I am amazed about a few things. First, the mature way the comment about Mike Lull was handled, and secondly that no one has come said "Why waste your money get a CV". Has to be a first. Just an observation, back OT, this has been pretty helpful as I am back to considering a high end Jazz copy and the comments regarding the Lull's neck and sound contrasted with a Sadowsky was really interesting. I wish more threads were like this one.
 
#24
Alright: only thing I can remember vividly, I surely didn't like the Aguilar pre, much better US Barts instead.

But again, personal impressions apart (honestly, more about Kev's than Roger himself), Sadowsky pre, humcancellings and the overall simply "precious" basses, are way (wa-a-ay) better

Always IMHO

Cheers,
Wallace
 
#25
I currently own and play out with a Sadowsky Will Lee and Lull P4. Both are absolutely the highest quality and wouldn't hesitate to play out with either one.

My personal conversations with both Roger Sadowsky and Mike Lull (and their teams) has been extremely professional and courteous. A high level of respect both ways. IMO, they set the standard on how to treat a customer in the music industry.

I'm currently favoring my Lull (passive P bass with flats) in band setting right now as it seems to fit better sonically with the projects I'm currently involved with. But if I had to keep only one, it'd be the Will Lee. It's so versatile, I can't think of a gig it couldn't cover.

For me, it'd come down to the extra cost of the Sadowsky pays for the brand recognition and the Sadowsky sound. It's a unique sound that you can only get with a Sadowsky. With the Lull, you have the option of requesting different electronics which can get you different sounds (except for the Sadowsky sound).

Both great basses.


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lull_front.jpg
 
#26
Win - Win situation...

I bought a Lull M5V - instantly loved it!!

I tested a couple of Sadowsky's & didn't pull the trigger - but I do see a Will Lee in my future...

Not to cloud your decision, but Fender Custom Shop stuff is also top notch - & I assume sounds most like a Fender (if that's what you're going for) - my most recent Jazz is a Fender CS & it has restored my faith (so to speak)...
 
#27
jimc said:
NYC Sadowskys can be very light because of the body chambering which I don't think Lull do.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure about the other models but the Lull M5Vs are chambered.

For the record, the day I bought my Lull I had no intention of buying a bass. A local shop (Moog Audio in Montreal) had just that day received its first order of Lulls. Curious, I sat down with one of the M5Vs and was instantly smitten. I just didn't want to put the bass down - except to try out the other Lulls in the shop. In the end it wasn't a question of whether or not I was going to buy an M5V - it was only a question of whether I was going with the Aguilar or the Bart pre.
 
#28
I have owned MANY boutique and coffee table basses that didn't even touch the playability, comfort and tone of Mike's basses. I am on my second Lull M5V and this one is PERFECT. I cannot find a single flaw anywhere and trust me, I am very meticulous... Plek is perfect, ultra close action and NO Buzz. Both are great basses and it's all in the personal preference of what bass is better. I think Mike is one of the best Luthiers in the business as so is Roger. One here said Mike charges a lot for service. Well, if so its better to pay a tad more for a great repair then go cheaper and have to return it for a touchup or mod later. My 2 cents.....
 
#31
lousybassplayer said:
I can't weigh in, I was jsut curious as to how people responded and I am amazed about a few things. First, the mature way the comment about Mike Lull was handled, and secondly that no one has come said "Why waste your money get a CV". Has to be a first. Just an observation, back OT, this has been pretty helpful as I am back to considering a high end Jazz copy and the comments regarding the Lull's neck and sound contrasted with a Sadowsky was really interesting. I wish more threads were like this one.
Click to expand...
That's a nice post. :)
 
#33
For whatever it's worth...

I've owned a few Lulls and currently own a few Sadowsky basses. I think they're comparable on quality, and like someone else here said, both are really top notch instruments.

Mike and Roger are both great people to do business with. They both set the standard, and their customer service is second to none (I've also had Lull's shop do some work on another instrument).

The specs and sounds of the instrument are really what it all boils down to, and potentially some cost on the Sadowsky side, probably mainly depending on if you wanted an option not available in the Metro line.

The Sadowsky sound... they all have it, and the only way to get it is to get a Sadowsky. It's mostly about the preamps/pickups (which I do think you can get all aftermarket), but I also think it has to do with the instruments... wood selections and neck/body matches are made by each shop, neck profile matters, etc.

The feel. Already posted. They'll feel different. The Lulls seem a little more "modern" to me and the Sadowsky seems a bit more traditional (though I do think he offers some variance on an NYC).

Bottom line is, this is a long-winded version of what was already posted as well... you can't just say one is "better" than the other. It's a personal fit. Trust me. I've played both brands a BUNCH. They both rock.

Try and Buy... the comments above are Why... NOT just because "this one is best, says I", as we may not see Eye To Eye! :)
 
#38
Spencer! said:
I actually had one of these made.....Lull neck, Sadowsky body.

20110103-DSC_0335.jpg
Click to expand...

I have never had the priveledge of owning either of these basses, nor have I even played a US Sadowsky. Heck, I have only seen a handful in person. But based on the preferences I know I have and what I have heard on here, this may be my perfect Jazz. No chrome plate for the knobs, rosewood and burst to boot! I would probably find a tort PG, but thats a prettty small nit to pick. I bet that cost a mint, but it HAD to be worth it.
 

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