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Sadowsky VTC retrofit question

N8116B

N8116B

Jan 14, 2008
264
1
Earth
#1
I have a Sadowsky UV Metro without VTC.

Is it worth it to do the upgrade to VTC? I see the kit on the Sadowsky web site and the cost is not too bad. looking at the instructions it looks doable by myself as well.

Has anyone done the upgrade and what were your thoughts or experiences/
 
#2
N8116B said:
I have a Sadowsky UV Metro without VTC.

Is it worth it to do the upgrade to VTC? I see the kit on the Sadowsky web site and the cost is not too bad. looking at the instructions it looks doable by myself as well.

Has anyone done the upgrade and what were your thoughts or experiences/
Click to expand...

I bought it aftermarket as well. But wasn't brave enough to do it myself:help: I am very happy that I had it done. I find myself rolling it off and using my treble boost to get the sounds I want more often than not.
 
#3
For my tastes.......

I had a MV5 without the VTC, and I sent it to Sadowsky to have it put in. Made a GIANT difference for me, but that bass ended up still being to "bright and snappy" for me.

I ended up selling it, and buying a RV5 with the VTC already from the shop. DREAMY! I'm able to dial back the VTC about 25%, and I'm good to go.
 
#5
i'm not an owner but was thinking about getting a sadowsky; ended up going with a fender CS but played everything they had at the shop in brooklyn one afternoon. Great instruments; liked the VTC ones better. Would prefer a switch instead of the push-pull. i think it can only add to your bass.
 
#7
AJ Brown said:
I love the VTC for rolling off highs in active mode.
Click to expand...

+1

It is worth having, IMHO. It increases the flexibility of the instrument.

I use it, but not all the time--my instrument is already essentially biased toward "the warm." Yet, I have on occasion used it.

When passive, it is a must, and on an active P/J, it is a good thaang to be able to grab a very dark-chocolate soloed P-bass pup sound when you want it. :cool:
 
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#8
thehurlatron said:
I had a MV5 without the VTC, and I sent it to Sadowsky to have it put in. Made a GIANT difference for me, but that bass ended up still being to "bright and snappy" for me.
Click to expand...

+1 Same for me, but an MS5.

I ended up getting a NYC Standard 5 instead. These come standard with the VTC. Like everyone else that uses them, it is nice to roll off the high end when needed. No need to mess with amp settings! I dig 'em!
 
#11
Jerry Ziarko said:
The VTC is a wonderful addition to the M5-24. I added it to mine, and it opened up a whole new tonal pallet for this bass. Why not add it to keep it???
Click to expand...

You are right it is not my plan to sell this one off but in today's times I got look at from all angles. I am doing some liquidating now but only because this bass has taken over. The others are being neglected now.

James

Nice bass by the way.
 
#13
Well I finally got around to installing. Twice one of the cats took to the bubble wrap that was holding the two new pots and instruction and dragged it all into his lair. But I was able to find it both times before finally putting it in a place where he could not get to it any longer. I am happy to say that a cat dragging the pots all around the house as toys did not harm them. A testament to their durability.

The installation was not too bad. I should preface my remarks with the fact that I have been digging into electronics since I was 15 years old. That was 32 years ago. I have built all kinds of electronic items, I am a ham radio operator and I am an electrical engineer. So I am pretty handy with the soldering iron. This project was well within my skill level. But if this is the first time you have ever picked up a soldering iron I recommend that you do not do it.

The instructions are only a wiring schematic. If you cannot read schematics these instructions will be above your skill level.

The wiring is pretty straight forward. All together from opening the back of the bass until closing it back up was right around 45 minutes.

So if you are looking at adding VTC to your older Sadowsky bass the upgrade kit is the way to go. Doing it yourself, if you are somewhat experienced with soldering and wiring will save you a bundle. This is not a beginners kit IMHO. If the instructions were a little more detailed with step by step instructions and explanations of how things work it might be ok for some electronic project beginners.
 
#14
We indicate on the page for the VTC --

For older Sadowsky basses or current model Metro basses. Includes wiring diagram and all parts needed.
PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION RECOMMENDED!

It does not say "comes with detailed instructions".

Roger
 
#15
I should also add that the kit as pictured on the Sadowsky web site shows that the two capacitors are separate and would have to be installed on the pots. Mine came with the caps and all the jumpers already installed. This did simply the install.
 

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