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Sadowsky VTC ...

Stubb

Stubb

Jun 4, 2001
4,416
4,957
39
Holland, MI
#1
I think it's great that the passive tone knob has found a resurgence. Many people seem to be impressed with the VTC.

But why is it called a VTC? Yeah, I know what it stands for, but isn't this basically the oldest trick in the book (i.e. passive hi-cut on a bass) with a new name?
 
#3
Eric Cioe said:
....but isn't this basically the oldest trick in the book (i.e. passive hi-cut on a bass) with a new name?
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+1 That's why it's called 'Vintage' Tone Control now versus the name we all used for it through the 60's and 70's..... 'Tone Control' :cool:

I think that people make a big deal out of these on the Sadowsky basses because those basses are inherently bright, and the active treble circuit is boost only. So, unless you have a very vintage sounding rig (i.e., no tweeter and limited treble response), the VTC is pretty crucial for those basses.

I don't find this type of circuit as useful or necessary on other non-J type active basses, where the treble response is somewhat more muted, and you have an active treble cut.
 
#5
Dr. Cheese said:
If it is just a standard tone pot, why does it cost $150?
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I think the kit is $80 from the Sadowsky store, and includes the stacked treble/bass control also. I assume it's $150 for the Metro Upgrade to cover installation at the shop. I'm sure there's some profit in there:D
 
#7
KJung said:
I think the kit is $80 from the Sadowsky store, and includes the stacked treble/bass control also. I assume it's $150 for the Metro Upgrade to cover installation at the shop. I'm sure there's some profit in there:D
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I don't begrudge Mr. Sadowsky feeding the kids, I was just curious about the cost.:cool:
 
#8
I've got one coming to me as we speak:hyper:
It is $80.

I've owned my Metro for about 2 years now and have always wanted the VTC as it is a naturally bright bass, but I too could've sworn they were $150 at one time or another. That's why it took me so long to order one.
 
#9
Let us know what exactly is on that VTC knob after you get it.
I assume its a simple passive tone pot just before it heads out to the output jack.

I think the F Basses are wired this way whereas the John East's retro deluxe version have it wired to the pickups before it reaches the active circuitry.

Correct me if i'm wrong. :hyper:
 
#10
brandonwong said:
...whereas the John East's retro deluxe version have it wired to the pickups before it reaches the active circuitry.

Correct me if i'm wrong. :hyper:
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you are right, i remeber wondering about it when i got mine, but what impact does the difference have on the tone of the bass?


Dave
 
#11
From what I understand, both the VTC and the Pre amp pots for Sadowskys are custom taper due to the 20db boost only configuration of his pre. I'm sure that ordering custom pots adds to the up-front cost. But I don't begrudge Roger feeding his kids (and grandkids) as long as he keeps making those great basses.:bassist:
 
#15
I remember Roger saying that the pot involved for the VTC was an unusual item and not usually stocked by his supplier. They required a sizable minimum order to get them made, hence the expense. I think he posted that here on TB, somewhere.

My Metro came with a VTC on it, and it drove me nuts. I've been playing a V-V-Tone Boost-Bass Boost setup for 15 years. Apparently I'm not open to learning new tricks, so my new Metro got the V-V-T-B setup and I retired the VTC.

Down the road, Sadowsky will offer a Metro P-Bass and I'll probably put my VTC in it when I buy one. I look for that Marcus/Uncle Will thing from my J Basses, but I like a Jamerson sound for my P-Bass. I think you really need a vintage-style tone rolloff for that type of bass sound.
 
#17
Eric Cioe said:
Yeah, that's a good idea.

In fact, why don't more upscale companies offer totally passive basses? Why does upscale automatically mean active these days?
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I don't really get the passive thing, but obviously some like that tone. A good active circuit with a passive bypass (a real passive bypass) can give you both worlds.

As an older guy who was required to play passive before the first active circuits (like the old Bart TCT, if I have that name correct) and the MM Stingrays came out, I would NEVER consider going passive again.

However, I don't know one 'upscale' company that doesn't offer a passive bass (or a no cost or cost reduced passive option).

Regarding Sadowsky, I assume you can order an NYC passive if you want... again, can't quite figure out why, since the Sadowsky circuit has a passive bypass switch, but you could if you wanted... along with traditional single coils if you want it:)
 
#18
I live by the VTC because of the "synth" like efx I use with my bass. When I use these type of efx I want absolutely no string (or fret) sound coming thru the pickups. The VTC gives me a muddy yet round tone that I in turn run thru my extensive outboard efx setup that would make one think they're actually hearing a moog. Cant do this with my Smith, Ritter(s), '71 Jazz, Pedulla, MM Jazz.......:rollno:
 

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