• 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?

J

JP Scott

Oct 13, 2007
2
0
#1
I just joined the forum and have been contemplating buying a sadowsky for a while now. I guess I just want current Sadowsky owners to speak up and let me know your thoughts.

What are your favortie things about your Sadowsky?
How does it compare to other Jazz style basses (mike lull, lakland, etc)?
How does the metro perform in relation to the USAs? Is the sizeable difference in price worth the extra cash?
Have you made any modifications to yours? If so, which ones would you reccommend?

Any feedback that you guys can give me is welcome.
 
#2
Hi, and welcome to the forum. You'll find that there is more information on this forum about Sadowsky than you can shake a stick at. It's probably the most relentlessly talked about instrument here.
Just use the search function and you'll have enough reading material for the next couple of weeks.
 
#4
There are plenty of threads on the board regarding the NYC vs. Metro thing, but here is a summary:

* Both, the Metro and NYC have the same electronics and pickups.
* Only some Metros (the Hybrids) come with the VTC (Vintage Tone Control) standard... to me this control is a must.
* The NYC allows you to choose tops, woods, and hardware finish, as well as an option for single-coil or Nordstrand pickups. The Metros have a limited number of options.
* The weight of the NYC is the biggest advantage to me. My NYC Modern 24-5 is only 7.38 lbs. Metros come in between 8.5 and 10 depending on 4/5 strings.
* If you like blocks and binding, you'll have to go with a Metro UV/70.
* NYC's can run almost 2X the price of the Metros.

The best of both worlds would be to find a used NYC in my opinion. Good luck.
 
#5
Welcome to Talkbass - I'm a recent owner of a NYC Vintage 4 - just got it 6 weeks ago. I shopped for two years for the "ultimate" (to me) jazz bass before deciding on Sadowsky. I'm a long time Fender player and have also tried the other brands you mentioned and then some. The Sadowsky was hands-down my favorite for one reason - tone. The first time I played a Metro UV70, I ABed it against another high end jazz and thought the tone was night and day better. I didn't personally care for the 3 tone burst finish on the one I tried (too yellow for my taste), nor the fretboard wood. I also thought an ash body and the optional single coil pickups would be more "me". A couple of weeks later, I ordered a NYC figuring I could get everything I wanted. I went with a really nice top, custom finish, nice board - the works. What I got back was a work of art!

Though I absolutely loved the bass at home, it REALLY shines in a live setting and doing recording. I've played several rehearsals with it, both in a rock\blues setting and a modern country one. Going to my second recording session with it today. It totally kills.
 
#7
I have had a NYC that is about 15 years old and the tone absolutely KILLS my Fenders. The sustain on this thing is amazing.

I have only owned this bass for 18 hours or so, but in the hour or so I have played it in my basement, it blew away my Geddy Lee Jazz, '74 P, MIA Jazz V's, etc.

I have not gigged with it yet nor have a played a full volume rehearsal, but I am starting to understand why people go nuts for these things.

P.S. I owned a Lakland 55-02 intil last month and it couldn't keep up to my Fenders at gigs, so I wouldn't put it in the same league as a Sadowsky. In fairness to Lakland, keep in mind that a 55-02 is $1200 or so new and a Japanese made Sadowsky Metro is almost $3k.
 
#8
JP Scott said:
I just joined the forum and have been contemplating buying a sadowsky for a while now. I guess I just want current Sadowsky owners to speak up and let me know your thoughts.

What are your favortie things about your Sadowsky?
How does it compare to other Jazz style basses (mike lull, lakland, etc)?
How does the metro perform in relation to the USAs? Is the sizeable difference in price worth the extra cash?
Have you made any modifications to yours? If so, which ones would you reccommend?

Any feedback that you guys can give me is welcome.
Click to expand...

My favorite thing about my Sadowsky is the tone. It has a lot of character. The only bad thing about it is that it really spoils you when it comes to the sound of a jazz bass.

In comparison to other boutique jazz basses, I would say the Sadowsky is definitely the most unique sounding out of the other 2 you mentioned. I have played some Lakland USA jazz basses (Glaub, DJ) and they really did cop the old school jazz tone with flying colors. In fact, were it not for the 35'' scale for the fivers, I would still own a DJ5. The Mike Lull I cannot comment on too much as I only had a chance to mess around with it at a store.

The Metro is basically the exact same bass but on average, slightly heavier due to less scrutiny in selection of woods. I would say that the Sadowsky tone and feel is defintely there but you really can feel the difference between an NYC and a Metro. Maybe its me though?

In selecting my NYC, the only (now selectable) modification I made was have the guys at Sadowsky install Nordstrand Big Single pickups. I played Sadowsky humcancelling, as well as their single-coil but I just loved the sound of the Big Singles. If I were to get another Sadowsky, it would probably me a Modern with Big Singles.
 
#9
I used to think the Sadowsky was hype. I have two... a NYC and a Tokyo 5 string. THE BEST INVESTMENT I HAVE MADE. As everyone always mentions, it is really impressive on a gig or recording. If you want a vintage sounding jazz bass, buy the alleva coppolo.

The lull is a great instrumen as well as the Lulls. I've sold a few of my other basses since getting th sadowskys and haven't looked back
 
#10
Pickebass said:
I used to think the Sadowsky was hype. I have two... a NYC and a Tokyo 5 string. THE BEST INVESTMENT I HAVE MADE. As everyone always mentions, it is really impressive on a gig or recording. If you want a vintage sounding jazz bass, buy the alleva coppolo.

The lull is a great instrumen as well as the Lulls. I've sold a few of my other basses since getting th sadowskys and haven't looked back
Click to expand...

I agree with you. I also have a NYC 5 All maple. Single coils to me is the way to go but remember the 60 cycle hum when favoring the back PU. Great Bass and a very good support from Roger and his staff. I also have a Alleva Copollo 5 and I also agree they are the way to go if you are into vintage sounding fenders. Both record great. Both are great sounding instruments. Sadowsky has a great reputation and have been around since the 80's. All there products are made from high quality parts and put together with a fairly large staff. Alleva Coppolo on the other hand, are basses made with a limited number of people. But he will cut the necks, shape the body and hand wound his pickups. If you are into the nitro finishes he has the original person who did the vintage fenders. Both basses are great. And both have accomplished the sound they were seeking to make.
 
#12
Hi

Welcome to TB.

Im one of the biggest Sadowsky advocates here. Love em'

NYC vs Metro Very similar. Unless you like a custom top and other options, go metro. Heavier but not that much heavier.

I think they are the best jazz style bass. My opinion, of couse. They have a unique tone with the 2 band pre, not really a vintage tone. Be careful if thats what u r after. They are the perfect blend of vintage look and feel with modern tone

No mods to any of mine. Thats the point. They are already hotrods. Fully modded!!!

Good luck. Try to find and play a couple first, of course.

Rob
 
#13
In my opinion, Sadowsky's a great basses but kind of over priced. Check out a Suhr Classic J. A lot less money, and a very comprable (if not better) bass.

My advice is first of all, always try to buy used. Resale on high end basses is often much lower than when new. If you're trying something out and you're not totally sure that it's not going to stick for life...why take a plunge you can't recover on a resale. I've always made my money back when selling a bass I bought used and really don't care to potentially loose over $1000 on a resale.
 
#16
Stox said:
Hi, and welcome to the forum. You'll find that there is more information on this forum about Sadowsky than you can shake a stick at. It's probably the most relentlessly talked about instrument here.
Just use the search function and you'll have enough reading material for the next couple of weeks.
Click to expand...


Being in Australia and a 2 hour plane ride away from even a Metro I used the TB search and messaging to find out what I wanted to know about Sadowsky basses.

So a word of warning! Watch some of the guys in here!!!

I ended up ordering a NYC without ever playing one, something I'd not recommend to anyone myself. And then the torture of the wait - 8 months and counting.
Are they worth it? I dunno as I only ever saw one once years ago.

The threads and advice in TB as well as from Roger and Kevin let you find out pretty much all there is to know.
Even sound clips on SC v HB (I couldn't tell the difference really but others will argue either way).

A lot comes down to personal preferences and the threads reflect that. I went NYC as I wanted a quilted top with ebony board. I need my bass to excite me when I open the case and the Metros just don't do it for me. Others will no doubt differ. I bought a Fodera Monarch standard a while ago instead of the dearer version as I couldn't see the point in paying heaps more for basically the same thing with a few extra knobs on. Each to his own.

But I blame TB'ers for my situation . . watch out!
 
#17
Marcus said:
In selecting my NYC, the only (now selectable) modification I made was have the guys at Sadowsky install Nordstrand Big Single pickups. I played Sadowsky humcancelling, as well as their single-coil but I just loved the sound of the Big Singles. If I were to get another Sadowsky, it would probably me a Modern with Big Singles.
Click to expand...

We need to have a thread about the Big Singles and Fatstacks in Sadowsky NYC vs. Sadowsky SC and HC. Its a question that has been on my mind for some time. Thanks for sharing your POV. There are at least several other guys with either of the Nordstrands installed.
 
#20
Jazzdogg said:
Can you describe the difference(s) in sound more specifically, please?
Click to expand...

Kind of hard to describe, but very much the case IME. If the Sadowsky had the same tone in the mix as it does solo, I wouldn't be such a fan. Usually I can make basses sound great solo and have a harder time getting that tone to shine in the mix. The opposite is true with my Sadowsky (sounds okay solo, but great in the mix). The general tone profile is the same but becomes more full, punchy and "alive" sounding when played live. Not sure why this is the case, but I'm not arguing it. :p

I have to say this is hands-down the best bass I've ever played.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back