Side-By-Side: Sadowsky Metro vs. NYC

[jnammy]

I have to agree with willgroove2, the electronics are a proprietary design and they just work really well live. By modifying it, you might get it to sound better in your room, but it's going to be tough to make it sound better when playing at a gig. You might be better off choosing the right Sad bass/pickups; either HC, SC, or soapbars.

 

[Kwesi]

Hey Kwesi, I wish I was less biased, but I am a Sadowsky fan and more specifically, I think the NYC 24-5 with soapbars is the best playing and sounding bass I've tried after having owned Fender CS, Warrior, F Bass, Ken Smiths, and others. BUT, if the NYC Modern wasn't my main bass, I wouldn't really need my #2 bass to have a similar feeling neck (34"/19mm/1.875 nut/wide board towards bottom) and I would totally go for a 2010 Am. Deluxe J 5, in fact, I almost did anyway. By the way, I still can't believe you sold the Clement!

Haha, being a Sadowsky man is totally cool, it's just surprising to see a viewpoint like yours that's so openly pro-Fender, lol! Btw, as much as I loved the Clement, singlecuts just aren't for me. So I sold it... to get another Clement ! Should be done fairly soon actually.

I have to agree with willgroove2, the electronics are a proprietary design and they just work really well live. By modifying it, you might get it to sound better in your room, but it's going to be tough to make it sound better when playing at a gig. You might be better off choosing the right Sad bass/pickups; either HC, SC, or soapbars.

Well I could never say for sure since I've only played Sadowsky live once, but for me and my sound I'm almost positive that there's a better electronics package for me. I'd take a mid control over a passive tone almost any day but there are plenty of other pre's that can have both as stock options and I dig 'em.

 

[pickles]

My Fender RBV hangs with any Sadowksy I've played, and in certain contexts is better. Its a different sound, both equally great, good for different things. The sadowskys have a more refined feel, sleeker neck, etc ... but the key is the tones are great (and different) on both. The 2008 P5 and J5 I had were, for me, one notch down in terms of having a really lush and dynamic sound. Still great basses but not quite on the same level. Close. And for the money they're stupid good.

Metro vs. NYC -- no difference unless you want the chambering or fancy top. I've played and owned dozens of sadowskys, and ended up settling on two standard style metros. They're just the ones that speak to me the most. Although on my 5'er I have USA tuners, which are better than the licensed ones that are standard on Metros. That's not an issue on the 4 strings.

 

[StuartV]

So, in the Metro vs NYC comparo, we should add (or clarify):

- Metro neck has no reinforcing rods. NYC has graphite reinforcing rods. Could this contribute to the "subtle" difference in sound/tone that some people claim to hear?

- NYC has better tuners than Metro. My Metro tuners are surprisingly (to me) stiff to start turning. Once moving, they are smooth.

- NYC has chambered body (presumably, contributing to its lighter average weight).

- Metro is available with blocks and binding on the neck. NYC has blocks option, but no binding.

- NYC does not say on website that you can get 70s J bridge pickup placement, but, in fact, you can order it that way.

- So, compared to a Metro UV70, the only thing you can't get on an NYC is the binding on the neck.

- Metros do not have color-matched headstocks at all. NYC models can be ordered with a color-matched headstock.

Yes?

 

[fcoda]

3 band eq is available on the Will Lee model NYC 4 or 5 and the Metro 4

 

[jnammy]

My NYC tuners are stiff to start turning as well, stiffer than my Metro. IMO, I don't think there's any quality difference between the two. The tuners on my MIM J5 holds tuning just as good as the two, so did the ones on my SXs. I personally think a bass staying in tune has more to do with neck stability and temperature changes than the quality of the tuners.

Anyhow, I've noticed that it is especially important for Sadowskys to have Sadowsky strings on them; otherwise, they feel floppy and blah. I use Sadowsky bright nickels and the high string tension just tightens everything up, allowing for low action without flop and the taperwound B places itself low on the saddle so that it's much more parallel with the fingerboard than if it was a non-taperwound.

 

[Chasarms]

What IS involved in "chambering" a body? Can it be done to a finished bass?

It's just you think. Before the top is glued on, part of the body wood is routed out. So when glued up, you have chambers. It isn't unique to Sadowsky.

I suppose you could do something similar to an existing body under the areas covered by a pickguard. Not sure it would help anything other than dropping a bit of weight.

 

[Chasarms]

I have always viewed Sadowskys NYC or Metro as the sum of all the part's (neck,body,electronics) gutting it would defeat the idea of the instrument concept IMO although I know people who have done it and regretted it

Agreed. If you are CERTAIN its a forever keeper do whatever, but otherwise do nothing that can not be undone. As very few others would want it.

 

[Chasarms]

. . .Anyhow, I've noticed that it is especially important for Sadowskys to have Sadowsky strings on them; otherwise, they feel floppy and blah. I use Sadowsky bright nickels and the high string tension just tightens everything up, allowing for low action without flop and the taperwound B places itself low on the saddle so that it's much more parallel with the fingerboard than if it was a non-taperwound.

I would take exception to this comment. I love Sadowsky basses. I've sold every other bass I owned and now have three. An NYC 24-5, an MV524 and an RV4.

That said, I have to say that I don't really care for Sadowsky strings much at all. I have used lots of other makes on them with excellent results.