• 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.

Suhr vs. Sadowsky

B

brianh

Aug 19, 2005
809
94
42
NYC
Disclosures
Endorsing: Epifani Amplification
#1
I'm trying to decide between:

Suhr Classic Jazz Bass 4 string (alder body, rosewood board)

and

Sadowsky Metro UV70 5 String (ash body, maple board)

--
Obviously these two basses have different vibes but I'm aware of this and am more concerned with whats a "better" bass since I've never played a Suhr or a Metro. I've been planning on picking up the Suhr for a while and I already have the 70's J thing covered with my F Bass BN5....but I've been offered the Sadowsky in a trade and it's a good deal...However, although they're not extremely popular...I keep hearing great thigns about Suhrs...

I'm also hesitant to pick up the Sadowsky because I'm half afraid it will make me want to get rid of the F Bass! Can anyone compare these two basses?

Any thoughts?
 
#2
Everybody knows that Suhr makes crap and Sadowsky makes divine instruments.



;)

The two basses you mention will sound different because of the body and fingerboard woods, pups, and preamps and....one's a 5 and one's a 4????

I've played both Sadowsky and Suhr. Both are amazing.
It's very very close and honestly, if you changed the name on the headstock I don't think I could tell a difference if I was blindfolded. Maybe I could....I doubt it.

I'm loyal to Sadowsky for all kinds of tangible and intangible reasons. Also, I preferred Roger's guitars to Suhr's when I started on them in 1990 and since then it's been a no brainer to think: hmm...I want a killer bass. I'll call Sadowsky. I've got 7 Sads. There's a reason.
 
#3
I've owned both basses. The Suhr is a nice bass with that vintage vibe, very well made......if that's what you want, then I would go with the Suhr. Personally I wasn't knocked out with the sound of the bass. My old Suhr had the birdeyes maple frettboard.

The Sadowsky IMO is the better of the two. I can get that vintage tone & the modern tone with the Sadowsky pre-amp.
Both bands I play with cover allot of different styles, so the Sadowsky fits the bill. Also the Sadowsky will have a better re-sale / trade factor if that is an issue with your pending sale / trade.

Go to Link Removed :bassist:

There you will see my old Suhr for sale. It's under the used category > bass. Glenn will confirm this. It's the first bass listed.

For my money, I would go with the Sadowsky. ;)
 
#4
Again, my opinion is not a KNOCK on John Suhr's basses. They're very well made, and I probably could have saves myself some $$$$$ & install a Sadowsky pre-amp in the Suhr. I didn't want to chance screwing the paint, etc. up. Plus then it really wouldn't have been a vintage bass would it?

I'm very happy with my two 2006 Metros & my late 90's NY Sadowsky.

Bottom line/..you couldn't go wrong with either bass.....it really is your decision. I think the Sadowsky would allow you to cover more tones.

Best of luck!
 
#7
these two basses couldnt be anymore different from one another, and seems like you're asking more about name recognition and build quality.

they're both on par w/ one another, tho i'll tip my hat to john suhr, cause he does make some exquisite guitars.

but that's the thing. john makes terrific guitars, while roger (and the gents in tokyo) make(s) some awesome basses.
 
#10
:cool:
Shur-vintage tone, well made, great necks, and fret work.

Sadowsky-Modern tone, sits big in the mix.
Aslo, very well made.

Both are kill basses.
But two different animals.

I like the versatility of the Sadowsky
And the neck, and fret work a little better, on the Shur.
 
#12
I decided to pass on the Sadowsky Metro UV70...for now.

Picked up a used Suhr Classic J which is on the way. I'll post a review of it once I gig it since there seems to be a limited amount of Suhr uses here.

Here's the bass:
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back