• 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.

Which one! Sadowsky NYC, Sadowsky Metro, Valenti, or Modulus

Which one!

  • Sadowsky NYC

    Votes: 39 50.0%

  • Sadowsky Metro

    Votes: 21 26.9%

  • Valenti

    Votes: 10 12.8%

  • Modulus Flea 5

    Votes: 8 10.3%
  • Total voters
    78
  • Poll closed .
mettec

mettec

Aug 22, 2005
356
22
Minneapolis
#1
I have been posting suggestions on basses, pickups, electronics for a couple months now and I have narrowed it to these choices. Sadowsky NYC, Sadowsky Metro, Valenti, or a Modulus Flea. All of which are 5-string basses. Knowing from TB readers that both Sadowsky's are excellent basses, is there much difference in the feel or tone of the NYC and Metro's? How are the Valenti made basses compared to the Sadowsky's in tone and feel? And last, I currently play Modulus Q5's and would be also interested in a Flea 5 with custom pups and electronics. Main reason for asking! I want a bass with both active and passive tone controls simular to the Sadowsky pre with the Vintage Tone Control option. Since none of these basses are available in my area and can't try them out first, I am hoping that your opinions will make my final decision. Thanks
 
#2
Well, I've owned a Valenti and Sadowsky. NYC is far more in price than anything else on your list. I have a UV70RWAld5 that I'm enamored with. Fantastic bass! The Valenti was a great bass as well, attention to detail was awesome, and the tone was great. If you aren't looking for fancy woods, go for the Metro, if your want a P/J or ability to get options (pre, pup, etc.) go for the Valenti. I've played a lot of Modulus basses, and they never really grabbed me, so I can't comment there.

Good luck!
 
#3
HI

Ive owned 14 Sadowsky's. I consider Nino a friend but have never owned one of his basses. I have no opinon on Modulus, I've never owned one. I currently own 4 NYC Sadowsky's They rule. If you cant or wont afford one, get a metro.

Rob
 
#5
I would go with the Modulus personally. I went with a Flea 5 with the dual jazz configuration from a Quantum 5 because I prefer a 34" scale and a slimer neck profile. I love the punchy response I get from the carbon fibre neck. I had a Badass V bridge installed and now the sound is just how I want it. I also love the setup and tuning stability and the durable build quality. Modulus basses aren't suited to every player, but having owned one you probably already have some idea whether or not they're for you. You could probably get great results from any one of your choices.
 
#8
bikeplate said:
HI

Ive owned 14 Sadowsky's. I consider Nino a friend but have never owned one of his basses. I have no opinon on Modulus, I've never owned one. I currently own 4 NYC Sadowsky's They rule. If you cant or wont afford one, get a metro.

Rob
Click to expand...

14? I guess we know how you voted. I've never owned a Sadowsky, but plan to rectify that in the near future. I own a Modulus Genesis 5 (also not on the poll) which is a very comfortable bass, with a warm (maybe too warm and woody) sound.
 
#9
i played the metros at the bass centre, they're good, but they're not the second coming of Christ like some people say.

i've never played an NYC, but i would imagine that they are on par with other high end luthiers. they'd have to be for the price, so maybe you should play a NYC and compare that to the Modulus.
 
#12
Sadowsky basses possess a potent magic for the "meat and potatoes" players out there, of which I am definitely one, and which by judging by your bands website, you are as well. By this I of course mean 'holdin it down with a big fat sound' instead of being flashy and tryin to out shred the guitar player.

The feel of the Sadowsky's maintains that comfortable fender feel that just makes you want to dig in and groove, the sound remains large and imposing without burying the mix. At low volumes or at high-octane volumes it stays thick and supportive.

As to modulus, I sold them for 3 years at the ill-fated Mars Music, so I've had time to spend with each model. The uniqueness of their tone rivals sadowsky, but yet the feel of the graphite neck is decidedly "modern". It definitely is more adapt as a soloing-type, 'fusion' instrument, and where the sound of the sadowsky wraps around the mix and envelopes it, IMO the modulus cuts thru the middle of it. While the Modulus is perhaps more versatile, hands down thoughthe Sadowsky preamp is the best in the world IMO.

If modulus made a Quantum with a 19mm bridge spacing, both 6 and 5, I would have snatched up a few with my employee discount.
 
#14
Sadowsky is my recommendation. Like stated, get a Metro unless you really feel like you need an option that only a NYC model offers.

Right now, I play a MV-5; but I'm already starting to save for a P/J. Since that's not an option on the Metro line, it'll obviously be an NYC.

Find a way to try a few different options out. You won't regret it.
 
#15
Sadowsky 19mm string spacing Modulus Flea 17 mm string spacing , just something to consider.

I own both NYC and Flea, I had a 5er but the 17mm was killing me so I sold it and stick to 19mm Flea 4 string and I love it, But I have 4 Sadowsky's and love them also ,very different basses, very different feel, depending on the music you play is the bass that will apply.

Sad way more versatile
 
#19
I have an old Sadowsky NYC Vintage4 that I'll never part with. It works for me in most situations. I love the way the neck feels after all these years of playing, the nitro is smoothly buffed into the neck. Just love it. I hated the way Modulus felt, I don't think I could live with that neck...

My second Sadowsky should be here in a couple of months if everything goes as planned. Damn I'm looking forward to it!!
I'll tune it BEAD.

The Metro's I've tried all felt and sounded amazing. I'll get a P5 when they show up...
I'm curious about the Valenti too.. Sounds like a really nice bass.

Matej
 

Attachments

  • HelmerBody.jpg
    HelmerBody.jpg
    40.5 KB · Views: 175
  • Helmer.jpg
    Helmer.jpg
    21.3 KB · Views: 160
#20
I don't know how you posted this, and thought for a SECOND that anything else other than an NYC would get more votes. I've been bitten by the bug, but don't have the honor of owning one as of yet. Hopefully there's an NYC or Metro in my future. I'm sure that without the members of this forum, Roger Sadowsky's annual earnings would be cut in half...:p
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back