Sadowsky R5-24

I got this used off Bassgear for $1600. Black with Rosewood board. I've owned Laklands, Kens Smith Chuck Rainey, TRB-5P, Steinberger LS-1, Ricks, Stingrays's, MM Sabre, Spector Euro LX5. Why this is the best?....Its the sound. This bass has the most balanced sound I've ever heard. Its all there. Shallow C neck is great for my little hands. Like another reviewer, I've been using Laklands for the past few years, and even though I dig their Vintage MusicMan Vibe, I did have problems with the "B" string being too boomy. And It was heavy.

The big thing you'll notice about the sound is, its never lacking in any one area. from top to bottom its volume stays the same, The "Boost only" preamp made me re- approach how I use active tone controls. On the Lakland, I would often get too boomy right away , even with just a bit of bass boost, and the only frequerncy I ever cut was the Mid control. With the sadowsky, its really just a passive bass, that you can tweak up a bit to give you a bit of punch. The bass sounds great without any real tone adjustments. Thus I hardly use any tone controls at all, because it really doesn't need it...balanced, like I said. I can't imagine one engineer ever complaining about the sound of this bass.

The Metro's have the best fit & finish I've ever seen on a imported bass. Ive seen quite a few of these Modern's in person, and every one is exactly the same, A+ build quality...Sadowsky's off shore production facility is using some incredibly good quality control. Not to worry if you should find one used. Buy it if its less than $1500. I use Elixir's and since it's initial setup has remained in place and has'nt needed any attention since. Very Stable neck, and since I set it up, it plays like butta'

This is my "A" bass now. I've put flats on my BBN5 cause I don't anticipate this thing crappin out any time soon. With Elixirs, you really have no need to change strings for a loooooong time, and since the bass is so stable, its proven rediculously reliable, and predictably great sounding. I get compliments on every gig as to how good my bass sounds ( I use and Aguilar DB750 wit a Aguilar 212 cab)(I just wish they'd tell me how good my playing sounded).

Since I'm local to Sadowsky's Brooklyn shop, I was actually able to go up, shop the NYC in stock stuff, and meet Roger. Nice chap if not a bit understated, But happy to help me with anything I needed.

I used to always wonder what the hoo-ha was all about with the Sadowsky's. I am sooo not a jazz bass enthusiast. I've owned 1 and hated it ( Fender Geddy bass) , so when i stumbled across the R5-24 at Bass Specialties in Bensalem, PA, I was shocked to find out how good this bass sounds. I mean, when you think about it, a bolt-on, plain paint, fender style 5 string, for 2GRAND!? Paleese. But when you see the build quality, and hear the tone..all tha fancy woods in the world just don't seem that important. And its plain Jane looking enough to bring out on gigs with worrying about somebody grabbing it and running off. Can't say that for my 50 billion laminate Ken Smith or Zebra and Panda Skin Warrior Bass. Plus, if you got in a bar room fight , you could actually use this bass to defend yourself, and not worry about it breakin, cause its built like a tank. Just try one...don't believe me.