New Bass Model Unites the Traditions
Fans of more traditional designs no longer need to decide if they want to play a J- or MM-style bass guitar. The Sadowsky 21-Fret Vintage M/J Bass simply combines the two types of pickups – and benefits from all the innovative improvements, which long since have gained the New Yorker luthier Roger Sadowsky the reputation of being a classic himself. In this way, the new yet seemingly familiar looking bass design presents itself with retro looks and authentic vintage tones. On top of this, downright modern features are included: for example, an ergonomic body with guaranteed light weight, highly individual settability, or the surprisingly versatile tonal options in hum-free quality.
2 characters – all kinds of variations
For its debut, the M/J bass comes in two basic versions: Either with an American Swamp Ash body – according to Roger’s experience the tightest, brightest, and punchiest tonewood for bodies. Combined with a bright-colored and bright-sounding Maple fingerboard, this makes a perfect pairing especially for crisp slap sounds. Alternatively, the second variant features an American Red Alder body for a sweeter and warmer sound with a fuller midrange. Here, the fingerboard is made of Morado (also known as Pau Ferro) – a tonewood preferably used by Roger for over 35 years because it sounds warmer than Maple but tighter than Rosewood.
To make the best of these two basic "characters", the hum-cancelling Sadowsky M/J pickups are run by active electronics that are designed for maximum versatility, thanks to features such as a push-pull pot for the Vintage Tone Control, or a stacked double pot for bass and treble boosts. Also, the newly developed Sadowsky humbucker can optionally be switched to serial, parallel, or single coil mode so that snappy bridge sounds as in J-style basses are possible.
Further highlights of the standard equipment are the comfortable-to-play sleek undersized body with deep cutaways – or the Just-A-Nut III saddle, which can be adjusted to personal preferences again and again. Not at all a standard is the fact that all M/J models can optionally be ordered as left-hand or fretless version.
MetroLine, MasterBuilt, or Custom Shop
For different tastes, the MetroLine gives a choice of 14 different body finishes, which already include diverse options: Be it solid or transparent, burst or metallic, satin or high polish. Even more variety can be had with the MasterBuilt models. In this higher quality class, the instrument bodies are chambered for even lighter weight. Also, the necks and fingerboards are thermally treated in order to recreate the positive effects of years of aging and mellowing. To satisfy any other customer wishes, as for example high-grade tonewood tops, the Custom Shop offers nearly infinite possibilities.
All Sadowsky MetroLine, MasterBuilt, and Custom Shop M/J basses are climate-neutrally manufactured by Warwick in Germany.
