TheGhostofJaco

Hi all, I have a NYC 4 string Sadowsky PJ that is easily the best playing bass I have ever owned. The neck and the action on it are absolutely perfect. I'm looking for a Jazz and don't have the cash for another NYC so I'm checking out older 2010-2013 Japanese Metrolines like MS4 and MS5. Ran across a 5 string metro that weighs maybe 8 pounds and a 4 that weighs the same. So they are both plenty light which is great. My issue is that I am pretty torn on getting another 4 string or going 5. I played a Sadowsky 5 a long time ago and remember loving it but I can't remember how the neck played. Its a 19mm spacing I think, and I believe it is easy to slap cleanly on? I am going to use this bass for a lot of slap and fusion style playing. Going for that more modern clean sound. I can slap on my G&L L2500 and that has a narrower spacing. The narrow spacing is nice, but it almost feels like the strings are too close together. Anyway for you all who have played both, did you encounter any technical issues playing the 5 (upper register notes easy to grab, hand fatigue, issues slapping...etc)? I am pretty torn because a 4 is of course easier to play but when I think of that hi fi fusion sound, I feel like the low B is a big factor there and can really hold its own among electronic instruments as well. Would love to hear any pros and cons you all can think of. I read the metro versus NYC posts too and I feel like the Japanese Metrolines are a pretty good value. Just have to decide on the 5 v 4 thing.

I have a Sadowsky NYC model. It is very light (J Body), so similar to what you are looking at - just the high end version. I wanted something Roger made in his shop before he retires.

I won't sell mine, but I much prefer it to the Serek, which is nice too. When I bought the Wilcock the bass was pretty unknown (I think I posted about it here) and I got a good deal on a Mullarkey made for me. I found the build quality and tone superior to Serek, but the Serek I played felt more like a rocker's short scale bass and the Mullarkey screams R&B/Funk/Deep house/Jazz fusion. The best way to explain it, is that it is a deeper, richer P Bass. I just did a session yesterday and recorded both (both have flats btw). The P Bass has that classic woody sound we all know, but the interesting part is the closest I can get to it on the Mullarkey is the back pickup. That's how insanely deep the bass sounds. The back pickup is probably my favorite of all time for getting that clarity plus rich depth. The front pickup is just a monster so if you play Reggae/R&B style and want a giant huge thud - it is the king there. Its just a fantastic bass and I am really glad I got mine before they got more popular, as I imagine the wait times are pretty long now with more and more famous bassists using them. So yeah, if you like really deep sounds and notes that still have good definition and a nice sophistication to them - go Mullarkey. If you are more of a rocker who likes to turn up the grind a bit, I think the Serek makes more sense.

I have a Sadowsky P/j and it sounds glorious. No phasing with both pickups engaged. In fact that attack is pointier, more pronounced. Also like that the bridge pickup stands on it's own, volume and tonewise. Sadowsky explained how he did it, but I can't remember. I think the key is have an active bass that lets you put a little more bass into the back pickup. I have also owned some P/Js that didn't really have this magic and the back pickup was useless on it's own. With the Sadowsky I have a legit 3 tone bass, so I am very happy with it. Owned mine 4 years now.

I prefer the build of the wilcock as well.again, my preference and opinion based on a pretty long career as a bassist. Enjoy the serek, im not attacking your instrument.

Its my opinion and I said it. I picked the Wilcock for the reasons I stated. Pretty easy decision for me. To be clear Mullarkey V Midwestern in my case.

Yes and I much prefer the Wilcock. That’s saying a lot since serek’s are very cool. The Wilcock is just a better built bass with a fatter, warmer tone - IMO. I played the Mullarkey model. For Serek, I am very intrigued by his 5 string models. One of those may be in my future.

Probably one of the most impressive bass demos I have come across. Absolute crushing tone.

I thought he ordered them and then was curious about our opinions on others?

There is no best, but the Fender Pure Vintage ‘63 has to be right up there. It beat out the Geezer Butler for me by a little. Geezer is more focused on high mids, Pure Vintage gives you more low mids. Pick what you prefer.

Most Warwick have 36 frets? - is this a serious post or trolling?