Sadowsky
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| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Musical instruments |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Headquarters | Long Island City, New York |
Area served | Global |
Key people | Roger Sadowsky |
| Products | Electric guitars, bass guitars, preamps |
| Website | Sadowsky.com |
Sadowsky Guitars Limited is an American high-end guitar, bass guitar, and preamp manufacturer in Long Island City, New York.
History
The company was started in 1979 and took its name from its founder, Roger Sadowsky, who is known for "being one of the industry's master craftsmen".[1] As of 2011 the company has 10 employees involved in instrument manufacturing excluding Sadowsky himself. Sadowsky started out modifying vintage Fender basses, which were at that time inexpensive, to improve their sound by adding more noise reduction technology and replacing the passive electronics with an active preamp, which increases the bass's signal-to-noise ratio. Once the price of vintage bass guitars began to increase, Sadowsky started making new bass guitars, and then signature models.
Product lines and models
NYC range
The Sadowsky "NYC" line of instruments consists of four- and five-string bass guitars and six-string guitars. The bass guitars have a 34-inch scale length with no current models offered in longer or shorter scale lengths. All Sadowsky basses are available only with bolt-on necks. A weight-reducing chambered body is unique to the NYC range. The NYC series has a wide range of customisation options. The electronics of the NYC series are all hand wired.
NYC Satin series
The Satin range of NYC basses are made in the same workshop as the NYC basses, with a reduction in colour options with a satin finish. There are no customisation options available. Sadowsky introduced the Verdine White signature bass in the Satin line of instruments. This bass was built as a tribute to Verdine's late brother, Maurice White. Two instruments are being donated to the Verdine White Performing Arts Center with proceeds from sales of this model being donated in addition to the instruments. The electronics of the Satin range are pre-wired, and the tuners are Korean made.
NYC Deluxe Satin series
The Satin Deluxe range of NYC basses follow the same cost-saving principals as the regular Satin range, but with the addition of flame maple tops. The electronics of the Satin range are pre-wired, and the tuners are Korean made.
MetroLine basses
The Sadowsky Metro line are the basic models of Sadowsky NYC basses made by Sadowsky Tokyo and offers most of the same features, minus the custom options, of the NYC line at a more affordable price. These instruments are made by hand by Yoshi Kikuchi and his team.
Metro Express series
The Sadowsky Metro Express line of basses are factory-made instruments made in Japan. These models have a very limited colour choice.
Sadowsky, as of 2003, also offers a line of archtop guitars. There are currently five models available, the Jim Hall model, the Jimmy Bruno model, the semi-hollow model, the LS-17 (long scale/17" lower bout) and the SS-15 (short scale/15" lower bout).
Players and endorsers
The various archtop guitar models are played and endorsed by many professional guitarists.
- Jim Hall
- Jimmy Bruno
- Russell Malone
- John Abercrombie
- Leonardo Amuedo
- Devin Townsend
- Hugh McDonald (Bon Jovi)
Sadowsky bass models are used by high-profile musicians
- Willie Weeks: the "Sadowsky Vintage P/J 5-string" with the reversed P pickup is his personal model.[2]
- Walter Becker
- Will Lee
- Jason Newsted: he once placed a single order for nine Sadowsky bass guitars.
- Brian Marshall (Alter Bridge and Creed): used them exclusively since 2004.
- Tal Wilkenfeld: In 2007, Roger Sadowsky heard this Australian bass player on the instrument, and she accepted an offer made by him as the official endorser of Sadowsky bass guitars.[3]
- Marcus Miller[1]
- Darryl Jones[1]
- Andy Tarrant
- Futoshi Uehara
- Verdine White
- Adam Clayton
References
- ^ a b c Darcy, Joe (Aug 1, 2008). "Roger Sadowsky". Bass Musician. Retrieved March 15, 2012.
- ^ "Featured Artists Homepage". Official Website. Sadowsky Guitars. 2009. Archived from the original on September 24, 2009. Retrieved April 4, 2009.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "Featured Artists Homepage". Official Website. Sadowsky Guitars. 2009. Archived from the original on March 30, 2012. Retrieved April 4, 2009.
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External links
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- Guitar manufacturing companies of the United States
- Guitar amplifier manufacturers
- Electric bass guitars by manufacturer
- Music of New York City
- Manufacturing companies based in New York City
- Companies based in Queens, New York
- Design companies established in 1979
- Manufacturing companies established in 1979
- 1979 establishments in New York (state)
- Musical instrument company stubs