Roger Sadowsky, a noted East Coast repairman and luthier, has been providing quality customizing and repairs in his shop since 1979. Sadowsky originally apprenticed with Master Luthier Augustino LoPrinzi in New Jersey between 1972 to 1974. He then spent five years as the head of the service department for Medley Music Corporation located outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Upon opening his own shop, Sadowsky initially concentrated on proper instrument set-ups and repair for studio musicians and touring personnel. This background of repair work on top- notch personal instruments became the basis for Sadowsky's later designs.
Sadowsky's instruments are based on time-tested Fender designs, with a primary difference being the attention paid to the choice of woods. The better a guitar sounds acoustically translates into a better sound when used electronically. The nature of custom work versus production line assembly ensures that a player will get the features specified, and Sadowsky has also introduced his own custom active preamps and circuitry. Current staff members include Norio Imai and Ken Fallon.
Sadowsky builds an outboard version of his bass preamp for players unable (or unwilling, in the case of a vintage instrument) to have a preamp installed in their instruments. This preamp simply consists of a volume, bass, and treble knobs, but the simplicity of the controls belies the sophisticated nature of the circuitry. For more information, contact Sadowsky directly, or visit their website.
Instruments currently produced in Brooklyn, NY since 1979. Distributed by Sadowsky Guitars Ltd. in Brooklyn, NY.