Sadowsky Experts - please help with identification

[Jimtoonz]

This instrument is hanging in one of the local music stores:



While I am not knowledgeable about Sadowsky basses, this one looks highly modified to me. The S/N on the back is M184 in case that helps. Can anybody tell me what this might have been when it left the factory? At first glance I thought it was a "modern" 5, but I don't remember those as having pickups with exposed pole pieces. The hang tag made by the store calls it a MV-5.

There is one mini-toggle switch and (yes!)5 controls. The other two objects below it are wood screws that have been used to fill holes where it appears there used to be two more switches. The pickups don't look like anything I have ever seen on a Sadowsky, but, as I said, I am no expert. The bass had a really nice tone and action to it, but the B string left something to be desired. I think a good setup would be in order...maybe I am feeling a "gas attack" coming on...

[Musicfreak1988]

Hi,

First off, the serial number tells that it's a very early Metro bass. Metro serials begin with M100 and M100 to M440 were built in 2004.

It seems to have 21 frets, which makes it a MV-5 model, but that's where it stops.
This bass probably had 2 humcancelling (or maybe even single coil) pickups à la Jazz Bass in it when it was born.

The previous user probably drilled out the pickup cavities to fit those current pickups in it, which seem to be Nordstrand Fat Stacks, Big Singles or Big Splits.
You can rule Big Singles out as the switches he added are probably for some switching system of the pickups.

Early Metro basses didn't have VTC as a standard feature, so originally, this bass should have 4 knobs (vol / balance / treble / bass) like the two upper knobs. Those upper two seem to be original. Where the third knob would be, he added a switch, and the fourth knob is where the last knob is now (near the output jack). My guess is that he replaced the two band EQ with a three band and added some additional features like pickup switching.

So, this bass is definitely not original. I assume that the pickups were changed and therefore the body has been drilled out. The electronics aren't original as well.

I don't know the price, but if you feel that it's a nice instrument with your voice in it and if it feels nice, I'd say why not. Just know that resale value isn't going to be spectacular on this one.

You might always contact Sadowsky info@sadowsky.com. They are always happy to help.

[Fran Diaz]

+1 to what MF has said.

aftermarket pickups with a routed body and probably not original preamp, although it might still be the sweet Sadowsky preamp and the original owner wanted individual knobs instead of using a concentric knob for bass/treble.

If it plays well and you dig the tone, go for it.

[-Timothy-]

This is used to own by TBer....

Sadowsky MS5 Ash/Maple Big Singles Trade Feeler

[bassteban]

small world

[Jimtoonz]

Thanks everyone for the help.