SB 4000 vS Sadowsky Metro.

klangur · #1 11-14-2011, 11:54 AM

Hi everyone.

I would like to know that is SB 4000 and Sadowsky Metro
same quality, that is Sound, Playability, Build quality ?

Let my know those fo you who own or have played both
basses.

mcglyph · #2 11-14-2011, 12:33 PM

Unfortunately, while I'm the proud owner of a SB5000 (close cousin to the SB4000), my experience with Sadowsky, Metro or otherwise, is limited to what I've read on this awesome forum. Hey TB, let's hear from some with real experience in this area.

smeet · #3 11-14-2011, 12:53 PM

I used to own an nyc Sadowsky vintage 5. Now I own an SB5000. I prefer the SB.

Sadowskys are great instruments, and in general they are lighter and might play a bit better than the SBs. The attention to detail and quality control is better also (although I am INCREDIBLY happy with the construction of my SB5000, some people have had problems). But the sound from the SB is not worse, and for some peoples' taste it's actually better. My SB has a sound that's a little closer to a classic 70's Fender with a modern preamp, while a Sadowsky is kind of it's own thing, smoother, higher fi, less muscular on the low end, more aggressive on the high end, than a Fender.

Try both. For the money, the Carvin is a clear winner. They are in the same ballpark sonically. But they are different, it depends on what you like. As far as quality control, check your out instrument thoroughly when you get it home, and Carvin has a good return policy (as I'm sure Sadowsky does also).

Dr. Cheese · #4 11-14-2011, 08:14 PM

I have yet to play a SB5000, but a fellow TB'er kind enough to let me borrow his Metro for a weekend. At the time I had a 2008 Fender Jazz V Standard that I loved and still wish I had. The Metro is a wonderful bass, and it is perfect for nailing the active Jazz tone like Marcus Miller. That said, when I ran my Fender through a Sadowsky preamp, it got that same sound, and I love the way that bass played. If all goes well in the next year, I could see me buying an SB5000. I am sure that the fit and finish will be very close to a Sadowsky, especially when one considers that even totally tricked out, an SB5000 is less than half the price of a Sadowsky.

The bottom line is that a Sadowsky is a great bass, but it is just a great bass. There are lots of viable alternatives.

Bjazzman · #5 11-14-2011, 08:24 PM

iirc the metro has the 60's pickup spacing while the sb has the 70's. i think a better comparison would be the sadowsky uv70 which has the 70's spacing. i have an sb5000 and it's a great bass. That being said i've played some sadowsky's and i really want one. just different enough to justify both imo

Bass Viking · #6 11-15-2011, 05:18 PM

I know they're not exactly what you're looking at but I own an SB5000 and a Metro M5-24. As far as build quality the SB5000 holds its own alongside the Sadowsky, very well made at less than half the cost. I've ordered 4 basses from Carvin and all have been of high build quality, no complaint there. For playability, the edge goes to the Sadowsky but both have nice, comfortable, WIDE, necks with low action. The Carvin saddles were bottomed out, so I shimmed the neck and was able to go lower. The Sadowsky wins for sound, but I can't really do a direct comparison since the pickup configuration is different for the two. The Sadowsky rules in a mix but the Carvin also does very well and cuts through nicely.

bassclef04 · #7 11-15-2011, 05:50 PM

I totally agree, Sadowsky rules in a mix that is where they really shine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass Viking

I know they're not exactly what you're looking at but I own an SB5000 and a Metro M5-24. As far as build quality the SB5000 holds its own alongside the Sadowsky, very well made at less than half the cost. I've ordered 4 basses from Carvin and all have been of high build quality, no complaint there. For playability, the edge goes to the Sadowsky but both have nice, comfortable, WIDE, necks with low action. The Carvin saddles were bottomed out, so I shimmed the neck and was able to go lower. The Sadowsky wins for sound, but I can't really do a direct comparison since the pickup configuration is different for the two. The Sadowsky rules in a mix but the Carvin also does very well and cuts through nicely.

smeet · #8 11-16-2011, 09:24 AM

I agree with Dr. Cheese, the Sadowsky is a great bass but it's just a bass. The SB5000 (and I assume the SB4000) is also a great bass, and much less expensive. When I sold my Sadowsky (nyc) I got an SB5000, a MIA P5, and a Peavey Cirrus 5 for the same money. The Sadowsky is great and kills in the mix. But now I have 3 basses that are great and also kill in the mix.

Don't fall for the hype (for any bass). Try both and see what you think. Maybe you won't like either one. In the same vein as the Sadowsky, you could try a Lull or a Valenti.

bikeplate · #9 11-16-2011, 12:19 PM

HI

Sadowsky. I own two metros at the moment and have had a number of others. Ive had two of the other brand you mentioned and returned them both because neither would stay in tune. Strange but true. You get what you pay for. Its not always whats cheaper, its what does the job now in for many years to come

Rob

**WoodyG3** · #10 11-16-2011, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikeplate

HI

Sadowsky. I own two metros at the moment and have had a number of others. Ive had two of the other brand you mentioned and returned them both because neither would stay in tune. Strange but true. You get what you pay for. Its not always whats cheaper, its what does the job now in for many years to come

Rob

You've had two Carvins that didn't stay in tune???

Really???

I mean, I guess it's possible, but I've never heard that about any Carvin before.

Anyway, OP, I've never owned a Sadowsky, so I can't compare them fairly. I know I love my SB4000, but either is going to be a great bass, and I honestly think it all comes down to personal preferences. Both are offered with a variety of pickup and preamp options, which could also be a key factor in your decision.

smeet · #11 11-16-2011, 03:08 PM

I wasn't going to answer, but the comment about "other brand" basses not staying in tune seems ridiculous to me. I can't say it's not true for you, maybe you got a couple of lemons.

But... I owned a nice nyc Sadowsky, and as I said, my Carvin stands up well in every way (including staying in tune), except that it is a pound heavier and doesn't take quite as low a setup. Once I get a good fret job or plek it, I'm sure it will play as well also.

Dr. Cheese · #12 11-16-2011, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikeplate

HI

Sadowsky. I own two metros at the moment and have had a number of others. Ive had two of the other brand you mentioned and returned them both because neither would stay in tune. Strange but true. You get what you pay for. Its not always whats cheaper, its what does the job now in for many years to come

Rob

I like the odds of ordering a Carvin and getting a bass that can stay in tune.

Bikeplate, you've been a Sadowsky man as long as I have known of you, and I am glad that they make you so happy.

bikeplate · #13 11-16-2011, 03:43 PM

HI

Yep, been a Sadowsky man for a while.

Ive also owned about 90 basses overall in my life and dont comment unless ive owned basses people ask opinions about. I bought a nice used 6 string a few years back. Wouldnt stay in tune, I think the neck was the issue. Also, bought a new 5 string at the factory store in Santa Ana a while back. Gigged it 3 or 4 times. Wouldnt stay in tune and the neck wouldnt stay straight. I guess I got 2 bad ones. No worries. Just giving my opinion to the OP. Both played ok. Liked the 5 string enough to buy it brand new off the wall.

Rob