Chinese vs. German Sadowsky Modern

[scubaduba]

Sadowsky basses in general just the

 

[Yahboy]

I know sounding alike has nothing to do with feel or build quality, but they sound nearly identical.

German one sound slightly crunchy and airly ......

 

[Bass Viking]

The chunky neck dimensions likely have more to do with the quality of the wood used for the SMX basses than the factories inability to match the Metroline/Masterbuilt profiles. “Roasting” and adding thickness increases stiffness and reliability without having to use premium materials. Just another way to keep the manufacturing costs down.

I guess I’m lucky, the neck on my 4 string MX fits my hand very nicely. It fills my grip just right. It’s also been stable in the year I’ve owned it.

 

[Bass Viking]

To be completely honest I haven’t done a direct comparison between the ML and MX versions of the same bass model, but generally speaking:

• MX seem to be a really good deal for the value and easy to upgrade to get in the same ballpark as a ML but ONLY if you like what the MX brings to the table initially. While I don’t think the roasted necks are bad per se I’ve found that I don’t like their sound as much compared to non-roasted necks. Also think the MX necks tend to be slightly bigger than the ML line, though I can’t say with certainty why that is.

• ML hardware and electronics are definitely better quality than the MX, but that should be the case with the price difference taken into account. An easy fix if that’s an issue, just an expense to keep in mind.

• Maybe a dumb complaint but I really dislike how light and almost washed-out the morado fretboards on the current MX line appear to be, and have even seen some maple fretboards in the current MX line that are glaringly brighter than the roasted necks they’re attached to. Perhaps it’s just a cosmetic thing but for me it’s a no-go.

• I’ve found more commonly the MX necks don’t feel quite as smooth or nice as the ML necks, particularly with the shoulders on the ML feeling way more rolled than the MX. Again, maybe this should be expected for the price point of each line.

I’m currently on the hunt for a 2022-2023 MetroExpress as they seemed to have the features I want in that generation (non-roasted necks, dark morado fretboards, proper Sadowsky logo, 1.75” nut width) but have definitely played some used MetroLines that would have gone home with me immediately if the specs were what I needed (no matter the price point).

Maybe it’s like buying a Honda versus a Lexus here in the States. You can definitely mod a Honda to your heart’s content to have the same comfort and performance as a stock Lexus, its just up to the driver if that time and aftermarket investment is really worth it.

I think my MX Modern falls into the category of worth the upgrade. I like it fine the way it is - it only weighs 8 lbs, sounds fantastic even without the VTC, and plays great. One area that could be improved is the fret ends. They are a bit high (but nicely rounded).

I compared the roasted neck of my MX to my Warmoth roasted necks. They feel the same, nice and smooth. Once my German Metroline gets here I’ll see how they stack up!

 

[BassicJazzy]

Just posting a pic of the truss rod adjustment "tool" that came with my new ME Hybrid. I just did a quarter turn adjustment to correct for increased tension of the Chrome flats I put on a couple days ago. I could feel the tool wanting to bend, so I just gripped it lower, close to the wheel. Managed to get the turn I needed. I agree it is too soft. Is this the best Warwick could do, for improvement?

Here it is.

 

[Kenny056]

Ive taken my MetroExpress Modern to every weekly jam since I got it back in November of last year. I just love it! Its super light compared to my other 2 MIC Sadowskys and i really dig the sound of that bridge pickup. Im sure the German and NYC models are outstanding, and one day I will own one!

Here's one of my favorite jams we did with it. I'm up at 1hr 52min

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Just posting a pic of the truss rod adjustment "tool" that came with my new ME Hybrid. I just did a quarter turn adjustment to correct for increased tension of the Chrome flats I put on a couple days ago. I could feel the tool wanting to bend, so I just gripped it lower, close to the wheel. Managed to get the turn I needed. I agree it is too soft. Is this the best Warwick could do, for improvement?

Here it is.

Just go to any department or hardware store and get a good set of hex wrenches or get individual wrenches at some place like Harbor Freight. Mine is 2.5mm.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Just posting a pic of the truss rod adjustment "tool" that came with my new ME Hybrid. I just did a quarter turn adjustment to correct for increased tension of the Chrome flats I put on a couple days ago. I could feel the tool wanting to bend, so I just gripped it lower, close to the wheel. Managed to get the turn I needed. I agree it is too soft. Is this the best Warwick could do, for improvement?

Here it is.

Go to a store and get a decent set of hex wrenches. They are not expensive.

 

[BassicJazzy]

Go to a store and get a decent set of hex wrenches. They are not expensive.

I have a full set of hex wrenches. As long as I can work with the tool they gave me, I'll use it. Since it's a smooth rod it won't score the inside of the spoke wheel as easily as the hex tool, with sharp edges. If I get to some point where I cannot move the wheel with the rod tool I'll use the hex.

There are some pics TBrs posted over a year ago showing pretty ragged looking holes on their spoke wheels. I think they went the screwdriver route? A few days ago, when I was concerned I couldn't get the tool all the way through the wheel due to bolt in middle, I considered using an ice pick.

I wonder if the tool EBMM supplies with their basses would work? If so, I think I'd like to get my hands on one.

Anyway, not planning on changing strings, possibly ever, so hopefully my wheel is good as set now? Now if these Chromes would just break in a little bit more, please? Hate feel of new Chromes, for first month or so.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I am really warming up to my slap tone on my modest Modern. I compared it to several basses today and I am happy. To top it off, I think the Modern finger tone is supreme. I can still see me buying a Metroline Modern 5 because why not have two?

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

I am really warming up to my slap tone on my modest Modern. I compared it to several basses today and I am happy. To top it off, I think the Modern finger tone is supreme. I can still see me buying a Metroline Modern 5 because why not have two?

I like what I’m hearing . Sometimes we just have to get to know the individual bass and what we can get out of it.

You just were probably more familiar with jazz bass vs the modern.

Does it sound like a jazz? Nope. Does it sound like a Ken Smith or a StingRay? Nope. But it sure has a nice slap tone to my ears.

 

[Bass Viking]

Here's a comparison of my Chinese Metro Express and my German Metroline. Both basses are in active mode, pickup blend centered, no treble or bass boosted, VTC is wide open on the German. I have to say, the Metro Express holds its own!

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Here's a comparison of my Chinese Metro Express and my German Metroline. Both basses are in active mode, pickup blend centered, no treble or bass boosted, VTC is wide open on the German. I have to say, the Metro Express holds its own!

I agree ….. but that
Metroline is like the MetroExpress on Steroids .

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Here's a comparison of my Chinese Metro Express and my German Metroline. Both basses are in active mode, pickup blend centered, no treble or bass boosted, VTC is wide open on the German. I have to say, the Metro Express holds its own!

Bass Viking, thanks for sharing that video here! You have given me a lot of food for thought. The one thing I know for certain is that Sadowsky’s are the most comfortable high end basses I have ever played. Everything about them fits me. I need to listen this video again through headphones. I can make a good argument for another Modern or a Jazz. I may even splurge and get that split pickup/soap bar bass that Sadowsky is running as a limited edition.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

The Metroline definitely has more brilliant tone. I don’t live that far from Sweetwater. Maybe I can go there and try them side by side in July.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I get a fatter tone out of the Modern than Bass Viking. I am reslly curious about how I would sound on a Metroline Modern 5.

 

[Bass Viking]

The Metroline definitely has more brilliant tone. I don’t live that far from Sweetwater. Maybe I can go there and try them side by side in July.

That would be ideal.

 

[Bass Viking]

I get a fatter tone out of the Modern than Bass Viking. I am reslly curious about how I would sound on a Metroline Modern 5.

Probably because you're going through an amp? Also, in my video I didn't boost the preamp on either bass.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

The Metroline definitely has more brilliant tone. I don’t live that far from Sweetwater. Maybe I can go there and try them side by side in July.

Great idea. It would be worth it I’m sure. Hopefully they will have one in stock . Check before you take the trip.

 

[InfraBass]

Those SMX basses are worth upgrading. This is my SMX Modern, sadowsky iltralightvtuners ( saves 287 grams on the headstock vs the stock tuners) metroline 19mm bridge, dunlop straplocks, jack output.
VTC on board here.
It is going to have the metroline pickups soon.
The difference in sound between the stock bridge or the brass upgraded one is huge! It’s a completely different bass…..
Next month this baby and her upgraded sister ( SMX JJ5) are going on a PLEK vacation
And I really love these necks a lot.