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possibly going to snagging a Sadowsky this year and I was wondering if the NYC basses have graphite rods in the neck for support? I thought I heard somewhere that the NYC basses do and Metro basses do not. Thanks!
and I really wish the Metro PJ5 was on a P body. =)
and I really wish the Metro PJ5 was on a P body. =)
This is correct. Quite frankly, the Metro necks and NYC necks feel equally stiff, and both have the 'typical' minor dead spots, in general, that one would expect from a 34" scale instrument. I play the NYC models for a variety of reasons, but graphite reinforcement in the neck was not a key driver for me.
would you mind elaborating on why you go with NYC over the metro? I'm just curious as all I've had the chance to play is the Metro line (which is top notch), but the NYCs have the options I want. (ie color & body style). I saw the metro line is now coming with the VTC installed. So then what makes the difference? I've looked on the Sadowsky website, but haven't been able to totally figure it out. You can PM me if you don't want to go into it here.
- Aug 25, 2000
- 1,836
- 28
- 66
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Sadowsky Guitars
Zach,
The shortest answer is, if you can only afford a Metro, buy a Metro. If $3500-4500+ as opposed to the $2000-2800 cost of a Metro is not an issue, and you want a truly custom order...fancy top, black hardware, birsdeye maple board, exotic finish, etc, etc...than by all means order an NYC.
The preamps are exactly the same. The humbucking pickups in the J's and the Moderns are exactly the same as in the comparable NYC's, it's just that there are pickup options in the NYC shop that are not available standard on a Metro, for example single coils, Nordstrand Big Singles, etc.
The biggest noticeable difference between any Metro and NYC is the weight. The NYC bodies are chambered for weight reduction, and tend to be on average 1 pound lighter than a comparable Metro.
Now I'll offer my opinion on the difference in workmanship between the Metros and NYCs. Roger himself will tell you that the only "issue" he has ever had to address with a Metro is an occasional neck adjustment. The work they do is outstanding. Yoshi (the shop leader) and the other builders in Japan are excellent, and keep in mind Yoshi spent two years working directly for Roger in Brooklyn. But...and with no disrespect to the excellent crew in Japan...the builders in Brooklyn are a cut above. And here's why...Roger himself is there. Every day. He oversees everything, has trained everyone, and each and every bass or guitar has to pass by the man himself. You cannot underestimate the value in that. Each and every builder employed by Roger is the very best of the best. That's just the way it is.
IMO you can just feel the difference right away. Hear the difference? Nope. As always, IMO, YMMV, yada yada yada.
Joeykun
pronounced ジョーイくん
- Jun 22, 2007
- 4,200
- 16,150
- Disclosures
- Endorsing: LAKLAND SADOWSKY GENZLER DARKGLASS NORDSTRAND TEMPLEBOARD KIRLIN DRSTRINGS ACCESS
Just my two cents: I would save and go NYC. IMO the chambering on the NYCs is just SICK. There's no comparison! It really opens up the entire bass. If cost is an issue just get a very 'Plain Jane' NYC.
agreed,
my chambered ash body NYC always seemed to be a bit more "alive" than my old regular ash bodied metro.
Andy Brown
Commercial User
- Jul 23, 2004
- 5,675
- 312
- Disclosures
- Founder/Owner: Wing Instruments
There are varying opinions regarding solid vs. chambered. It is really a personal choice. I love my chambered NYC 24F5... especially at 7.5 lbs.
LOL
Good move... we don't wanna' start that up again...
haha...sorry. not trying to stir the pot here. there is no question in my mind that the Metros are amazing basses. but I'm seeing that I can only get the options I want in the NYC version. Budget wise not all that concerned at the moment. weights not too much of an issue either. My current Lakland is weighing in at 11 lbs.
really wanting to get a PJ5 on alder P body. Rosewood board. Coral Salmon Pink w/ Tort guard. so, the price I got quoted from Sadowsky isn't actually all that terribly much more than a PJ5 Metro I saw in a shop down here the other day.
Sounds to me like you have a great solution already worked out then!
Yeah, I know on the NYC/Metro thing. Just that it's touchy no matter how cool the post/poster is a lot of times. The Metro owners don't like to see something that might appear to suggest their stuff is sub-par, and the NYC owners don't like to see anything that might appear to accuse them of being foolish with their money.
Sounds to me like you have a great solution already worked out then!
Yeah, I know on the NYC/Metro thing. Just that it's touchy no matter how cool the post/poster is a lot of times. The Metro owners don't like to see something that might appear to suggest their stuff is sub-par, and the NYC owners don't like to see anything that might appear to accuse them of being foolish with their money.
there was NOTHING subpar about my candy apple red metro. the only thing subpar was probably my playing. haha...
Shut up, you lousy Metro "slummer"!
Dang tho, that Metro PJ5 at NAMM was truly a great bass... I can definitely see one of those in my future... oh no... just when I thought the Sadowsky GAS waters were safe again...
Then again, maybe I should just wait for the block inlay necks and get an NYC!
