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Basically a budget line for the Pacific market. Loved the basses he built for Roger out of the Japanese factory though. They were no joke and I have no plans in parting with mine. Has a darker overtone versus my NYCs.
I’m with you on that , my 06 Metro is a keeper , it’s a different beast than my NYC VW5 satin , not better just different
I must be in the minority, but I’ve had real success with my Chinese verdine. I did put a d-tuner on it, a Hipshot string tree, and A VTC. But I’ve found it plays fantastically, and the okoume body wood is also used in the more expensive MEG models. I also have a Sadowsky outboard pre pedal for my passive basses (no DI) and when I A/B it vs the on board pre in my verdine, it sounds/works identically. Although, I would have paid more if the bridge on my ME verdine was identical to the higher end units. The bridge is nominally lighter. I also find the single coils on the ME more than satisfactory, but would have also paid the up charge for the newer soft touch noise cancelling models. I think a Chinese line with the US electronics/hardware would be the sweet spot for the lower end market.
I recently got a CORT Elrick NJS4. It has the Elrick US electronics/hardware, and it’s absolutely fantastic. Made in Indonesia. The list new is $1399. I think an ME along those lines would be a total home run. My thinking is Warwick would anticipate something like that would eat into their $3000 and up MIG market share. So they created a bigger gap between the German units and the Chinese models by offering a sub $1000 series, and hoping the shortcomings would prompt folks to buy the MIG models.
My wish list would be a ME Will Lee 4 , at $1299. Anybody listening?
I recently got a CORT Elrick NJS4. It has the Elrick US electronics/hardware, and it’s absolutely fantastic. Made in Indonesia. The list new is $1399. I think an ME along those lines would be a total home run. My thinking is Warwick would anticipate something like that would eat into their $3000 and up MIG market share. So they created a bigger gap between the German units and the Chinese models by offering a sub $1000 series, and hoping the shortcomings would prompt folks to buy the MIG models.
My wish list would be a ME Will Lee 4 , at $1299. Anybody listening?
I am interested in putting together a parts 5 string precision since the Sadowsky metroexpress hybrid p/j jazz body shape doesn't fit me. Jazz basses are not a great body shape for me. ( I am short)
Can someone measure the width of their jazz bass bridge 5 string body route? I want get the pickups and the vtc preamp for it.
Also, if anyone has the neck pocket route of a metroexpress 5-string, I would do a transplant.
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Unfortunately getting a p shaped Sadowsky is not in the cards money wise at this time.
Can someone measure the width of their jazz bass bridge 5 string body route? I want get the pickups and the vtc preamp for it.
Also, if anyone has the neck pocket route of a metroexpress 5-string, I would do a transplant.
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Unfortunately getting a p shaped Sadowsky is not in the cards money wise at this time.
My NYC J4 is getting tantalizingly close. Glamour shots received today, NY skyline currently being created. Should receive in July. #stoked
He's got two new brands.
The first is Three Dots. No surprises, they make Fender style instruments with Sadowksy style bodies. Build quality and price is around what Japanese Metros were (200,000 yen). The one surprise is that these instruments are all passive. Excellent instruments nonetheless and are extremely popular in Japan. Until this year they had extremely ugly headstocks, but they've now been revised as per the below:
His second brand will be under his own Kikuchi name. These will be released to the public later this year and will be more like the TYO operation with a dedicated custom shop. These basses will have a custom 2 band boost only preamp designed in conjunction with EMG. 22 frets, undersided body (similar to a Will Lee), genuine Hipshot hardware, and basically the same DiMarzio humcancelling pickups he used to use in his Sadowskys. I think they're chambered by default but can't remember. I have played a prototype and it was PERFECT for me. You will not find a neck that can take lower action. Pricing is TBD but will probably be between 400,000 - 500,000 yen. In other words, around the same price as German MetroLine but much better value (given they're really competing with Custom Shop which, for me, replaced TYO). Here's a couple of videos of the prototypes: and
If you are not satisfied with the current Warwick offerings and prefer the older Japanese Sadowksys, then I suggest you check out Kikuchi-sans current offerings.
I'd also look into Atelier Z's JS-4 models which can be custom ordered for around 300,000 yen. These are essentially 80s/90s style Sadowskys with Bartolini preamps. Kikuchi-san of course founded Atelier Z before studying with Roger and is no longer involved with the company. They are known for being on the heavier side (they currently target 4.3kg to 4.5kg), but they'll build you a light chambered one if you ask nicely (around 3.9kg to 4.0kg typically). These represent exceptional value for a custom instrument. And yes, the build quality is on par with a Japanese Sadowsky TYO:
Three Dots are most certainly not a budget line. They are simply more affordable but still built in Japan to the same standard as the Metrolines were. Necks and fretwork is impeccable, but lacking active electronics. He has not lowered his standards or build quality in any way I can assure you.
I ordered Jan 22, so it's going to be ~18mo by delivery.
Sweet. I ordered the NYC skyline as well, haven't seen any progress pics or anything yet...
I'm about the same, got my specs confirmed on 1/23/22...
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I have been so impressed by the two mij metrolines that I have owned that this news of Yoshi's new line has me seriously tempted. The action and finish of those two basses (still have the WL4) remains the finest I have experienced in over 50 years of playing, including many seriously more expensive basses. Either that or I might be searching for another mij shortly, looking for a Sadowsky precision but not sure whether they produced them in Japan.....or a Verdine White....mmmmm
Thank you both - I ordered July 2022, so that could mean I have anywhere from 2 to 8 months left … no fancy inlays for me, but fingers crossed it’s sooner than later!Sweet. I ordered the NYC skyline as well, haven't seen any progress pics or anything yet...
I'm about the same, got my specs confirmed on 1/23/22...
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
I love my chinese ME. I've done some work on it though. Apart from the new pickguard I made, I have installed Hipshot USA Ultralite tuners and rolled the edge of the fingerboard, plus rounded the fret ends. When I checked the fret level I only found one very slightly low fret so a quick level and fret dress made it near perfect. I also put a 20 thou drop down from the 16th fret up. I tried a pair of DiMarzio Ultrajazz pickups in it, but went back to the stock single coils for their clarity and punch. I purchased this first run bass in immaculate condition but second hand for a price that still does not match the cost of a new one, even with the cost of the Hipshots, so I'm very happy. Tossing up on whether a VTC upgrade will be worthwhile.
