Club Sadowsky!!!

[tombowlus]

(This is probably more apt in this thread)

But now the question is, did you get the car to match the bass, or the bass to match the car?

LOL, I had the car first, but it did somewhat influence my request for Candy Apple Orange!

 

[marchone]

My $0.019 on the neck dive thing with Roger’s chambered body instruments:

It is true that the chambering to create the ultra light instruments, which Roger has developed, also changes the instrument balance on the strap. The “neck dive” associated with this design aspect is a consequence of the design; but, it is much less significant than some other higher end instrument designs. My Alembic Series I SSB comes to mind.

Since the chambered instruments tend to be very light, mine is less than 8 pounds, the slight imbalance is easily negated by using a strap that is just slightly “grabby” on underside. For example, I have a Levy’s strap with a suede finish which locks my NYC into playing position. The bass is so light that the moment of inertia created by the balance aspect puts negligible torque on my shirt or shoulder. So, the imbalance is simply not an issue.

That is what Roger is referring to when he recommends getting a decent strap. And, if you think about it, spending an extra $75 on a decent strap for a $4k+ instrument isn’t all that out of line. I suppose the problem might be that a lot of straps have a smooth tanned underside; and those straps can allow the instrument to rotate if you are standing at the mic clapping on an intro etc. Like that ever happens (guilty here).

Anyhow, as usual, Roger’s advice on the topic is consistent with my experience. Get a decent “grabby” strap. Issue solved.

Yes, grabby.

 

[Aledal]

Apologies in advance if this has been covered already, I did a search to find a more appropriate thread but couldn't find what I was hoping for.

Does anyone know what size tuning pegs a Japanese Metroline PJ would take? I know I can take one out and measure, but if anyone could save me the 20 minutes and the voice in the back of my head questioning if I've measured correctly, then I would most appreciate it!!

I've been playing this one for a couple of years and it's turned into my go-to for just about everything live but I have hipshot ultralites on other basses and (this may be psychosomatic as I'm not gigging them as hard) feel they stay in tune a little better than the big, vintage style P Bass ones on the Metroline. I don't have any neck-dive issues (big grabby strap) and will never sell this bass for a few more sentimental reasons but would like to get ultralites on there.

 

[Mark Ambler]

Apologies in advance if this has been covered already, I did a search to find a more appropriate thread but couldn't find what I was hoping for.

Does anyone know what size tuning pegs a Japanese Metroline PJ would take? I know I can take one out and measure, but if anyone could save me the 20 minutes and the voice in the back of my head questioning if I've measured correctly, then I would most appreciate it!!

I've been playing this one for a couple of years and it's turned into my go-to for just about everything live but I have hipshot ultralites on other basses and (this may be psychosomatic as I'm not gigging them as hard) feel they stay in tune a little better than the big, vintage style P Bass ones on the Metroline. I don't have any neck-dive issues (big grabby strap) and will never sell this bass for a few more sentimental reasons but would like to get ultralites on there.

Sadowsky link for hipshots. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] (Scroll down).

AFAIK, Sadowsky hipshot copies (German Metroline and Chinese Metro express) aren't available

 

[Aledal]

Sadowsky link for hipshots. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] (Scroll down).

Thanks Mark! Had looked at this and wanted to make sure that when changing the larger tuners to ultralites, the sizing (11/16) would be consistent even though its a different setup.

 

[Mark Ambler]

Thanks Mark! Had looked at this and wanted to make sure that when changing the larger tuners to ultralites, the sizing (11/16) would be consistent even though its a different setup.

I’d email Sadowsky with the model and serial number just to make sure.

 

[Mark Hughes]

Sadowsky link for hipshots. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] (Scroll down).
View attachment 5085591

AFAIK, Sadowsky hipshot copies (German Metroline and Chinese Metro express) aren't available

My 2009 Metro Japan UV70 5 string has

the narrow shaft tuners. Most importantly, the Metro Japan tuners were the Hipshot licensed version, not the USA made Hipshot tuners. I replaced them with the USA made Hipshot tuners last year when I had two tuners fail. Aside from the thickness of the tuner, I found I had to measure the tuner hole in the headstock very carefully too, to ensure I was ordering the correct sized replacements. I emailed Hipshot and they were very helpful.

 

[rowsi]

AFAIK, Sadowsky hipshot copies (German Metroline and Chinese Metro express) aren't available

But they are!

Sadowsky Parts Light Machine Heads - Chrome

 

[Mark Ambler]

But they are!

Sadowsky Parts Light Machine Heads - Chrome

So these are less than half the price of the USA Hipshot. I haven't had any problems with my Sadowsky licensed Hipshot on my Japanese basses, they definitely feel better than these Sadowsky ones.

 

[SzunaP]

My 2009 Metro Japan UV70 5 string has View attachment 5085858 View attachment 5085859 View attachment 5085860 the narrow shaft tuners. Most importantly, the Metro Japan tuners were the Hipshot licensed version, not the USA made Hipshot tuners. I replaced them with the USA made Hipshot tuners last year when I had two tuners fail. Aside from the thickness of the tuner, I found I had to measure the tuner hole in the headstock very carefully too, to ensure I was ordering the correct sized replacements. I emailed Hipshot and they were very helpful.

I have a problem connected with this case - maybe someone could help, I try to descibe it exactly, but my English is not too good... I link some photos.
My Metro M5-24 is a 2009 model, someday I got an issue with the D string tuner, then few months later with the A string tuner also. The nut fell off the screw thread while changing strings, and I couldn't put back and tightened them, because the screw is very short, and barely extends beyond the headstock's wood - so I had to skip the washer(?) ring to make some space for the nut to get on the screw. I don't know if I was clear.
I wonder how was it tightened, and the other ones why could be tightened with the ring on, unfortunately the nut worn out the finish/lacquer below it without the ring, it's a painful harm, but I had to fix it somehow, needed the bass urgently.
Anybody has experienced the same? Maybe these tuners are not fully compatible with this model/headstock, it's strange for me..

 

[vinylphile]

So these are less than half the price of the USA Hipshot. I haven't had any problems with my Sadowsky licensed Hipshot on my Japanese basses, they definitely feel better than these Sadowsky ones.

As far as I can see, these have NOTHING to do with Hipshot. They're copies. I took the tuners on my MIG and weighed them and they were close to 80g - so the Hipshots are a full 25g less per tuner - on a 5-string full-scale bass that makes a big difference in neck weight.

While they may work for lots of people and that's fine, they don't work for me. I replaced with Hipshot Ultralites and they're far superior IMO. I willingly admit that I'm fussy about neck dive and tuners

 

[scubaduba]

How much was a set of USA Hipshot Ultralites?

 

[ragetoca]

How much was a set of USA Hipshot Ultralites?

contact Jason at fretnation he gave me great pricing

 

[DavidJamesNHBass]

Jason is the real deal…fair, prompt, service-centric.

Hipshot: In the past I’ve done a ton of biz with Oscar and the gang, plan to continue to.
One thing I stumbled upon…Hipshot USA no longer has access to certain Gotoh style detuners - in the process of acquiring an Atelier Z Beta, I checked to see if Hipshot offers that style…nope. Atelier is out of Japan. Gotoh is out of Japan. My contact was able to secure a Japanese Hipshot detuner direct from their source.
Me not smart man but simple math leads me to think there is a Hipshot Japan?

 

[5StringPocket]

This is a pretty upbeat review of the 2023 Metro Express PJ5. The only thing I see missing is the VTC - never should have dropped that IMO.

 

[Marty Forrer]

I've got a VTC preamp winging its way from Bass Direct in Aussie for my 2020 Metro Express. I bought it used in absolutely mint condition for 1/2 new price. With the Hipshot USA Ultralites and the new preamp it still only comes to the new retail price here in New Zealand. I've also rounded off the fret ends, tapered the fret heights down from the 16th fret and rolled the fingerboard edges. Oh, and made the pickguard in my avatar. This is turning into a fantastic bass, one I will never sell.

 

[Vic]

I've got a VTC preamp winging its way from Bass Direct in Aussie for my 2020 Metro Express. I bought it used in absolutely mint condition for 1/2 new price. With the Hipshot USA Ultralites and the new preamp it still only comes to the new retail price here in New Zealand. I've also rounded off the fret ends, tapered the fret heights down from the 16th fret and rolled the fingerboard edges. Oh, and made the pickguard in my avatar. This is turning into a fantastic bass, one I will never sell.

WOW, I wish I had all those skills!

 

[Jerry J]

I have a problem connected with this case - maybe someone could help, I try to descibe it exactly, but my English is not too good... I link some photos.
My Metro M5-24 is a 2009 model, someday I got an issue with the D string tuner, then few months later with the A string tuner also. The nut fell off the screw thread while changing strings, and I couldn't put back and tightened them, because the screw is very short, and barely extends beyond the headstock's wood - so I had to skip the washer(?) ring to make some space for the nut to get on the screw. I don't know if I was clear.
I wonder how was it tightened, and the other ones why could be tightened with the ring on, unfortunately the nut worn out the finish/lacquer below it without the ring, it's a painful harm, but I had to fix it somehow, needed the bass urgently.
Anybody has experienced the same? Maybe these tuners are not fully compatible with this model/headstock, it's strange for me..

View attachment 5086497 View attachment 5086498 View attachment 5086499

Your English is perfectly fine.

I've not experienced that issue on any of the basses that I've had for years. But I've not ever experienced a tuner issue, fortunately. I'm thinking that the bit of finish that came off shouldn't be a big issue. But the possibility of the nut digging further into the wood is not good. The washer serves to spread the pressure over a bigger area and since, while tightening, it shouldn't spin once the nut contacts it (in a perfect world). I am surprised that the nut isn't catching a thread. These were the original tuners that came with your bass?

(Update: I just reread your post.) If that was the tuner that was originally on your bass then it should fit with the washer. A suggestion would be to loosen that mounting screws a bit then have a friend with very strong hands press the tuner body from the back while you try to restart the nut. Once you get the nut started you should re-tighten the mounting screws.

 

[Marty Forrer]

WOW, I wish I had all those skills!

It's part of my day gig, combined with being a diehard tinkerer! LOL!

 

[Nenor]

I have a problem connected with this case - maybe someone could help, I try to descibe it exactly, but my English is not too good... I link some photos.
My Metro M5-24 is a 2009 model, someday I got an issue with the D string tuner, then few months later with the A string tuner also. The nut fell off the screw thread while changing strings, and I couldn't put back and tightened them, because the screw is very short, and barely extends beyond the headstock's wood - so I had to skip the washer(?) ring to make some space for the nut to get on the screw. I don't know if I was clear.
I wonder how was it tightened, and the other ones why could be tightened with the ring on, unfortunately the nut worn out the finish/lacquer below it without the ring, it's a painful harm, but I had to fix it somehow, needed the bass urgently.
Anybody has experienced the same? Maybe these tuners are not fully compatible with this model/headstock, it's strange for me..

View attachment 5086497 View attachment 5086498 View attachment 5086499

As a first aid solution I would try to find thinner washers. I once had the same problem with Warwick tuners (on a Warwick bass) so I just bought new ones and that solved it.