Club Sadowsky!!!

[KaseOfBass]

So, in perusing current MetroExpress offerings today with retailers that have photos of the actual instrument for sale - all of the 5 strings have 18mm bridges on them. I mean, ALL of them. Strictly speaking of the revised models with the actual Sadowsky headstock logo, not the previous RSD models. Wonder if that's intentional? Happens to work out for me should I want to grab one as a backup (or maybe that fretless to hang around) as I prefer 18mm spacing. I had also read over on MIG FB group where Jason from FretNation had done some measurements and the ME basses are coming in with slimmer 45.6mm-ish (1.79"-ish) nut width, rather than the standard 47.6mm (1.875") - also a win for me.

As an example regarding the 18mm string spacing, you can tell because of the width of the saddles on the bridge not extending to the edge of the bridge, as well as by the distance the B and G strings are away from the edge of the fretboard. Just found that interesting and thought I'd pass it along for whatever it may be worth.

 

[KaseOfBass]

Where should Sadowsky players go for chrome plate replacements?

View attachment 5192453

I know when I was toying with some quad coil Bart pickups and using a toggle to switch between all coils, regular P, and reverse P for the neck pickup, I bought a standard Fender control plate so I wouldn't drill for the toggle in the Sadowsky plate - the Fender one fit just fine.

With that, you can also get them from Warwick, they're on the German website for purchase (Sadowsky Parts - Standard Control Plate). You could probably reach out to [email protected] to get it from them, too.

 

[scubaduba]

So, in perusing current MetroExpress offerings today with retailers that have photos of the actual instrument for sale - all of the 5 strings have 18mm bridges on them. I mean, ALL of them. Strictly speaking of the revised models with the actual Sadowsky headstock logo, not the previous RSD models. Wonder if that's intentional? Happens to work out for me should I want to grab one as a backup (or maybe that fretless to hang around) as I prefer 18mm spacing. I had also read over on MIG FB group where Jason from FretNation had done some measurements and the ME basses are coming in with slimmer 45.6mm-ish (1.79"-ish) nut width, rather than the standard 47.6mm (1.875") - also a win for me.

As an example regarding the 18mm string spacing, you can tell because of the width of the saddles on the bridge not extending to the edge of the bridge, as well as by the distance the B and G strings are away from the edge of the fretboard. Just found that interesting and thought I'd pass it along for whatever it may be worth.

View attachment 5192486

I find the 18mm spacing a positive too though the neck seems unnecessarily wide for 18mm spacing. I want to play one to see how it feels. Does look a bit strange to see so much gap between the B and G strings and the end of the fretboard.

Definitely check out Jason’s findings on neck width on the Sadowsky Metro Basses Facebook Group.

 

[Nebadon2000]

So, in perusing current MetroExpress offerings today with retailers that have photos of the actual instrument for sale - all of the 5 strings have 18mm bridges on them. I mean, ALL of them. Strictly speaking of the revised models with the actual Sadowsky headstock logo, not the previous RSD models. Wonder if that's intentional? Happens to work out for me should I want to grab one as a backup (or maybe that fretless to hang around) as I prefer 18mm spacing. I had also read over on MIG FB group where Jason from FretNation had done some measurements and the ME basses are coming in with slimmer 45.6mm-ish (1.79"-ish) nut width, rather than the standard 47.6mm (1.875") - also a win for me.

As an example regarding the 18mm string spacing, you can tell because of the width of the saddles on the bridge not extending to the edge of the bridge, as well as by the distance the B and G strings are away from the edge of the fretboard. Just found that interesting and thought I'd pass it along for whatever it may be worth.

View attachment 5192486

The Pickups seem to be expecting 19mm based on how strings run over B & G on both

 

[kevinpmajka]

I'm glad it is a good fit for you - I was specifically looking at these models over the similar Sire basses because of the 19 mm 5-string spacing. I appreciate you sharing this.

So, in perusing current MetroExpress offerings today with retailers that have photos of the actual instrument for sale - all of the 5 strings have 18mm bridges on them. I mean, ALL of them. Strictly speaking of the revised models with the actual Sadowsky headstock logo, not the previous RSD models. Wonder if that's intentional? Happens to work out for me should I want to grab one as a backup (or maybe that fretless to hang around) as I prefer 18mm spacing. I had also read over on MIG FB group where Jason from FretNation had done some measurements and the ME basses are coming in with slimmer 45.6mm-ish (1.79"-ish) nut width, rather than the standard 47.6mm (1.875") - also a win for me.
View attachment 5192486

 

[KaseOfBass]

I find the 18mm spacing a positive too though the neck seems unnecessarily wide for 18mm spacing. I want to play one to see how it feels. Does look a bit strange to see so much gap between the B and G strings and the end of the fretboard.

Definitely check out Jason’s findings on neck width on the Sadowsky Metro Basses Facebook Group.

Yeah, it is a bit wide for 18mm spacing when built for 19mm. Doesn't bother me on my Will Lee 5 as at least the nut width there is slimmer. One of the reasons I dig the MJ5 bass since it's built around 18mm.

I'm glad it is a good fit for you - I was specifically looking at these models over the similar Sire basses because of the 19 mm 5-string spacing. I appreciate you sharing this.

It’s an easy enough switch to the 19mm bridge, but I get not wanting to buy a bass to immediately mod it, too.

I’m betting this might be an oversight, though. So, I’d think stock with a 19mm bridge is not far off in the future.

 

[Ivanofbass]

That’s my German Will Lee above. I had Planet Pickguard make a black replacement for the original tort. I suspect the issues people see above are with the pickguard template.

We're you getting a vibration noise from yours?

 

[marchone]

We're you getting a vibration noise from yours?

No. I just didn’t care for the tort on a black bass.

 

[Ivanofbass]

Thanks for this! I will see what's going on under mine.

Update. Got this reply from Warwick concerning spoke wheel for any that are interested



I checked with our production team in Germany.



This is not an issue. You can turn the truss rod wheel as you would need

to adjust the neck. Any unwanted vibration or buzz is not expected.

If you are a handy person and do feel ok with tools, you could loosen the

pickguard screws and try to back it of just a tiny bit, to gain a little additional space there.





Laurie Abshire

CEO

W-Music Distribution USA

629-202-6785

https://www.wmusicdistributionusa.com/

 

[Ivanofbass]

Update. Got this reply from Warwick concerning spoke wheel for any that are interested



I checked with our production team in Germany.



This is not an issue. You can turn the truss rod wheel as you would need

to adjust the neck. Any unwanted vibration or buzz is not expected.

If you are a handy person and do feel ok with tools, you could loosen the

pickguard screws and try to back it of just a tiny bit, to gain a little additional space there.





Laurie Abshire

CEO

W-Music Distribution USA

629-202-6785

https://www.wmusicdistributionusa.com/

Update. Got this reply from Warwick concerning spoke wheel for any that are interested



I checked with our production team in Germany.



This is not an issue. You can turn the truss rod wheel as you would need

to adjust the neck. Any unwanted vibration or buzz is not expected.

If you are a handy person and do feel ok with tools, you could loosen the

pickguard screws and try to back it of just a tiny bit, to gain a little additional space there.





Laurie Abshire

CEO

W-Music Distribution USA

629-202-6785

https://www.wmusicdistributionusa.com/

Pulled pickguard and found this. Looks like it's been raw doggin on the wheel. Part of the tort was delaminating. Shaved it down with a utility blade

 

[Ivanofbass]

Are you using the security locks that came with the bass? Those thingies can rattle quite a bit.
Another note: I got a vibrating noise on my WIll Lee and I believe it comes from the springs that are installed with the pickups. Haven't found a cure for that noise yet. It is only audible when playing unplugged, so no real worries.

I know
Could I ask how you figured out the pickup spring noise?

 

[rowsi]

I know
Could I ask how you figured out the pickup spring noise?

I sat down one day and played unplugged. Plucking the D string gave a vibrating noise somewhere from the body. I pretty much just kept plucking with one hand and pushed down on things that might be rattling. Pushing one of the pickups killed the noise, therefore I'm thinking that the springs underneath are the culprit. It is not much of an issue though, as I only hear it when playing unplugged in a quiet room.

 

[MattLplaysBass]

Are Sadowsky strings still made by LaBella?

 

[Bassdudeman]

I think Roger said he changed string companies.
I don't know who manufactures his strings now.
From what I understand there is only 3 string manufacturers in the USA.
GHS, LaBella and D'Addario...correct me if I am wrong.

 

[Holdsg]

Add EBMM. Dunlop?

 

[Joebone]

DR!

https://www.drstrings.com/pureblues...are proudly made,ends, to the final packaging.

Yet another reason to dig these. I like their flats for a semi-traditional presentation, and Pure Blues are my main player.

 

[Chicken Wing]

My Metroline came with the strap lock system. Is this standard? Can it be swapped out? I am on the fence on if I like it or not. I am used to fender style strap buttons....

 

[StayLow]

My Metroline came with the strap lock system. Is this standard? Can it be swapped out? I am on the fence on if I like it or not. I am used to fender style strap buttons....

Easily swapped. First thing I do before even tuning a string on any bass that comes with those.

Just be sure to properly fill the hole and if possible use a wider screw.

 

[ogiebb]

Ive had a Will Lee and a JB Satin before and they were great basses. Ive never owned a Modern i was always fascinated with them (24 frets and soapbars) but i dont have the scratch for an NYC and cant find a Satin. Was hesitant a bit on the Metroline, still i pulled the trigger on a brand new Metroline. Wow im very impressed i was able to do a nice low set up. Almost 1.25mm on G string and 1.75mm on E. and the weight was lighter than my other Sadowsky's back then just about 7.4lbs.

 

[Chris Chong]

My Metroline came with the strap lock system. Is this standard? Can it be swapped out? I am on the fence on if I like it or not. I am used to fender style strap buttons....

Replaced mine with Dunlop. Not sure why, but the sad s-locks kept turning sideways then upside down.