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This. I think the lightest I’ve seen is 9 lbs 2 oz. Now the Metrolines are another story - mine was 7.9 lbs new and 7.78 lbs now after swapping some hardware.
Yes Metrolines are lighter; also will significantly lighten up your Wallet/Bank Account
I'd guess you're talking about the chinese Metroexpress. Not sure about the 5 strings, but the Japanese Metroexpress 4 strings were around 8.5lbs
Correct because the person I was responding to specifically referenced the 2023 Metroexpress which is made in China.
Absolutely, no diss intended Just like to talk up my excellent Japan Metroexpresses
Just like to talk up my excellent Japan MetroexpressesYou are right it's chinese one manufactured 2020, I suppose.
As to MetroLine there is a video from workshop in Germany. At 0:30 you can clearly see why it is so light.
My MetroExpress JJ 5 string fretless is a bit on the heavy side. Probably on the high side of 9 - 10 lbs.
Not a problem in my book though. The bass sounds great and is ergonomically fine strapped up.
Bones
Not a problem in my book though. The bass sounds great and is ergonomically fine strapped up.
Bones
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
+1 My upgraded Sadowsky MetroExpress JJ5/21 weighs in at 8.83lbs. Plays great and the neck is super fast!
I agree-looks absolutely killer with the all black hardware…. I want to do the same with my 2021 ME PJ5 FL
Okay— now is the time. I’ve started playing again after a 10-year layoff and I want to do so on a bass I can love.
I am a long time TB’er and have played many different basses — from SX cheapies, to some very nice brands/models but there is one bass that was the best one I ever played that I’d like to replicate.
in 2006, I had a burst/tort Sadowsky Metro RV4 with the VTC, humcancelling pups, the VTC and strung with DR Hi beams. That was probably the best sounding, best playing bass I ever owned. You’ve heard the phrase “the tone you hear in your head?” THAT bass is the tone I hear in my head. (I took it to a TB GTG and it blew EVERYONE away).
Since then, the Sadowsky landscape has changed. Now we got RSD’s, Will Lees, Metrolines, Metroexpresses, Warwick-dowskys, and I’m having trouble sorting it all out.
What I THINK I want is a Metroline (Japan) JJ with VTC and HC pickups. (I’d love a NYC but this is a hobby, not my profession — those are outside my budget.) I know the MetroExpresses are less expensive but if I’m reading right, they have SC pups and no VTC. They also appear to be heavier. My 62-year old back would prefer to be at/below 9 pounds.
For what it’s worth, I had an MV5 back in the day that I didn’t bond with as well … it was a little on the heavy side and the neck profile was a bit chunky for my tastes. At the point, I’m willing to accommodate the neck profile but I GOTTA have that tone.
Any recommendations and/or words of wisdom from the Sadowsky experts?
I am a long time TB’er and have played many different basses — from SX cheapies, to some very nice brands/models but there is one bass that was the best one I ever played that I’d like to replicate.
in 2006, I had a burst/tort Sadowsky Metro RV4 with the VTC, humcancelling pups, the VTC and strung with DR Hi beams. That was probably the best sounding, best playing bass I ever owned. You’ve heard the phrase “the tone you hear in your head?” THAT bass is the tone I hear in my head. (I took it to a TB GTG and it blew EVERYONE away).
Since then, the Sadowsky landscape has changed. Now we got RSD’s, Will Lees, Metrolines, Metroexpresses, Warwick-dowskys, and I’m having trouble sorting it all out.
What I THINK I want is a Metroline (Japan) JJ with VTC and HC pickups. (I’d love a NYC but this is a hobby, not my profession — those are outside my budget.) I know the MetroExpresses are less expensive but if I’m reading right, they have SC pups and no VTC. They also appear to be heavier. My 62-year old back would prefer to be at/below 9 pounds.
For what it’s worth, I had an MV5 back in the day that I didn’t bond with as well … it was a little on the heavy side and the neck profile was a bit chunky for my tastes. At the point, I’m willing to accommodate the neck profile but I GOTTA have that tone.
Any recommendations and/or words of wisdom from the Sadowsky experts?
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If you are looking for a 5 string, there is an RV5E in the classifieds. Those are the original Japanese version of the MetroExpress before the Warwick deal.
I am looking for a fiver and I AM looking at that one … matter of fact, there appear to be two — one in sage green and one in burst/tort. Before I pulled the trigger, I wanted to hear from the experts here.
If those two pretty much match the exact config you loved before, then I'd say you already found your solution, and your choice is purely aesthetic and/or price because of the consistency of those instruments.
Potentially so.
I am getting under the covers on these new MetroExpress instruments and they appear to pack a lot of value for roughly half the price.
I’m investigating how close one of them might get me to what I’m looking for. Problem is, they look to have had a troubled rollout. Also, there aren’t any around to sample.
Still working it through.
