That is correct. That's why it shouldn't be a problem on his end unless he didn't pay for the insurance. If he's not responding to messages then I think we probably know the answer to that.
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Reverb’s policy says that after you contact the seller with no response, you should contact them. I’d push them a bit on this.
I had a seller recently approve a return, receive the return, then failed to give a refund and stopped communicating. I contacted Reverb and was amazed at how they took my side and advocated for me. In the end Reverb refunded my money, not the seller. Presumably Reverb hold their funds anyhow and can get it out of them. Just saying I had a positive Reverb support experience.
I am hurting for you - such a beautiful bass, and you didn't even get to play one note on it.
Any chance it's repairable, in some way? Open those cracks, glue, clamp it down, and a refinish?
Does anyone here know which specific models/years that Sadowsky basses are built with undersized bodies? Do Japan Metros from 2004 (the first Metro year, I believe) have the undersize bodies? How about 2008 Japan Metros? I vaguely recall seeing something about the Ultra-Vintage models being full-size bodies and everything else being slightly smaller.
Seller stepped up. Sent the refund. It appears an underling was appointed to pack the instrument. Somebody’s gonna get a talkin to. Alls well that ends…..refunded. Still a tragedy. A really nice bass too. Played great. Sounded excellent. On to the next.
I’m sure someone else will correct me if I’m mistaken but you could say that the undersized body is the default for sadowsky. There’s always been some sort of modifier to specify a body with full fender dimensions. The Japanese metros, at least from the recent years before the end of them, were called UV60 or UV70 for ultra vintage and 60s style or 70s style. I’m pretty sure that the Slapmaster was also a full sized body
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Glad to hear that. Sucks that the bass was damaged, but at least the seller stepped up.
Well I can answer my own question on the 5 string neck. I found a shop that has the new metro express sadowskys for around $1200. So I went and played that one and thought the neck was great. That got me to pull the trigger on a sub 8 pound Japanese metroline five. Think it’s a 2013. Says it comes with VTC, so I should be all set there.
Also as someone who has owned my share of $900-$1500 range basses, this metro express was really impressive. Needed a setup but the bass was probably 9 pounds or so, neck played great and the tone was killer. No VTC but I left thinking that was the best $1200 range bass I ever played.
Also as someone who has owned my share of $900-$1500 range basses, this metro express was really impressive. Needed a setup but the bass was probably 9 pounds or so, neck played great and the tone was killer. No VTC but I left thinking that was the best $1200 range bass I ever played.
I have a 2014 Japan Metroline Modern 5. The headstock and body are noticeably thicker (3-4mm) than the 3 Chinese metroExpresses I own. The Japan Modern weighs 9lbs 1oz. The recently destroyed MetroExpress P/J 5 shown earlier in this thread weighs 9 lbs 2oz, despite the body/headstock being slightly thinner front to back. All have the undersized body, with the modern having the deeper lower bout cut for access to the upper frets.
And yes… Ultras are full size Jazz Bass bodies.
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Is there a link or thread to the history of the japanese metroline builds? Just curious if they were always handmade by Yoshi Kikuchi or if that changed. Also what modifications changed over the years would be interesting. The one I have coming is actually a 2015.
Which model do you have coming?
If its anything like my 2014 Modern 5, you will have a thicker body ( front to back) and headstock than the Metro express units you played in the store. The Japan Metroline offered all the same models as the NY shop without the fancy woods. Other than that they are pretty much the same quality. Ash or Alder bodies, Graphite rod reinforced necks, VTC as standard. Fantastic and value priced in today’s market. A used Metroline is an absolute safe bet. The later JAPAN MetroExpress basses were also excellent. These were production line units manufactured by ESP, I believe, and only offered in 4 and 5 string, 21-fret J bass config. No moderns, No Ultra’s. No fretless. I owned 1 of the 5’s as well. Fantastic bass. Sold it for the same amount I paid for it. The modern is more to my tastes, and thats my go-to #1, but it does weigh over 9 lbs, so I keep a Verdine 4 ( 8lbs 4oz!) and a P/J 4 fretless ( also 8lb 4oz) on hand.
But yes, to my knowledge, Yoshi supervised all the Metroline builds, and they’re great instruments. I think you’ll be pleased.
Regarding the Japan MetroExpress, they were also built under the supervision of Yoshi. Although they had limited options, the quality was on par with the Japan MetroLine, (I have one of each).
i think mine is just under 8 pounds!
