Was there drop D tuner on the five too? I doubt if a MetroExpress version will have everything because that would undercut Metroline sales.
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No, only on four strings model.
Anyway, I would not call that bass a "Will Lee" model without the preamp equipped with mid boost. It is the core of the Will Lee original model!
I would like to know what does Mr. Sadowsky think about that.
He did a business deal with Warwick and he actively promotes the Warwick produced Sadowsky’s. He knew he would not have the last word anymore.
You think he doesn’t have final say on decisions like this?
Calling this the Will Lee model if it doesn’t have the mid control is just a marketing ploy.
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He has final say over his NYC shop. Warwick runs their shop including basses branded “Sadowsky.” If you think the ME Will Lee model is not legitimate, don’t buy one. I like that it has the VTC and an extra fret.
I don't think it has VTC. Here are the specs.
What it does have is a hum-cancelling bridge pickup in the 60's position, versus two single-coils in 70's position on the regular ME.
The announcement of the bass I saw on Facebook said the model had VTC. We will see when folks get their hands on them.
You sure about that? Did you read the contract between Sadowsky and Wilfer?
Anyway, let's wait if Mr. Sadowsky has something to say about that.
There was a pretty clear description of the business arrangement when it was first announced. You can search for it and read it in this very thread. The mere fact there are budget Sadowsky’s, models with MM style pickups, and six string Modern, indicate Warwick has taken the lead. All of those things were ideas that Roger Sadowsky said he was not interested in pursuing.
The official announcement on Facebook says "- Preamp: Active Sadowsky 2-way electronics for versatile tone shaping." And in reply to a question about VTC, Sadowsky replied "No it doesn't, none of the SMX come with the VTC."
It’s a 22 fret bass with single coil Jazz pups. Calling it a “Will Lee” is straight marketing. A 4 string model with a D-Tuner and a Will Lee mid boost pre will provide you with a Will Lee experience. And for far less than a Metroline Will Lee. But, you’ll need to order the Will Lee plate and git yerself a Hipshot D-Tuner. They already offer the Will Lee pre on a plate.
shop.warwick.de
That’d be a killin ax….
Sadowsky Parts - MetroLine & MasterBuilt complete VTC Electronic assembled on Control Plate for Will Lee Artist Line and Singlecut Basses
pre-wired onboard bass preamp for MetroLine & MasterBuilt suitable for Will Lee Artist Line and Singlecut basses…
shop.warwick.de
That’d be a killin ax….
I’m really surprised that they can label it a Will Lee Signature, when it has none of the characteristics that make his Sig bass unique. If I was Will, I’d be less than pleased. Of course the checks with any $$ sent my way because it has my name on it might reduce the sting!
This one?
Warwick Builds Sadowsky
With over 80 years of combined experience in traditional instrument craftsmanship, Roger Sadowsky of Sadowsky Guitars and Hans Peter Wilfer, founder of Warwick basses have teamed up to bring a full range of quality instruments and accessories to musicians worldwide under the Sadowsky brand name. With the new partnership, Roger will remain the visionary behind Sadowsky Guitars, with Warwick taking on the task of manufacturing and worldwide distribution. This arrangement allows Roger to remain close to the process while making available several lines of basses, strings and accessories at a wider variety of price points.
Sadowsky Guitars | Electric Bass and Guitar maker
Sadowsky bass and guitar workshop making Custom Shop, MasterBuilt, MetroLine and MetroExpress electric basses and guitars for all genres of music
sadowskybass.com
I read that Warwick takes the task of manufacturing and worldwide distribution, but who has the last word about what has to be built is not written in this statement.
For example, I remember that at the beginning of the Warwick "era" Mr. Sadowsky in this thread requested Warwick to don't use anymore the curved Sadowsky logo and white branded Sadowsky pickup logo on MetroLine basses. Do you remember the JJ LTD 2020? I own one.
About the MM bass there is an interview on youtube (check it) where Roger Sadowsky stated that in the past he built several (NYC) custom bass with MM pickups.
About the six strings perhaps Warwick suggested the idea and Roger Sadowsky agreed to go in production because in the past he received several requests for a 6 strings model (after the prototype built in Japan).
Anyway Roger Sadowsky reads this thread and I hope he will say something.
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Warwick and Sadowsky both know business. Warwick did not invest this much money for no input.This one?
Warwick Builds Sadowsky
With over 80 years of combined experience in traditional instrument craftsmanship, Roger Sadowsky of Sadowsky Guitars and Hans Peter Wilfer, founder of Warwick basses have teamed up to bring a full range of quality instruments and accessories to musicians worldwide under the Sadowsky brand name. With the new partnership, Roger will remain the visionary behind Sadowsky Guitars, with Warwick taking on the task of manufacturing and worldwide distribution. This arrangement allows Roger to remain close to the process while making available several lines of basses, strings and accessories at a wider variety of price points.
Sadowsky Guitars | Electric Bass and Guitar maker
Sadowsky bass and guitar workshop making Custom Shop, MasterBuilt, MetroLine and MetroExpress electric basses and guitars for all genres of musicsadowskybass.com
I read that Warwick takes the task of manufacturing and worldwide distribution, but who has the last word about what has to be built is not written in this statement.
For example, I remember that at the beginning of the Warwick "era" Mr. Sadowsky in this thread requested Warwick to don't use anymore the curved Sadowsky logo and white branded Sadowsky pickup logo on MetroLine basses. Do you remember the JJ LTD 2020? I own one.
About the MM bass there is an interview on youtube (check it) where Roger Sadowsky stated that in the past he built several (NYC) custom bass with MM pickups.
About the six strings perhaps Warwick suggested the idea and Roger Sadowsky agreed to go in production because in the past he received several requests for a 6 strings model (after the prototype built in Japan).
Anyway Roger Sadowsky reads this thread and I hope he will say something.
The key difference for me with the Will Lee model, and the main reason why I purchased my mij, is the slightly narrower neck at the nut. A small spec but a significant difference to the feel which I enjoy. I doubt that Warwick will bring this spec to the budget metro express but without it you cannot really consider it a WL. And obviously not retrofittable without considerable expense.
It does not have the VTC. The five and four do have smaller nuts and the pickups are in the Sixties position (I thought all the ME Jazzes had Sixties position pickups?) plus the fingerboard has 22 frets instead of 21. The bottom line is that if someone has to have all of the premium features, than it will be necessary to a buy a more expensive German version or order a NYC Will Lee.
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Not really, the Sadowsky Will Lee preamp (by MEC) is available for upgrade -> Sadowsky Parts - active Will Lee Electronic w/ RFIP - Vol, Bal, Tone P/P, T+B, assembled on control plate, w/ mini switch
If you want it ready made, it at minimum at $3,600+ for a four, according to Sweetwater and $3,700+ for a five. Of course, by and installing the preamp is a great work around.
