Club Sadowsky!!!

[Mark Ambler]

I came across this 24 fret Metroline J at my local GC. It needs a set up, but at $2,950, it is a bit cheaper than a new one and it is in good shape. Please pardon my rambling playing.

Does the neck pickup being quite close to the fretboard affect slapping negatively? The modern has the neck pickup a bit further down, and Will Lee initially asked for a 24 fret bass, but a 22 fret model was made because of this possible issue. I much prefer the sound of the Jazz compared to the modern.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Does the neck pickup being quite close to the fretboard affect slapping negatively? The modern has the neck pickup a bit further down, and Will Lee initially asked for a 24 fret bass, but a 22 fret model was made because of this possible issue. I much prefer the sound of the Jazz compared to the modern.

It’s easy to slap.

 

[bucephylus]

Does the neck pickup being quite close to the fretboard affect slapping negatively? The modern has the neck pickup a bit further down, and Will Lee initially asked for a 24 fret bass, but a 22 fret model was made because of this possible issue. I much prefer the sound of the Jazz compared to the modern.

Some cats certainly feel that the standard pickup placement on a 24 fret instrument confines the slap position.

The way I think about it is that the pickup is not the problem. Relative to the bridge, standard J placement is unchanged; at least for conventional placement. The part that changes is that the fingerboard with 24 fret positions intrudes into the position favored for good slap tones on 19, 20, and 21 fret instruments. I find that the slap position on my 24 fret instruments with good tones is with the thumb up over the fingerboard and the pluck right at the end of the fingerboard. That’s essentially the same position I would slap on my 20 fret basses. The part that changes is that the thump is happening over the fingerboard, instead of over the body. Not a problem for me. But, YMMV.

 

[Mark Ambler]

It’s easy to slap.

Some cats certainly feel that the standard pickup placement on a 24 fret instrument confines the slap position.

The way I think about it is that the pickup is not the problem. Relative to the bridge, standard J placement is unchanged; at least for conventional placement. The part that changes is that the fingerboard with 24 fret positions intrudes into the position favored for good slap tones on 19, 20, and 21 fret instruments. I find that the slap position on my 24 fret instruments with good tones is with the thumb up over the fingerboard and the pluck right at the end of the fingerboard. That’s essentially the same position I would slap on my 20 fret basses. The part that changes is that the thump is happening over the fingerboard, instead of over the body. Not a problem for me. But, YMMV.

As it's not possible to try one of these in the UK, this info is very useful. Thanks.

 

[pb9717]

Maybe reach out to warwick and ask if theres a 24 fret Jazz somewhere near you to try? But yes, rare bird.

 

[Mark Ambler]

Maybe reach out to warwick and ask if theres a 24 fret Jazz somewhere near you to try? But yes, rare bird.

Bassdirect appear to be the only stockists in the UK, and they haven't had any, so it would be a special order which could make a return difficult.
Probably use Thomann as they have it in stock, and returns aren't a problem.

 

[pb9717]

I’d actually had a Japan Metroline RV4-24 a while back. I don’t remember the space being too cramped for slapping. Was a really beauty too. Love a 24 fret. Personally I prefer the sound of the modern though, but still a fantastic bass.

 

[HeavyJazz]

I believe the RV4 is a 20-mm spacing at the bridge.

 

[Chrishi87]

Just got my MetroExpress JJ 5, what a beast.
Ordered a VTC too. The stock EQ is great, really great. Quiet and effective, but the VTC has something special.
The 19th fret causes a bit of buzzing, but nothing I can fix with a better setup.

The only thing that bugs me a bit is the overhang of the fretboard. The 20th and 21th fret. When you pluck harder or slap, you get a "Dong" sound because there is no direct contact under it. Like you would knock on something hollow. I will try to fix that with a piece of plastic (3d Printer) or something.

And a thing I need to get used to... Where to place my Thumb when playing the B String.
I am used to Stingray Basses or basses with Humbucker, which have a great spot for the thumb.
On a Jazz bass the Bridge Pickup seems to be too far back and the Neck too far front

Pic by an old tester (thx Michael)

 

[John D Harris]

Just got my MetroExpress JJ 5, what a beast.
Ordered a VTC too. The stock EQ is great, really great. Quiet and effective, but the VTC has something special.
The 19th fret causes a bit of buzzing, but nothing I can fix with a better setup.

The only thing that bugs me a bit is the overhang of the fretboard. The 20th and 21th fret. When you pluck harder or slap, you get a "Dong" sound because there is no direct contact under it. Like you would knock on something hollow. I will try to fix that with a piece of plastic (3d Printer) or something.

And a thing I need to get used to... Where to place my Thumb when playing the B String.
I am used to Stingray Basses or basses with Humbucker, which have a great spot for the thumb.
On a Jazz bass the Bridge Pickup seems to be too far back and the Neck too far front

Pic by an old tester (thx Michael)

How about a plexiglass ramp between the two pickups?

Several bassists do that.

 

[Chris Chong]

Just got my MetroExpress JJ 5, what a beast.
Ordered a VTC too. The stock EQ is great, really great. Quiet and effective, but the VTC has something special.
The 19th fret causes a bit of buzzing, but nothing I can fix with a better setup.

The only thing that bugs me a bit is the overhang of the fretboard. The 20th and 21th fret. When you pluck harder or slap, you get a "Dong" sound because there is no direct contact under it. Like you would knock on something hollow. I will try to fix that with a piece of plastic (3d Printer) or something.

And a thing I need to get used to... Where to place my Thumb when playing the B String.
I am used to Stingray Basses or basses with Humbucker, which have a great spot for the thumb.
On a Jazz bass the Bridge Pickup seems to be too far back and the Neck too far front

Pic by an old tester (thx Michael)

I ordered a 3D printed thumb rail for this purpose.

 

[projectapollo]

Help on this 2021 Limited Edition Metroline. It's titled a Modern model, but it sure looks like a classic Sadowsky Jazz with JJ pickups in the 60s position. Anyone know for sure? Modern or Jazz?

 

[Chrishi87]

Thats why it´s a limited.
Modern Controls with Classic Pickups

 

[projectapollo]

Thats why it´s a limited.
Modern Controls with Classic Pickups

In Sadowsky-speak, "Modern" has specific model meaning especially related to pickup placement closer to the bridge and tone.

 

[Chrishi87]

And in my Mothers Speak there will be a red clothed, fat, bearded dude in my chimney in 2 weeks. Knowing it’s my dad.

So you get what You See. Upper Part JJ and lower Part modern.

 

[Fuzzbass]

In Sadowsky-speak, "Modern" has specific model meaning especially related to pickup placement closer to the bridge and tone.

I am not Roger, but my observation is that "Modern" mainly refers to the 24 fret neck and unique body shape that allows access to those frets while still providing good ergonomics and balance. The default pickups for the Modern bass are soaps placed closer to the bridge as you say, but it's not unusual to see Moderns with Fender-style JJ or PJ configs.

 

[Vic]

Does the neck pickup being quite close to the fretboard affect slapping negatively? The modern has the neck pickup a bit further down, and Will Lee initially asked for a 24 fret bass, but a 22 fret model was made because of this possible issue. I much prefer the sound of the Jazz compared to the modern.

This has come up over and over again a BUNCH of times in many threads. There are two facets to this...

1.) For those whose slap styles is to slap "through" the string downward, as opposed to more across the string (such as for double thumbing, etc.) the smaller gap presents a bit of a restriction, but is NOT a deal killer.

2.) People often look this one over, but I think it's probably the bigger consideration... tone... if (again) slapping through the string between the board and the neck pickup. A 24 fret board moves your slapping towards the bridge fairly significantly, which means overtones will be different, and as you know, overtones play a fairly significant role in slapping.

So in short, while I would NOT say a 24 fret instrument prevents a particular slapping style, I would say for certain slapping styles it presents a little bit of a restriction and affects tone.

Bottom line: Is it possible and does it sound great? Yes. Is it as easy and does it sound exactly the same? No.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

 

[bucephylus]

The “Ferrari of Fenders!”

YES!

 

[cbdriver]

Does anyone know if the 21 fret pickguards available from W-Music Distribution are compatible with the MetroExpress Models? I would love a tort guard for my sunburst JJ 5!