Club Sadowsky!!!

[pb9717]

The price difference between the SMX and the SML is over $2300:
SMX JJ Vintage 4-string: $1025
SML JJ Vintage 4-string: $3450
(From Sweetwater)

You can swap the pickups (if you feel that you need to) and add the VTC control in a SMX for $500 for the parts. Call it $200 for the install labor (if you need to hire it out) and you're coming out $1600 ahead (which I'm sure is why Warwick isn't using the VTC and split/stack coil pickups in the SMX). Yes, the SML finishes are nicer, and the workmanship isn't quite the same on the SMX (but it sure isn't bad, either), so if you're so inclined and you find a good SMX then bringing it up to SML specs can be a big savings.

I have a NYC Deluxe Satin 4-21, a SML PJ 5-21 and a SMX JJ 5-21. Yes, the SMX is the "worst" of them but it certainly isn't bad.

The best strategy I have found for having a fully featured, and budget priced sadowsky shaped instrument is to find a used early version Chinese model and add the VTC standalone kit to it. I have found the Chinese pick ups to be more than adequate. I will usually add a hipshot a style aluminum polished chrome Bridge. This normally corrects any misalignment and provides all the features of a Sadowsky bridge, including lightweight, quick release and the addition of spacing adjustment. there is currently a used JJ smx at Guitar Center for $429 with a maple neck and a metallic blue body. It has also been upgraded with Bartolini pick ups and an Audere on board Pre. This is a prime example of an opportunity to have an excellent bass at a very reasonable price once the modifications are complete.

 

[MikeBass]

The latest iteration of the preamp uses no. Solderable connection points between the components. Fixed harness and pin row connectors only. They are not configured for the partial disassembly the VTC standalone kit requires. This is a new situation, in that, in the history of Sadowsky guitars, you could always simply upgrade the existing Preamp with a single VTC add on kit. Warwick has created a non-modifiable non-VTC preamp for the Chinese metro Xpress line that requires a full gut. Mandating an entire replacement with their MEC loaded Sadowsky Preamp plate. One of the benefits is the newer VTC includes much higher quality potentiometers, and input jack . It also makes the swap fairly quick. It has doubled the cost of the upgrade. Although you do have the ability to sell the non-VTC plate to recover some of the cost of the more expensive preconfigured fully featured model. The earlier versions of the Chinese metro Xpress line permitted the swap in of a single VTC kit in. The removal of that ability is only in the 2022 and later versions I believe

Here’s the thing though….
The SMX preamp is NOT the same as the Metro/NYC.
Same EQ points I would imagine, but it sounds pretty different to me.

 

[Smokas]

The latest iteration of the preamp uses no. Solderable connection points between the components. Fixed harness and pin row connectors only. They are not configured for the partial disassembly the VTC standalone kit requires. This is a new situation, in that, in the history of Sadowsky guitars, you could always simply upgrade the existing Preamp with a single VTC add on kit. [...]

Thank you for the exhaustive explanation.
Haven't looked at Warwick shop for a while and now I see what is the point. Application of retrofit is probably still possible but requires some engeneering.

The cheapest solution now: change controls to passive (VVT or VBT) and use SBP-2 (and mount Sklar's "producer switch" in the fourth hole)

 

[EdO.]

My understanding when I bought my 2023 MIC ME was that I could simply replace the existing stock non-VTC pre with the VTC version pre whenever and that it's a perfect fit replacement requiring a bit of soldering but nothing too major. Am I missing something?

 

[pb9717]

My understanding when I bought my 2023 MIC ME was that I could simply replace the existing stock non-VTC pre with the VTC version pre whenever and that it's a perfect fit replacement requiring a bit of soldering but nothing too major. Am I missing something?

No, you’re exactly correct. The existing plate and four knobs will be removed, and a new plate with four knobs with a VTC knob will go in.

But, if you had an older model, you could simply remove the treble part, and install a stacked pot. You would repurpose the base pot to vintage tone control. But that option is No longer available on the newer models.

 

[pb9717]

Here’s the thing though….
The SMX preamp is NOT the same as the Metro/NYC.
Same EQ points I would imagine, but it sounds pretty different to me.

The board is identical. Same frequency points. As a matter of fact, the boards themselves are basically identical. The differences are the quality of the potentiometers. The MEC loaded VTC plate is market ly higher quality then the Chinese potentiometers.

 

[5StringPocket]

The board is identical. Same frequency points. As a matter of fact, the boards themselves are basically identical. The differences are the quality of the potentiometers. The MEC loaded VTC plate is market ly higher quality then the Chinese potentiometers.

It’s a shame they couldn’t just add $100 to the SMX price and use the VTC model…

 

[Mark Ambler]

It’s a shame they couldn’t just add $100 to the SMX price and use the VTC model…

The original Japanese Metroexpresses didn’t need any upgrades, AFAIK the main difference was a limited choice of colours. I think these took a large chunk of sales away from the Metrolines.

 

[Chris Chong]

Thank you for the exhaustive explanation.
Haven't looked at Warwick shop for a while and now I see what is the point. Application of retrofit is probably still possible but requires some engeneering.

The cheapest solution now: change controls to passive (VVT or VBT) and use SBP-2 (and mount Sklar's "producer switch" in the fourth hole)

Upgraded mine with a new preamp with VTC plate, sold the stock SMX preamp plate, then the new preamp failed…

After some fail trouble shoot, gave up and change to passive VVT with a series/parallel switch. Bought a SBP1 for the preamp/DI/mute.

 

[Vic]

Upgraded mine with a new preamp with VTC plate, sold the stock SMX preamp plate, then the new preamp failed…

After some fail trouble shoot, gave up and change to passive VVT with a series/parallel switch. Bought a SBP1 for the preamp/DI/mute.

just gave up without getting support from Sadowsky to either fix or replace it? personally, i think that was a mistake, but it's your bass and your decision. imho, you're missing out on a lot right now.

 

[pb9717]

Upgraded mine with a new preamp with VTC plate, sold the stock SMX preamp plate, then the new preamp failed…

After some fail trouble shoot, gave up and change to passive VVT with a series/parallel switch. Bought a SBP1 for the preamp/DI/mute.

That is very odd. Your supplier would likely provided arrange support. I have never heard of a Sadowsky Pre simply failing.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

 

[Dollar2]

Someone please, buy the koa-topped NYC on the Sadowsky site and spare me any further temptation. I don’t have the cash AND I don’t even play fours these days, and yet…

Currently On-Hold! That one was sooooo tempting

 

[tw731]

Warwick told you you need to replace the entire pre on a 2 year old bass? At your cost? On a German Metroline?

Am I hearing that right?

yes, for a 40% off discount

i bought it from japan, so they consider it as second-hand

 

[pb9717]

yes, for a 40% off discount

i bought it from japan, so they consider it as second-hand

Gotta love a good loophole. So the bass was brand new , but they opted to consider it used because you got it …..in Japan? I’m still a little baffled. Unless it was a used instrument. Then, for some reason companies just completely wash their hands of any responsibility. Nice.

 

[John D Harris]

Gotta love a good loophole. So the bass was brand new , but they opted to consider it used because you got it …..in Japan? I’m still a little baffled. Unless it was a used instrument. Then, for some reason companies just completely wash their hands of any responsibility. Nice.

Maybe it was actually a demo.

 

[Barks4]

This 2004 ash/rosewood NYC is still my favourite bass
I have had TI Jazz flats on it for the last 4 or 5 years

 

[Vic]

yes, for a 40% off discount

i bought it from japan, so they consider it as second-hand

that should ONLY be true if where you bought it was NOT an authorized dealer. if they are not, then your best bet would probably be to try them first. if they are, then warwick/sadowsky should honor the warranty.

 

[pb9717]

I find the whole “where you got it” thing absurd. You spend thousands on a high end instrument only for the manufacturer to say…. Sorry. You didn’t buy it from an “authorized dealer” or “ Your not the original purchaser” (so what?) . “But… I’ll cut ya a break on the replacements of failed electronics you bought. Rediculous.

 

[_Obra_]