Club Sadowsky!!!

[Bass Viking]

The Metro Modern did great at band practice! They told me to bring that one from now on. It’s solid, meaty presence and clear low end didn’t go unnoticed.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

The Metro Modern did great at band practice! They told me to bring that one from now on. It’s solid, meaty presence and clear low end didn’t go unnoticed.

Just what I was thinking would happen. Your MetroExpress sounds good. The MetroLine is just taking it to another level!!! It just seemed to have more of everything the MetroExpress has.
Looking forward to more videos.

 

[Bass Viking]

Just what I was thinking would happen. Your MetroExpress sounds good. The MetroLine is just taking it to another level!!! It just seemed to have more of everything the MetroExpress has.
Looking forward to more videos.

The Metroline is definitely next level. And at that price it better be! I was watching some videos of my Japanese Metro. My German one is more aggressive sounding. Maybe it’s that Warwick influence creeping in?

There will definitely be more videos. You asked about a comparison video. I just might do that with all 3 basses.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

The Metroline is definitely next level. And at that price it better be! I was watching some videos of my Japanese Metro. My German one is more aggressive sounding. Maybe it’s that Warwick influence creeping in?

There will definitely be more videos. You asked about a comparison video. I just might do that with all 3 basses.

Yes please !!!

 

[bucephylus]

IMLE, the German ML’s have not only an attractive aggressive character; but, they also exhibit a noticeable acoustic resonant character, which is clearly heard in the voicing. An outstanding combination! I have an outstanding WL4 ML, which has similar character.

I only wish that there were greater availability of certain models. The M/J instruments, in particular, have really limited availability. I have a keen interest in those, largely due to neck calibration differences from those @Bass Viking described for his Modern. Would love to try one; but, the very few available are not my jam.

In contrast, the ME instruments are abundant, and far more affordable. Some certainly sound pretty great. But, noticeably less character than the ML’s. Here’s hoping we see more ML’s available at some point.

 

[Tim1]

So is the feeling that Warwick Sadowskys are developing their own character and moving away from a more traditional Sadowsky tone?

 

[BassicJazzy]

So is the feeling that Warwick Sadowskys are developing their own character and moving away from a more traditional Sadowsky tone?

Posts seem to be implying that the chambered bodies produce a different tone than the solid ME's. I wouldn't know, never played an ML. Too rich for my blood.

 

[Bassdudeman]

Posts seem to be implying that the chambered bodies produce a different tone than the solid ME's. I wouldn't know, never played an ML. Too rich for my blood.

IMHO I have owned several solid body MIJ Metros, all outstanding tonally and play ability.
I've owned one chambered NYC with a beautiful Brazilian rosewood fingerboard.

But I did not bond with the chambered body, sure it was light weight and comfortable, but IMHO it lacked the tone of my MIJ solid bodies.
Sure the MIJ's were heavier...2004 MIJ @ 9.58 pounds...2009 MIJ @ 8.14 pounds.

IMHO the 2004 sounds thicker. It also had a thicker neck profile and I believe no graphite in the neck
The 2009 had a thinner neck and was lighter...i also believe that it had graphite in the neck as well as a thicker headstock.

Both are great basses.

YMMV

 

[Chris Chong]

I like the tone from a solid bass. But the chambered lightweight are a god send for gigs and travelling

 

[Nebadon2000]

From what Roger has said he believes Chambered bodies not only produce lighter weight but better Acoustic resonance and better tone when amplified

But obviously as with all bass gear the players personal taste, perception and bias comes into play on their judgement

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Here's my Worship team at a rehearsal running our version of "Old Rugged Cross" an old hymn. Ash Maple Will Lee metro MIJ thru a Cali76 > Capo straight to the board.
View attachment 7474686

Very nice.

 

[Luckydog]

From what Roger has said he believes Chambered bodies not only produce lighter weight but better Acoustic resonance and better tone when amplified

But obviously as with all bass gear the players personal taste, perception and bias comes into play on their judgement

Yes, as one would expect. The better tone is subjective though. Better than what? Better than a heavy bass? If better tone were the consistent and obvious result, chambered solid bodies would be much more prevalent even in days past, even when there was a plentiful supply of lightweight alder and ash? It just seems to me that chambering a solid body is just a way to use cheaper and commonly available wood, and not a way to provide better tone.

 

[bucephylus]

“Better” is highly subjective, with players having prefs both ways. Roger simply goes for that light-ish acoustic resonance thing. A lot of players prize those qualities. But, the heavier solid bodies also have their own thing going; ref Marcus Miller’s slap tones, for example.

Choose your loves, love your choices.

 

[Nebadon2000]

Yes, as one would expect. The better tone is subjective though. Better than what? Better than a heavy bass? If better tone were the consistent and obvious result, chambered solid bodies would be much more prevalent even in days past, even when there was a plentiful supply of lightweight alder and ash? It just seems to me that chambering a solid body is just a way to use cheaper and commonly available wood, and not a way to provide better tone.

"Better than what" you asked
Better than that same Bass if wasn’t Chambered

I will leave that last paragraph alone
But trust in Roger to be sincere about his reasons

 

[Bass Viking]

In contrast, the ME instruments are abundant, and far more affordable. Some certainly sound pretty great. But, noticeably less character than the ML’s.

I agree with this assessment, at least my Sadowskys bear it out.

 

[BassicJazzy]

I agree with this assessment, at least my Sadowskys bear it out.

Bang for the buck. Given my meager talent, and bedroom tone, ME fits the bill.

At almost 72 now, I doubt I will ever get to the point where I will be able to fully appreciate the difference that extra five grand for an ML would make. If I do surprise myself and get there, and still have money and not out pushing a cart in the street, I'll be the first to hop on board an ML.

 

[Jugghaid]

Bang for the buck. Given my meager talent, and bedroom tone, ME fits the bill.

At almost 72 now, I doubt I will ever get to the point where I will be able to fully appreciate the difference that extra five grand for an ML would make. If I do surprise myself and get there, and still have money and not out pushing a cart in the street, I'll be the first to hop on board an ML.

Not sure where you are but here in the USA, a ML is only about $2k more than a ME. ($3500 vs about $1300).

 

[Vic]

Yes, "better" is very subjective. No disrespect to Roger, he's a great friend and amazingly talented at what he does... but... I pretty significantly prefer the sound of a solid body. I always specify that when doing a custom. I do have weight targets, however, so that's the challenge these days. Thankfully, the three NYCs I have now, two custom, one standard, are all perfect for me on both fronts... tone, weight. Bad news for Roger tho... I'm so insanely happy with what I currently own, that I won't be ordering another one any time soon... LOL!

 

[Bass Viking]

Bang for the buck. Given my meager talent, and bedroom tone, ME fits the bill.

At almost 72 now, I doubt I will ever get to the point where I will be able to fully appreciate the difference that extra five grand for an ML would make. If I do surprise myself and get there, and still have money and not out pushing a cart in the street, I'll be the first to hop on board an ML.

The Metro Expresses hold their own. My Metroline sounds fuller with more detail in the sound. But my ME plays great and is only 8 lbs. It has gotten unsolicited compliments. It definitely delivers bang for the buck.

 

[Fuzzbass]

Roger likes chambered, Carey Nordstrand prefers solid. Love my Sadowskys, but I also love my Nordy.