Considering a Sadowsky

[Akito]

So for the first time I've been thinking about giving a Sadowsky jazz a whirl.
Specifically, this one- [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

They have two trans-black mv4s in stock. Either would do. They both have me GASsing big time.
I've played a few Sadowksy basses, but I don't think I've laid hands on a metro. I also haven't bought a new bass in a long time. I usually try to let someone else take the new bass devaluation hit, and pick up my instruments used.
Help me out if you have experience with the metro jazz.
I'm currently playing a Warmoth 5 string Jazz and a Modulus Q5 with a Squire VM Pbass as a backup.
I've just been seeing and hearing Sadowskys everywhere recently- it's like they are taunting me! You know how the GAS goes.
Anybody find their metro to be the ultimate jazz bass? Or is that too much to expect? Will I find something more with one than I would with a used Fender at a quarter of the investment?

 

[SteveC]

This will be interesting...

 

[Akito]

Ha! I am not trying to start anything!



Really.

 

[Dan Knowlton]

That's nice. Go ahead.




































You won't regret it!
Dan K.

 

[nostatic]

If you're playing 5s why do you want a 4? Will that be setting you up for disappointment?

 

[SteveC]

I'm going to try a 4 for a while. I still have a 5 in reserve, but want to change things up a bit, make myself rethink how I play. That's just me.

 

[Andy Brown]

Considering the Metros are dead even to NYCs in mojo, I would highly recommend it. They have the same pickups, same preamp and same tight tolerances that you would find in an NYC. Just go for it!

 

[EagleMoon]

I've had several of the Metro's and they were all awesome basses. I don't think you can go wrong with a Sadowsky, regardless if it's an NYC or a Metro.

 

[THORRR]

Barely Used - Craigslist - Plays & sounds beautiful - I set it up nice -noiseless pups - New black pearl Pickguard & Strings - Total Cost NET $280.

 

[SteveC]

They are great basses. Go for it.

 

[Pickebass]

I have two Sadowskys. I was hesitant initially, but found that the bass worked well for just about everything. Great fit and finish should be a given for any instrument in this price range and I haven't seen one to disappoint. Is it the ultimate jazz bass??? Maybe...

When I think vintage sounds... I think Alleva Coppolo. When I think modern Jazz, Sadowsky comes to mind. If I had to have one and only one bass it would probably be my Sadowsky.

 

[bmc]

Move fast. Those basses will sell.

 

[Alexander]

I've tried several Metros and currently own an NYC - I've had a number of Fender basses and guitars also. To me, a good Fender USA is a great instrument that would play well for a lifetime. However, the NYC really is the ultimate jazz bass (IMHO) - and compared to the Metro, is lighter weight, has a reinforced neck with nice tops\custom colors, etc. The Metros kind of split the difference - both in terms of features and price. I do think the tone, feel and quality are the same though (or at least so close, I cannot tell the difference!).

 

[Jim Carr]

I love my NYC P/J. The metros I played were all Jazzes. It was a number of years ago, right when they came out. I found them quite hard to handle, as I didn't understand the boost only pre and VTC. However, the feel, fretwork, and overall quality blew me away. I realized that I "needed" an NYC P/J after hearing one live. I love it. As long as the tone world works for you, get a metro Jazz. My only caveat would by "why not a 5er?"

 

[nostatic]

My only caveat would by "why not a 5er?"

That's what I was trying to get at. There are plenty of great 4-string basses out there. You can spend less money and get a great instrument. With 5-strings, the great ones become harder to find and cost more. One reason to spring for a Sadowsky is to get a great B-string in 34" scale. The other is to get the Sadowsky "sound" (and in that case, 4 or 5 doesn't matter so much). But if the OP is a 5-string player, unless he wants to 'shed on 4 seems make sense to at least consider a Metro 5. The price difference isn't that much...

 

[kevcooke]

The only difference between NYC and Metro is features, not quality. Also, don't feel that you need to lose the low B to change how you play. You're not obliged to use the 5th string just because it's there, just use it when it's needed. I do think (speaking from experience) that if you're typically a 5 string guy that you'll miss it, especially when Sadowsky's have such a killer low B...

 

[t0t0m]

Looking at the used sale price for Metros and NYCs, I personally prefer to save up a liitle more for NYC.

 

[Chasarms]

The fit and finish of Sadowsky basses is as good as it gets. Be it a metro or an NYC. Even RS himself has said that if the metro spec meets your needs, there is no tangible benefit in paying more for the NYC. The benefit of the NYC line is the selection and customization. At the core, they are the same bass.

They set up to play VERY well and have a really comfortable feel. If you really dig the "Sadowsky" sound, you'll enjoy them for sure. The Sadowsky pickup/preamps make them quite unique.

I owned two Sadowsky five strings and sold them both opting for a more modern vibe. But, I will always appreciate them for the level of quality. It is unsurpassed.

 

[Andy V.]

I own a MV5 and I have to say the bass is superb.
Flawless.

 

[Hounddog]

Go for it. But I agree with everyone else. Go for the 5 string. I have a UV70-5 and a NYC Vintage-5 on the way. I am impressed with them.