Fender Precision Elite P/J Versus Metro Sadowsky P/J - Your choice?

[AngelCrusher]

I have not been able to get my hands on a Sadowsky P/J yet, but I wanted to see some TB opinions on how they compare in terms of tone and playability. By all reviews here, the Fender Elite is one of the best P/Js in the game right now, but Sadowsky has been making these for a while and Roger is no slouch in that department.

For me, Sadowsky has always equated to the Super J tone, but I feel like I have sold them short. What I like in a P/J:

Plays well with pedals
Has a legit sounding passive mode that is as usable as Active
Doesn't sound too compressed when active mode is engaged
Bridge pickup when soloed sounds big and close in volume to the P (I like to switch pickups sometimes during songs and don't want too much drop off)

 

[AngelCrusher]

Well, to bump my own thread, I made the choice and went Sadowsky Satin NYC. Main reasons are that all I own are Fenders, and I thought it would be cool to get something different. I also like the look of the Sadowsky a lot, and the tones I have heard of their P/Js are awesome. The change from passive to active on the Sadowsky has barely any volume difference (t/b boost at minimum of course), and the difference was noticeable to me on the Elite. I also like the simpler layout of the Sadowsky. These are pretty nit picky things, and I really think the Elites are awesome as well, just time for something different for me.

 

[Burwabit]

I have a Sadowsky P/J 5. I've owned 2 of them actually, a Metro and now an NYC. I haven't played the Fender Elite P/J, but I have owned previous iterations like American Deluxe PJ 4 and 5.

I can tell you what I like about the Sadowsky
- lighter weight. My metro 5 was sub 9 lbs and NYC 5 is 8.6 or so. Fenders are typically heavier, but maybe not as much in a 4
- better pre-amp. Sadowsky is like a passive bass with the ability to boost bass and treble. I'm not big on 3 band preamps after experiencing the simplicity of the Sadowsky. Also, Sadowsky pre has a distinct tone that really cuts through. It almost purrs.
- fit and finish. Superb on Sadowsky. Elites may be great too, but Sadowsky is far better than previous versions
- comes in a 5, but you are probably looking for a 4

My $.02 on my #1 bass.

 

[Josh Kneisel]

I played and Elite the other day, and it felt awesome... That would be my choice.