I’ve owned 4 of these over the past 20 + years, 1st one back in 08’ before the VTC. I’ve also owned a US Ken Smith Rainey 5. The Moderns don’t actually sound like Ken Smiths exactly. They are more “usable” ( for lack of a better word) in that, Ken Smiths are Piano ringing, extremely long sustaining high fidelity basses. The Modern is more traditional sounding than a Smith, but far different than a J or P/J model. Still crisp, and clear, but I found them to have more bottom than a Smith, and are more “merciful to less than stellar technique” than a Smith.
IME, MY hands produce their best tone on a Modern. My technique, ( or maybe, lack thereof) on a modern is the sound I love hearing. I can play a modern, direct thru studio monitors, and it sounds completely level, lightly compressed, balanced, clear, and PUNCHY. Like I’m hearing it on a recording, but immediately out of my fingers. yes, Punchy, But in a gentlemanly way. Not in your face, unless you dig in, then it’ll bark. But thats really not what this bass is about. You dont play Metallica on a Modern. But you can if you want to. All I know is, I’ve always felt it’s the best Sadowsky model in the line. They are just fantastic sounding instruments. (Metro, metroLINE or NYC) I do not feel the same about the chinese models. They use lesser woods, lower quality electrics ,and torrified necks, and are very different from the higher cost line. ( I owned one of those too, added the $200 VTC circuit and still sold it within a month. Didn’t work for me, at all)
A used Metro Japan or German model is one of the best values on the bass market today. Cannot recommend enough. (There’s a used German model on reverb right now under 2 grand.) Its a fantastic value. IMHO.
