Already top of my list.I'll have to ask some people that are going to NAMM to sample the goods.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Sadowsky in distribution agreement with Warwick
- Thread starter burk48237
- Start date
In the last half year it looked like the Metroexpress models were canibalizing the Metroline Japan models, as there was obviously only a marginal difference in the quality if at all. Only the available finishes options (colours matched with a wood) were quite different. However the retail prices were much different as about 1900€ for the Metroexpress but a grand more for the Metroline. What for? Now with the Metroexpress coming from China with a price max. of 900€, that would mean another grand less for the same quality??? I definitely doubt that!
Otherwise those who bought a pre-Warwick Metro could bite their a.. for just wasting money!
Otherwise those who bought a pre-Warwick Metro could bite their a.. for just wasting money!
Last edited:
Roger Sadowsky has previously said that the Metro express basses wouldn't weigh more than 8.5 lbs, and I'd be surprised if that changed. I own a Metroline basses which was made in Japan and had a limited choice of options, colour, pickups, etc compared to the NYC basses. I've tried a current Metroexpress and it was nice, perhaps the finish was more premium on my Metroline, but in general, it was very close. AFAIK, there are so few Metro Express basses in the UK because Roger wouldn't allow anything that wasn't up to his high standards pass QC. The idea of a readily available Sadowsky for the masses was not going to happen at the rate they were being produced, so the Warwick partnership makes total sense to me, and I strongly believe Roger isn't going to let the high QC standards slip.
I've had good experiences with both Sadowsky and Warwick, seems like a very good idea, imo.
Last edited:
Here's my take on this.
The game rules have changed, in a major way. The licensing agreement removes most responsibilities out of Roger's hands. For example, the new ME may weigh 8lbs or may not. It's not the same basses, not the same manufacturer anymore. Roger's vision sits above the brand's name. He can't and won't stand behind each and every instrument. That's in regards to the Warwick made basses.
Roger just turned 70 a few months ago (I wish him many more years of happiness!! and self fulfillment with the new setup). He gained a brilliant reputation during his career and now it's time to use that reputation to get a stable passive income while focusing on what he mostly love doing. All the rest are just details.
The game rules have changed, in a major way. The licensing agreement removes most responsibilities out of Roger's hands. For example, the new ME may weigh 8lbs or may not. It's not the same basses, not the same manufacturer anymore. Roger's vision sits above the brand's name. He can't and won't stand behind each and every instrument. That's in regards to the Warwick made basses.
Roger just turned 70 a few months ago (I wish him many more years of happiness!! and self fulfillment with the new setup). He gained a brilliant reputation during his career and now it's time to use that reputation to get a stable passive income while focusing on what he mostly love doing. All the rest are just details.
Last edited:
Hang on; they are made in China but then are shipped back to Dingwall in Canada for final setup before being sold. I think that makes a big difference.
I, too, am curious about the difference between German Masterbuilt and NYC crafted instruments.
NYC Satin series runs $3000 to $4200.
In US dollars the German Masterbuilt basses range from $3500 to $5000 without custom options.
The least expensive NYC custom currently for sale is $5000.
So, the three lines are bunched up and overlapping in pricing a bit.
Curious to see if this sorts out a bit more.
...y'know, I'd actually consider a German Masterbuilt Sadowsky if I need another 'classic' style bass at any point.
I bet NYC ones will start to approach Fodera-type prices.
deepestend
Commercial User
- Feb 21, 2003
- 6,249
- 8,171
- Disclosures
- Website and Social Media at Sadowsky
It sounds good to me, so far. My 98 Streamer LX is a killer bass. It's been played hard for going on 22 years, and it's still tight. If the German built Sadowkys are anything like it, that would be hard for me to dislike.
I also wonder if we might see any Warwick/Sadowsky hybridization. A Sadowsky with a wenge neck? Could it happen?
I also wonder if we might see any Warwick/Sadowsky hybridization. A Sadowsky with a wenge neck? Could it happen?
D
I didn't read the entire thread but from what I've read it seems like Warwick have much poorer distribution in the US than in Europe. In Europe they are a huge distributor for many high profile brands like MXR, Dunlop, Seymour Duncan, GHS, DR and many, many more.
But there's a difference between just distributing and actually BUILDING Sadowskys of course.
But there's a difference between just distributing and actually BUILDING Sadowskys of course.
Preach, brother.
My Thumb BO was built in '99, and is a tank. Has travelled thousands of air miles all over Europe on tours, recording sessions and festivals, and no sign of slowing down. The tuner machines still say 'Made in West Germany' on them, meaning those are at least 30 years old and still work perfectly. I bought it used and the previous owner did NOT take care of it, in fact he seemed proud of not taking care of it (he was a very strange person). The only problem was a dodgy output jack - I emailed Warwick about it and they sent me a new one, free of charge. Soldered it in myself back in '07 and since then not the slightest problem with anything. The quality is simply insane.
If you're talking about a Sadowsky built by the same people, I don't think anyone has anything to worry about in terms of how well-made they will be.
Last edited:
I'm familiar with the various Just-A-Nuts (this was my third Warwick). The "plate" should have been glued onto the neck and wasn't.
Yeah, never had any complaints about Warwick distribution in Europe, they're fantastic.
Over that side of the pond they seem to have some problems.
The only Warwick instruments I see are the Rock Bass line at GC. And not a lot of those.
I think that from Warwick’s perspective, getting the Sadowsky license helps them because Fender style basses are cheaper to make than neck through, multi laminate neck basses that Warwick is known for. Warwick’s were never cheap, but when Euro increased in value relative to the dollar, it put their nicest basses in the Fodera price range. Making $2-$4K Fender style basses with a prestigious name should be a win for Warwick in increasing market share.
Before anyone says it, I know lots of traditional Warwick’s are bolt on models like the Corvette 5 I used to own.
Before anyone says it, I know lots of traditional Warwick’s are bolt on models like the Corvette 5 I used to own.
Last edited:
I know we don't have an official answer yet, but I'm most curious whether Satin Series will continue to be produced in the NYC shop. @deepestend @Sadowsky
