I know when the metro express launched, there were some initial QC issues that have since been resolved. Is there any consensus on what years are good to get or which ones to avoid? They seem to pop up near me all the time at great prices, but a lot of them are 2020 or 2021 models.
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Sadowsky Metro Express, what years to avoid?
- Thread starter Challanger2
- Start date
I would steer clear of the ones that have the ‘RSD’ logo. The newer ones have the standard ‘Sadowsky’ logo and those are a solid instrument. I bought one at the beginning of the year and it has been a solid gigging bass.
I own both an RSD and a Sadowsky branded MetroExpress, and I wouldn't necessarily say to steer clear of the older model. I bought the RSD for a great price so the minor fit and finish differences between it and the newer one don't both me a bit. Honestly the only real issue to report is that the pickup selector knob had a slightly gritty feel when adjusting it, but after a year or so of use, that is barely noticeable anymore.
I will say that my RSD came with 'USED' stamped into the back of the headstock, and from what I recall, the brick and mortar store that sold it to me on Reverb made some mention of how the large batch of these that he had purchased went through some sort of additional QC process after he bought them. Sorry that I dont remember details. I'll just say that if you're able to play one of the RSDs before purchase or there's some return policy, then I wouldn't rule them out completely.
Last week I took the RSD to the weekly jam I go to and thoroughly enjoyed playing it. One of the other bassists even asked to play it after hearing it. Since I got it for such a deal, im much more willing to let anybody play it that's interested! Good luck with your search.
I will say that my RSD came with 'USED' stamped into the back of the headstock, and from what I recall, the brick and mortar store that sold it to me on Reverb made some mention of how the large batch of these that he had purchased went through some sort of additional QC process after he bought them. Sorry that I dont remember details. I'll just say that if you're able to play one of the RSDs before purchase or there's some return policy, then I wouldn't rule them out completely.
Last week I took the RSD to the weekly jam I go to and thoroughly enjoyed playing it. One of the other bassists even asked to play it after hearing it. Since I got it for such a deal, im much more willing to let anybody play it that's interested! Good luck with your search.
I have an RSD Fretless JJ5 made in 2021 and I have new Sadowsky Modern Metro Express 5 that I bought new about 2 1/2 weeks ago. They are both really nice basses. The only RSD basses I would be careful about are the basses made during the very first run.
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Ive been drooling over that ME Modern and you aren't helping! The clips ive seen you post sound great! I think im going to talk to Santa and see if ive been good enough this year to get a new Sadowsky!
I also have one of each and I agree with the above comments. The primary difference IMO are the necks. The RSD neck is maple and is thinner back to front, very similar IMO to the neck on my Fender Player P, which I quite like. The Sado is a fatter, rounder, roasted maple. At first I was a bit offput at the thicker neck but it didn't take long to get completely comfortable with it and it's my primary go-to now.
I bought my '23 Sado branded one first and owned/played it for several months before acquiring the RSD. Some may recall there were some posts about a reseller (Franklin Guitar Works) that had bought a bunch of the returned RSD's and simply separated the necks and bodies, both loaded with all tuners, pickups etc still attached and in tact, and auctioned them off in mass on (if memory serves ) Ebay. Anyway I bid on and won both a loaded body and loaded neck and put them together for $370 total. I keep it as a backup and occasionally gig and rehearse with it. Required some adjustments and tweaking to get it up and playable but once I got it dialed in it setup, plays, AND sounds as good as the '23. If you're on a budget and are looking for the Sadowski tone and playability they're definitely a workable option.
Yeah Franklin Guitar Works was the seller I bought mine from. Im totally happy with my purchase. I think I paid 400 bucks for it. I generally take the 2nd gen out more. The previous owner put Bartolini pickups in it. They sound great but sometimes I dig the stock Sadowsky pickups from the 1st gen.
I could just be trying to justify why I need to keep both. That's always a possibility.
I think the perception is those first years are bad and the prices reflect it for sure! As others have mentioned they've gotten their earlier year basses set up well, I would think most are fine at this point or could be with a little love. When they were new and people were paying new prices for them I think the issues really just left a bad taste in the buyers mouth. They returned them instead of wondering if they could be fixed. That said, I bought a 2023 because I just really love the roasted maple neck and I got it for not much more than the RSD version.
They made a lot of updates in 2023, so I’d prefer 2023 or later. That being said, as long as you can set up the earlier MetroExpress to be playable, you’re good to go. The preamp is the most important part of these basses, and they’ve all got it.
