Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 (2020)

[antfarm]

The Warwick-built Sadowsky MetroExpress basses are available for pre-order at Thomann Germany: https://www.thomann.de/de/search_dir.html?oa=pra&sw=Sadowsky MetroExpress

Available as J- and P/J-configurations, both 4- and 5-string, Maple or Morado (Pau Ferro) neck models.

799 Euro for the 4-string, 849 Euro for the 5-string models.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[SwitchGear]

Legendary Sadowsky quality in this line of basses?

Looks to me like the pickguard/control plate are not a good fit on this green bass, in this picture.

 

[antfarm]

More info, also on the other 2020 Sadowsky lines, on the Warwick Music Distribution website: Sadowsky MetroExpress

 

[Basta-bass]

Legendary Sadowsky quality in this line of basses?

Looks to me like the pickguard/control plate are not a good fit on this green bass, in this picture.

Must be a pre-serie prototype they made for the pictures...
My guess is that the final product will be perfect!
Like the 5 strings displayed on the site.

 

[Guinness20]

Just been looking at these on thomann, will be keeping an eye on these. Would be good to find out the string spacing on the 5 string basses.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Legendary Sadowsky quality in this line of basses?

Looks to me like the pickguard/control plate are not a good fit on this green bass, in this picture.

I wonder how much the fit of that pickguard is going to hurt the tone or playability? As you noted, this is a prototype and I am sure there was a time constraint in getting them ready for NAMM and the other trade shows. Still, for about $900 for a five string, I am expecting the fit and finish of a second generation Sire, and that is quite good in my opinion.

 

[SwitchGear]

Good point Doc. Thing is I did not make note the green bass was a prototype, that was someone else.

 

[ElMon]

Just been looking at these on thomann, will be keeping an eye on these. Would be good to find out the string spacing on the 5 string basses.

They’ll be 19MM spacing like every single one of his 5strings that isn’t a special order NYC, and if I’m wrong about that I’ll cash app you enough for a pint.

 

[5StringPocket]

I didn’t see VTC listed in the spec. They look like nice basses but a budget preamp would be a “no” for me. Part of the Sadowsky sound is that iconic preamp.

 

[FunkHead]

For me there are at least 3 things putting me off of these. 1: Pre-amp/no VTC 2: Okume body wood. Really???, 3: country of origin.

 

[Basta-bass]

It's been a while that the VTC has become optional in Sadowsky preamp...
It's not a budget preamp it is just not "full options"...
You should be able to add it as an upgrade.

 

[ElMon]

I didn’t see VTC listed in the spec. They look like nice basses but a budget preamp would be a “no” for me. Part of the Sadowsky sound is that iconic preamp.

This worried me too. Didn’t see why that additional VTC would add that much cost in a prewired mass production setup. Is it that much more in material/labor hours?

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I didn’t see VTC listed in the spec. They look like nice basses but a budget preamp would be a “no” for me. Part of the Sadowsky sound is that iconic preamp.

The VTC is a $100 or $150 upgrade for the RSD basses.

 

[nonohmic]

Bout the same price as a Fender Player Jazz V.

I'd def go Sad.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

For me there are at least 3 things putting me off of these. 1: Pre-amp/no VTC 2: Okume body wood. Really???, 3: country of origin.

It's a $900 bass. Pay full freight and you will get a fully appointed Sadowsky.

 

[dpc]

I emailed Warwick last week and they said the VTC preamp will not be offered as an upgrade. I’ve been thinking of waiting To buy one of the new MetroExpress basses, not sure if there is a better bass out there for $900 no matter what the preamp is. I could add the VTC latter for around $260 or look for a used current model -that’s about $1600 or more right now though.

 

[LowEndLobster]

It's a $900 bass. Pay full freight and you will get a fully appointed Sadowsky.

Agreed. Solid price for a bass with the Sadowsky name on the headstock. I think this will be on my review list

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I emailed Warwick last week and they said the VTC preamp will not be offered as an upgrade. I’ve been thinking of waiting To buy one of the new MetroExpress basses, not sure if there is a better bass out there for $900 no matter what the preamp is. I could add the VTC latter for around $260 or look for a used current model -that’s about $1600 or more right now though.

Roger Sadowsky himself said he would install it. I probably stated too low of a price.

 

[Basta-bass]

Second hand market seems so cheap in the US...
Here in Europe we'll never get a Japanese Metroline for under 2000 us$

 

[Basta-bass]

Agreed. Solid price for a bass with the Sadowsky name on the headstock.

It won't have it on the headstock.
Copyrights issues...
It will be branded RSD...for Roger Sadowsky Design...