Mr. @Sadowsky thank you for making a MetroExpress lefty! Not only making a legendary affordable classic but in lefty! Boo-teek builders take note! Mr. Sadowsky gets it! 
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Hey gang, I'm considering a local Metro Express P/J. I asked for electronics cavity shot. Does this look like the earlier 2020 run with messier wiring, less optimal battery clip and possibly the noisier preamp? It kind of looks like it is (seller sent a low res unfortunately).
If so, what is the fix for this? I've modded amps and could make the improvements myself.
Thoughts?
If so, what is the fix for this? I've modded amps and could make the improvements myself.
Thoughts?
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Tell him you need a larger and better photo.
Is this from a dealer or is it used?
Thanks! I asked for a larger resolution photo.
It's local used. I haven't purchased, but am considering. Seller bought it new from retail on Reverb in early 2021. I can find out who if needed.
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@Sadowsky Here you go. FYI, Seller said it's 2020 model he bought new/retail early 2021. He thinks it might be late 2020.
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I have two RSD 2020 models I believe and they looked just like that cavity and setup. I upgraded the 5 string with an Audere Preamp. The 5 string wasn't as noisy as the 4 string. The 5 string now is dead quiet. The 4 string I purchased a Sadowsky Preamp out of Germany. The 4 string was better after the upgrade but it still hums a little to much so I am in the process of copper shielding it. Just remember you are dealing with a jazz pickup there and most due hum. The 4 string I got a super deal 600 new. But then again it did buzz and needed an upgrade. I would take a guess it was a second and the dealer didn't list it that way just lowered the price. Even the 5 string I got a good deal on so putting some money into them wasn't as much of a big deal for myself. Looking back is the RSD worth it that is a tough call. What is really nice though is you get some of the really cool features from Rogers special formula for under 1000. I believe Roger has dealt with the early production issues and it should be fine now. Bass On!
Hello! Anyone know of a dealer carrying a new batch of the RSD PJ? I’m interested in the improvements over the last generation.
Does the battery have a vinyl clip-on top the old fashioned style? I found those to tear easily after a while.
This battery connector is hard plastic.
Hello,
I have my eye locally on a blue pj 5 rsd model. Looking around I spotted a green rsd 5 with a later serial number in the 2000s. I noticed some refinements to the lower bottom carve of the neck and lower horn cutout. The blue one looks not cut correctly? Anyone else notice these changes on the newer batches and os the blue one deformed?
I have my eye locally on a blue pj 5 rsd model. Looking around I spotted a green rsd 5 with a later serial number in the 2000s. I noticed some refinements to the lower bottom carve of the neck and lower horn cutout. The blue one looks not cut correctly? Anyone else notice these changes on the newer batches and os the blue one deformed?
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im kinda wondering if these first batch basses should be sold as "B" stock? Some of these local stores may not even know about the disfigurement or unfinished carve in back of the body horn and neck, and that the second batch corrects these issues. That second series looks more close to the metroline. Any thoughts on this?
**Update**
Got a reply from Warwick:
Thank you for reaching out, we truly appreciate your feedback. When it comes to the Sadowsky Metro Expresses, there were some issues with the initial run of basses, specifically with the electronics module. By your serial number, that issue had been rectified and was then considered the second run of instruments. The third run of SME’s introduced the Sadowsky Just A Nut III, the new nut you’ve referenced in your inquiry. As with all aspects of production, there are rolling changes that can be and are made once the line is introduced to the public. We are always working diligently to listen to what our players have to say, and work tirelessly to ensure that our products are constantly evolving to fit the standards of not only our players, but those whose name is on the headstock. With that being said, there are slight body modifications between the instrument production runs that are still being finalized. I am sorry to hear that you feel that way, but I can assure you that the first and second production runs are not considered ‘unfinished’ by anyone in our organization. Please let me know if I can do anything for you now or in the future.
This is not a defect or a deformation. This is what is known as "continuous improvement". Small improvements are often made on an ongoing basis. Same for German or NYC production.
Thanks for the clarification and info Roger! This will be my first Sadowsky bass and as a new consumer its good to know that refinements are being made. You're a luthier of great expertise that gives great attention to detail. I just didn't know at the time of purchase that those kind of refinements to the bottom part of the body and neck were in the making or if it was a quality control issue that needed correction with the electronics. I can honestly say that this pricepoint is for people like me who don't have a whole lot to spend but want a nice bass. To me, those refinements are important and makes the next batch of metro express little more desirable
Got mine in today, haven't plugged it in yet, that will be later tonight. overall just initial thoughts, looks good, neck feels really nice, actually showed up in tune. needs some minor set-up, going to let it acclimate before doing so, here are some photos, including the "rats nest" in the control cavity, I will have to clean up. I will post more when I've had more time with it. So far pretty happy with it.
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Glad you are happy with it.
I don't think your control cavity is a rat's nest at all! Certainly not NYC wiring, but more than OK.
Roger
I don't think your control cavity is a rat's nest at all! Certainly not NYC wiring, but more than OK.
Roger
Glad you are happy with it.
I don't think your control cavity is a rat's nest at all! Certainly not NYC wiring, but more than OK.
Roger
Sorry, didn't mean to offend, just not as clean as I'm used to, but a very easy fix.
Thank you for putting these out, have ALWAYS wanted one of your instruments, but always way out of my budget. Regardless of some reviews, I'm a player and have no issue with and actually enjoy working on my basses to get them to my way of set-up. this is a GREAT platform.
Not too sure about how the nut slots are cut. Maybe it's the photo angle?? The G string slot looks way inboard.
