According to Roger the first batch branded Sadowsky will arrive around mid '23. They will still not have the VTC.
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I know. Frankly, if the MetroExpress came with VTC, I think they would hurt German Metroline sales.
A Sadowsky Onboard Preamp with VTC can be purchased from Warwick and installed as an aftermarket item for under $200 shipped.
Sadowsky Onboard Bass Preamp (4-Knob System)
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It sure looks like they have not been available since Warwick took over.
In the Uk you can just buy the VTC upgrade kit for Sadowsky preamps without VTC, for £85.
From the link:
The Vintage Tone Control (VTC) Retrofit Kit is the the perfect upgrade for older Sadowsky models and new MetroExpress basses that only have separate treble and bass controls.
The VTC Retrofit Kit includes a stacked potentiometer for treble and bass, a push/pull potentiometer for the passive tone control and preamp bypass switch. The VTC control is passive, the maximum setting is a flat EQ. The further you turn the control down, the more the high end in the signal will be attenuated.
The Vintage Tone Control (VTC) Retrofit Kit is the the perfect upgrade for older Sadowsky models and new MetroExpress basses that only have separate treble and bass controls.
The VTC Retrofit Kit includes a stacked potentiometer for treble and bass, a push/pull potentiometer for the passive tone control and preamp bypass switch. The VTC control is passive, the maximum setting is a flat EQ. The further you turn the control down, the more the high end in the signal will be attenuated.
Just popping in to say that I just received my Metro Express JJ 4 from Fret Nation today. They are blowing them out at $649 right now and I opted to have them install a VTC in mine. Total damage was $780.
Jason is a great and very fair guy to do business with, and I will be buying more from him.
Because of the amazing playability, I'll probably pick up a P/J in the near future. They are really that good. My only decision is whether to keep my Yamaha BB424x (incredible instrument, regardless of price) or sell that and put funds toward the Metro Express P/J.
I'm actually very impressed with the sound, playability and overall quality. Fretwork is great, with nice low action and no buzz anywhere (hard to find in this price range by any manufacturer) and it's very light. Haven't weighed it yet but it can't be much over 8lbs, if that. The neck is very comfortable too. Mine is a 2021, made sure of that based on the initial issues with the first run. I have not yet noticed any real noise from the pickups at all, whether fully blended or soloed. For sub $1k, not sure how much better you can do for an active bass with a Sadowsky preamp and overall similar specs.
The only thing I'm a little bummed about is that the newer models will have the actual Sadowsky logo, but it's certainly not a reason to warrant not keeping it. It's not going anywhere. I'll be gigging it tomorrow as well, and looking forward to it.
Logo aside, if you can swing the $650 or $780, do it. You will not be disappointed at all.
Jason is a great and very fair guy to do business with, and I will be buying more from him.
Because of the amazing playability, I'll probably pick up a P/J in the near future. They are really that good. My only decision is whether to keep my Yamaha BB424x (incredible instrument, regardless of price) or sell that and put funds toward the Metro Express P/J.
I'm actually very impressed with the sound, playability and overall quality. Fretwork is great, with nice low action and no buzz anywhere (hard to find in this price range by any manufacturer) and it's very light. Haven't weighed it yet but it can't be much over 8lbs, if that. The neck is very comfortable too. Mine is a 2021, made sure of that based on the initial issues with the first run. I have not yet noticed any real noise from the pickups at all, whether fully blended or soloed. For sub $1k, not sure how much better you can do for an active bass with a Sadowsky preamp and overall similar specs.
The only thing I'm a little bummed about is that the newer models will have the actual Sadowsky logo, but it's certainly not a reason to warrant not keeping it. It's not going anywhere. I'll be gigging it tomorrow as well, and looking forward to it.
Logo aside, if you can swing the $650 or $780, do it. You will not be disappointed at all.
?
"Sadowsky MetroLine Basses feature:
- All representative NYC Models
- Sadowsky pickups, preamps, and hardware
- Small shop construction
- Affordable pricing"
The Japanese Metro Express were also great, I also have a Japanese Metroline and the quality is indistinguishable. Not surprised Sadowsky discontinued that line
?
"Sadowsky MetroLine Basses feature:
- All representative NYC Models
- Sadowsky pickups, preamps, and hardware
- Small shop construction
- Affordable pricing"
- Maybe, the earlier Japanese Metroline's didn't offer the VTC?
Both my Japanese Metroline and Metro Express have VTC, it was standard.
Yep, mine is a 2016 and I'm putting $5 down it has a VTC (4 knob, push/pull preamp bypass).
?
"Sadowsky MetroLine Basses feature:
Maybe, the earlier Japanese Metroline's didn't offer the VTC?
- All representative NYC Models
- Sadowsky pickups, preamps, and hardware
- Small shop construction
- Affordable pricing"
When I bought my first Metro in May of '06 directly from the Sadowsky shop it did not come with the VTC standard. It was a $150 upgrade.
The VTC became standard in 2007. For both NYC and Japan production.
When it became standard I remember thinking, yeah, that makes sense. I love that little VTC. Best $150 I ever spent!
