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Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 (2020)

#401
Sadowsky said:
We offer a complete preamp assembly with VTC, or just a VTC retrofit kit.
Sadowsky Parts
Click to expand...

I am considering whether to replace the complete preamp assembly or just add the retrofit kit, in order to add the VTC.

Is the overall quality of the preamp itself (in the preamp assembly with VTC) an upgrade over the quality of the original preamp that comes with the MetroExpress?

Am I better off spending a few extra dollars and replacing the full preamp assembly v. dropping in a retro kit?

thanks!!!
 
#402
JLY said:
I am considering whether to replace the complete preamp assembly or just add the retrofit kit, in order to add the VTC.

Is the overall quality of the preamp itself (in the preamp assembly with VTC) an upgrade over the quality of the original preamp that comes with the MetroExpress?

Am I better off spending a few extra dollars and replacing the full preamp assembly v. dropping in a retro kit?

thanks!!!
Click to expand...
I would replace it completely, and try to sell the old one. Installing the retrofit might be not as easy if you are not experienced.
 
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#404
Loepie said:
I would replace it completely, and try to sell the old one. Installing the retrofit might be not as easy if you are not experienced.
Click to expand...

The full PreAmp kit on the control plate looks easy enough for me to put in, where just looking at the VTC upgrade kit with all of the connections that have to be made scares me off. When I add the cost to have someone else install the VTC upgrade for me the full kit is cheaper, and it's going to be a lot cleaner inside the control cavity as well.
 
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#405
I've just installed a pair of DiMarzio hum-cancelling DP147s from my stash in mine. Also replaced the blend pot with one that has a stronger detent and reversed the pickup wires on the pot so they work in a more logical manner (to me, anyways). The DiMarzios have negated the need for installing a VTC as they are darker sounding than the chinese single coils. They also provide a better balance in volume when the passive switch is engaged. Not even, but better than before. This is now a very usable bass with my other mods. It's a keeper.
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#408
Sadowsky said:
We only use Hipshot Ultralites on our NYC 5 string basses. NYC 4 string basses use a larger, heavier tuner (Hipshot BT-1 or similar) to help minimize deadspots. When we used Ultralites on our 4 strings, we had an increase in deadspots. The Metro basses all use the same tuners.

Regarding Neck Dive:

All Fender style basses (and many others) have neck dive when seated. It does not matter if the bass weighs 7 pounds or 12 pounds.

When standing, neck dive is a function of the strap you use. If the back of your strap has a slick material (vinyl, shiny leather, etc), you will experience neck dive.

If your strap has a backing that provides more resistance (cotton, suede or anything with a rougher texture, your bass should remain in place, even if you let both hands off of the bass.

This bass weighs 7.44 pounds



This bass weighs 8.44 pounds.
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It always interesting to hear the response of an experienced luthier compared to what a player sees as an improvement. I have the absolute cheapest bass in the range, an RSD, and the tuners are super accurate. I have noticed no dead spots, plus my bass is 8.9lbs. I could not be happier with a bass that came $28 under $1K after I had the dealer switch the strings to flats.
 
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#409
Dr. Cheese said:
It always interesting to hear the response of an experienced luthier compared to what a player sees as an improvement. I have the absolute cheapest bass in the range, an RSD, and the tuners are super accurate. I have noticed no dead spots, plus my bass is 8.9lbs. I could not be happier with a bass that came $28 under $1K after I had the dealer switch the strings to flats.
Click to expand...
My 4 string RSD now has the USA Ultralites and I cannot find a dead spot anywhere.
 
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#411
JLY said:
I am considering whether to replace the complete preamp assembly or just add the retrofit kit, in order to add the VTC.

Is the overall quality of the preamp itself (in the preamp assembly with VTC) an upgrade over the quality of the original preamp that comes with the MetroExpress?

Am I better off spending a few extra dollars and replacing the full preamp assembly v. dropping in a retro kit?

thanks!!!
Click to expand...

I added the VTC to the OEM Metro express pre with great success, but that was back when they were $99. The kicker is, the VTC kit is now $130, and an entirely new plate with the preamp installed is only $209. You could likely get $100-$150 for the Metro Express Pre, and your total cost would be lower getting the new pre w the VTC. Personally, I find the VTC to be mandatory to quell the highs. I’ve also had great success with the stock pups on my Verdine Metro Express. My Verdine probably has 200+ gigs on it, and is goin strong.
 
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#418
Heyo! Sadowsky/Warwick reached out to me to see if I want to revisit the bass with the big new changes coming for 2023. There appears to be a LOT of improvements addressing a lot of the things I mentioned in my review. The models that they're sending out are prototypes, but I'm holding out for the first production versions as some key features are missing from the prototypes that will be present in the full retail versions. I should get my claws on them sometime in September!
 
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#420
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Hey everyone! I was lucky enough to get to go to a clinic here in Nashville last night to check out the new ME lineup. They had fours and fives in all color and neck options, and they had them for sale at an unbelievable price. I picked up a black and maple five string PJ, and it is incredible! The fit and finish on them is exactly what you would expect, and all of the comments Andy makes in his video seem to be very true across the whole line. I’m surprised by how much gain is on tap in the preamp. I am literally barely turning the knob and getting more than enough with 90% still available taking it to rehearsal tonight, and then playing it this weekend. Looking forward to it!

These things are going to be absolute killers when they hit the market!
 
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