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Sadowsky MetroExpress Modern - sent it back
- Thread starter jajafofo
- Start date
My SMX lined fretless, has grooves over the lines. Had to sand the board down… it’s my first lined fretless, not sure if this is normal.
Returning to thomann is very difficult from the US. Fairly expensive and nonrecoupable. I never use Warwick strap locks. And I have had the same experience in that the clasp will never lock on the button. I use Dunlop only on all my instruments.
I'm not a Sadowsky fan but I wouldn't go near the Chinese built versions. I'd have to have the real thing.
My first was an RSD as well. A white Verdine purchased from thomann. I think it was 799. When it arrived, there was a piece of masking tape sticking out of the neck pocket. I had to remove the neck to get the masking tape off. I sent Roger and Hans Peter a photo of the masking tape in the pocket telling them that they may have some QC issues. I then installed the VTC standalone circuit for $79. That Bass was excellent. It was my number one for 3 1/2 years. I played so many gigs with it, that I started to wear down the paint under my right forearm. I took a lot of pride in the authentic relic I had created with the enormous amount of gigging I did with that instrument. I sold it to a friend for 699. He loves it. I’ve moved up to the Japan modern and don’t really consider the Chinese line anymore. Roger is acutely aware of the QC issues in the line. But, that’s a different business structure, manufacturing, location, and material than the higher end instruments. He has a lot to be proud of in the original design. Unfortunately, the Chinese line is not a very good representation of the type of work we’re used to getting from the brand.
Seems odd because Chinese Dingwalls seem to have a rep for excellent quality.
Been on the prowl for another fretless.
I've seen just a bleep load of those Metro Express fretless basses, both 4 and 5 available at SW among other places. Price point is nice, but something keeps nagging at me to hold off. I had a friend who had a similar issue. Missed my shot at a used Metroline in my price range that caught my eye some months ago.
I've seen just a bleep load of those Metro Express fretless basses, both 4 and 5 available at SW among other places. Price point is nice, but something keeps nagging at me to hold off. I had a friend who had a similar issue. Missed my shot at a used Metroline in my price range that caught my eye some months ago.
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I believe they go to the Dingwall shop in Saskatchewan for inspection before being sold.
I considered getting the Metroline but they’re about 3x the cost of the Chinese version and I know that import gear has gotten quite good so I decided to try my luck with the Metro Express.Been on the prowl for another fretless.
I've seen just a bleep load of those Metro Express fretless basses, both 4 and 5 available at SW among other places. Price point is nice, but something keeps nagging at me to hold off. I had a friend who had a similar issue. Missed my shot at a used Metroline in my price range that caught my eye some months ago.
I understand. You might try the used MLs. They're only twice as much as a new Express, if that's any consolation. Good luck and may your new Express be most excellent for you.
I bought a Metro Express PJ5 about a year and a half ago and am very pleased with it. The materials and workmanship are first-class. I love its feel and sound. I’ve said several times before that I simply don’t need a nicer bass than this. You’re right - the included gig bag is fantastic!
The issue is that Metro Express seems to be a bit like Fender in that you might get a good one and you might get a dud.
I want to do some travel in Western Canada when I retire. I hope I can arrange a tour of the Dingwall factory.
Yes and unlike Fender you usually can’t try a Metro Express in a store.
Honestly I never really thought about these too much when they were introduced (the metroexpress line) but I am going to agree that it makes little sense. The point of Sadowsky was to make a top quality better than Fender bass with fantastic electronics. Once its a run of the mill Chinese factory bass why wouldn't someone get a used USA or MIM Fender jazz and drop the preamp in. It sounds like you still need to add the cost of a preamp in anyway. Is it just the desire for that Sadowsky headstock shape? When Lakland did this they brought everything back to the USA shop but even then I think they priced themselves into a bad territory. You have to beat Fender not match or exceed them in price.
I just got a sire V5-24 fretless. It is spectacular. 8 lbs. 6 oz., set up like a dream sounds absolutely great. I have been hunting for the right fretless for two years. I haven’t stopped playing this thing since it came here last week. I also tried the Z7. That instrument was the polar opposite . extremely heavy. I could not get a tone out of it. I liked. The V5 with the 24 fret body is really outstanding. I can’t recommend it enough.Been on the prowl for another fretless.
I've seen just a bleep load of those Metro Express fretless basses, both 4 and 5 available at SW among other places. Price point is nice, but something keeps nagging at me to hold off. I had a friend who had a similar issue. Missed my shot at a used Metroline in my price range that caught my eye some months ago.
I had a real deal Sadowsky jazz many years ago. Probably the best jazz bass I’ve had. Kind of wish I still did. That was a used US bass. I don’t know that I’d buy an import. Just don’t seem the same. I think you made a good move with the Lakland. I had a number of 55-?? And really liked them. If I didn’t love my Roscoe’s so much, I’d probably be playing Lakland or maybe G&L.
