Sadowsky MetroExpress Modern V - the good aaaaaand the bad

[Doug Parent]

Just got this in from Sweetwater about five days ago.
The good.
Neck and fretwork.
Finish.
The tone is what I expected from a modern and it cut through nicely on the one gig I did with it.

The not so good.
Truss rod wheel was on the tight side and bending the supplied tool for it happened almost right away.
Removed the neck, got better leverage and was able to get the neck straighter but with more effort than I expected or hoped.

Upon inserting the neck screws back into the body it became apparent all of the screws were going in at an angle. So much so that a couple of the screws were binding on the neck bushings on one side. Thats what bothers me. Pics below. I left the screws loose just so the angle was more obvious in the photo. Once the screws were fully tightened they appeared to sit flush in the bushings.

The neck was seated into the body and was making full contact so the neck was not misaligned in any way. The screw holes were seemingly drilled at an angle at the factory.
Bizarre. In 50 years of working on these instruments I've never seen anything like it on a mass produced instrument.

After multiple go rounds with the truss rod wheel I got the neck straight finally (with a little relief) but there is no more room left for adjustment.

Tempted to try another instrument but admittedly I am hesitant.

Is the issue with the neck screws a mountain I'm making out of a mole hill or does this seem kinda dodgy?

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I heard about the trussrod issues. I have not had to touch mine yet.

 

[ShadowGroover]

Tight truss rods have been reported by several here on TB, as well as bending OEM-supplied adjustment tools.

 

[pb9717]

How much did you pay? Do you feel the quality received is commensurate with the cost? I can understand being excited about a instrument. I find the modern to be the best design Rogers ever done. But I too had a Chinese modern. And there were too many issues to keep it. Unfortunately, I purchased mine directly from Warwick in Germany returning it was not an option. Ultimately I sold it at a loss. I received no complaints from the buyer. Sweetwater provides excellent customer service. I'm sure they'll be happy to swap it or refund you.

 

[2cooltoolz]

Just got this in from Sweetwater about five days ago.

This is the signicant part. Sweetwater will accept a return. Do it! and try again.

 

[ShadowGroover]

Other experiences and Warwick Sadowsky explanation

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/sadowsky-metroexpress-modern-sent-it-back

 

[tom-g]

….
Unfortunately, I purchased mine directly from Warwick in Germany returning it was not an option.
…

Why?

 

[dune]

So, you just got this bass and in addition to the neck screws being wonky the truss rod is already maxed? I'd send it back. Given that truss rods in these appear to be a known issue, I probably wouldn't be trying another one.

 

[EdwardofHuncote]

It would already be on the truck. Let Sweetwater worry about it.

 

[nonohmic]

You clearly got a dud. Just send it back. No?

 

[John K]

a brand new bass shouldne be having that many issues. Send it back and get something else. Sounds like this model is known for these issues

 

[MegaSwing]

Both concerns are legit. Get one you like better, or you will never have full confidence in it.

 

[MonetBass]

Companies with QC issues need to know about them. Return it.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I just checked the trussrod on my Modern and it works. Since I have already had a VTC installed, it would been a real bummer if it did not work.

 

[sawzalot]

Send it back. Based on what I'm reading from others I'm not sure I'd take a replacement.

 

[BassicJazzy]

Wow! First Fender USA and now we cannot even trust the Chinese to make a quality instrument? We are doomed. Time to buy some lumber and tools and start learning wood shop skills again, make our own basses?

 

[Kenny056]

I took mine out to a local jam last night. I received it 3 weeks ago and am absolutely loving it. I haven't had to make any setup adjustments so I can't comment on that.



Im at 1hr 52min.

The last 2 weeks at the jam, I did a pretty aggressive bridge pickup sound. Last night I wanted to try for a more mellow and thumpy sound. It totally delivered.

I let another guy play it last night and he explored the complete other side of what it's capable of. He's at 2hr 18min.

The ME Modern is just super versatile in my opinion. Fit and finish was solid on mine. It was an Open Box model from Sweetwater so I got it for a great price.

 

[Sadowsky]

Just got this in from Sweetwater about five days ago.
The good.
Neck and fretwork.
Finish.
The tone is what I expected from a modern and it cut through nicely on the one gig I did with it.

The not so good.
Truss rod wheel was on the tight side and bending the supplied tool for it happened almost right away.
Removed the neck, got better leverage and was able to get the neck straighter but with more effort than I expected or hoped.

Upon inserting the neck screws back into the body it became apparent all of the screws were going in at an angle. So much so that a couple of the screws were binding on the neck bushings on one side. Thats what bothers me. Pics below. I left the screws loose just so the angle was more obvious in the photo. Once the screws were fully tightened they appeared to sit flush in the bushings.

The neck was seated into the body and was making full contact so the neck was not misaligned in any way. The screw holes were seemingly drilled at an angle at the factory.
Bizarre. In 50 years of working on these instruments I've never seen anything like it on a mass produced instrument.

After multiple go rounds with the truss rod wheel I got the neck straight finally (with a little relief) but there is no more room left for adjustment.

Tempted to try another instrument but admittedly I am hesitant.

Is the issue with the neck screws a mountain I'm making out of a mole hill or does this seem kinda dodgy?

Send this to me in an email to [email protected], and I will forward it to the right people.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

The bottom line is ME series basses are inexpensive compared to other Sadowsky's, but $1,200-$1,400 basses are not cheap instruments. Hardware, fit and finish, should be consistently good, not hit and miss. Both of my basses, a RSD JJ5 and my Modern 5 with VTC, are fine. There is no reason why everything coming out of the Chinese factory can't be just as good.

 

[Sadowsky]

The bottom line is ME series basses are inexpensive compared to other Sadowsky's, but $1,200-$1,400 basses are not cheap instruments. Hardware, fit and finish, should be consistently good, not hit and miss. Both of my basses, a RSD JJ5 and my Modern 5 with VTC, are fine. There is no reason why everything coming out of the Chinese factory can't be just as good.

I spent 2 days at the factory last month while I was in China. I just want everyone to know that my goal and commitment is to have the MetroExpress be the best bass on the market at its price point. My ongoing philosophy is "continuous improvement". We are constantly working to make improvements, and I spent time with the quality control staff as well. We have an independent inspector at the factory who final checks every Sadowsky instrument. When the instruments arrive at the warehouse in Nashville, they are inspected and given a final set-up. I have personally trained the crew there. Then, when they go to a company like Sweetwater or AMS, they receive an additional inspection and setup. I was at Sweetwater in October, and I personally went to every technician in the inspection and setup department to thank them for making sure my basses were the best they could be before shipping. Sometimes the issue is not the factory but the failure of the dealer to properly check and adjust the instrument when they make the sale. I encourage everyone to purchase their instruments from dealers who have a good return policy and to NEVER purchase from an international dealer where returns are impossible.