Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage 5 J/J ....Adding new preamp and pickups??

[pb9717]

The stock MetroExpress preamp is a real Sadowsky preamp, the same as what came with the original Japanese Metros. I had one of these basses some 18 years ago and it worked pretty darn well. Personally I like the version with the VTC but if you don't want to drop the coin, the stock preamp is solid.

Bones

The preamp module is the same. The controls are drastically different. The controls in the Chinese unit are inexpensive. The controls in the upgraded VTC use MEC controls. The difference is obvious once you’ve gone from one to the other, but yes, the preamp circuit board is the same one.

The above unit is the Warwick provided model. The lower one was extracted from a Chinese SMX.. You can see the MEC controls are substantial. As where the Chinese units are less than stellar but adequate.

 

[alembicbones]

Here's a song I played with the stock MetroExpress preamp.



Here's a version with the VTC.



Same bass, different preamp.

Bones

 

[jimmyfwl]

I have upgraded and modified over a dozen Sadowsky Metro express Chinese models. I have found the single coil stock pick ups to be more than adequate. The best upgrade I’ve found is the newer VTC plate. It has far higher quality controls, and is the same one used in the metro line. That should be the only thing you really need to do. There is a plethora of pick up options. Should you choose to change them. But, as I stated, I find the single coil Chinese pick ups to be more than adequate. Of course you can put in the noiseless split coil models offered by the company, or a multitude of other brands models. But I think you’ll find changing the vtc plate out will be perfectly suitable upgrade.

Thank you for the very useful information! The VTC option is seemingly the go to for this model!

 

[jimmyfwl]

The preamp module is the same. The controls are drastically different. The controls in the Chinese unit are inexpensive. The controls in the upgraded VTC use MEC controls. The difference is obvious once you’ve gone from one to the other, but yes, the preamp circuit board is the same one.
View attachment 7385578
The above unit is the Warwick provided model. The lower one was extracted from a Chinese SMX.. You can see the MEC controls are substantial. As where the Chinese units are less than stellar but adequate.

This is what I needed to know! I appreciate the pics and detailed explanation!

 

[jimmyfwl]

I put my own VTC in thanks to the electronic wizards here on TB. It was easy and definitely improved the versatilityof the instrument.
I have thought about putting Nordstrand J blades in but have not done it yet,

Good to know that the switch out is doable! If you switch out the pups, let me know what you think..

 

[jimmyfwl]

I have 3… all of them modded quite a bit. Turns out I like tinkering as much as playing bass. The older ones (known as RSD models) can be found for a bit cheaper and have a slightly thinner neck profile compared to the newer ones. I redid the logos myself with decals
View attachment 7385341
This one is currently passive but had the VTC for a while. Great pre, I just don’t need this bass to be active. Nordstrand pickups and Hipshot drop tuner. Has EB flats on it right now

View attachment 7385342
This was my first MetroExpress and I love it. Noll TCM 4 XM in this one. Bartolini pickups, Hipshot tuners and bridge. Rocking D’addario chromes


View attachment 7385343This one is the newest addition to the arsenal. Electronics came pre-modded with an older Bartolini NTMB-918F and Ulyate pickups. Added a kickass bridge and a handmade nut. Sounds amazing with Fender rounds

Sweet basses! Thanks for the information. So many options to consider!

 

[Kenny056]

I have 3 MEs, an RSD that's stock, a 2nd gen that I bought used with Bartolinis and a Modern that's stock.

The stock models both can sound a little brittle on the top end if you push the treble, but i rarely turn up the treble at all and its still got a very clear high end. The Bartolinis sound great but I dont feel compelled to do the swap with the other 2. The VTC however seems like something I might look into.

 

[chris_b]

I've played a Sadowsky Metro for about 9 years now. Yoshi Kikuchi made some fantastic instruments and mine is a very tough act to follow. I put it against a chambered NYC in a local shop and my bass sounded better. Any Sadowsky I buy will be measured against this Metro. If the NYC came second I'm not sure how the Metroexpress basses will match up.

I know a guy selling a Limited Edition Metroline J/MM Jazz. The MM pickup layout has never been high on my list of wants but I might have check it out.

 

[Alessandro Cruz]

I got two Metro Express, the 1st RSD gen and then the 2nd gen.

Both sounded good from start, but left me with an impression it could do more. I removed the original preamp and put an Audere Jazz 4-Band in its place.

Night and day, plus the addition of the "VTC" ( nothing more than a passive tone control ).

I've lost the passive feature. But gained a lot more tone-shaping options.