Although there a few other brands I might consider, my number one choice for my final big purchase is a Sadowsky Metroline. I have mainly focused on Moderns and Jazzes, but the Hybrid PJ5 just might work too.
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Sadowsky Metroline Hybrid PJ5
- Thread starter Dr. Cheese
- Start date
Although there a few other brands I might consider, my number one choice for my final big purchase is a Sadowsky Metroline. I have mainly focused on Moderns and Jazzes, but the Hybrid PJ5 just might work too.
I recently got a 2016 MIJ Metroline PJ5(w the Jazz body, solid ash). It's my number one, I use it for every genre I play--country, reggae, soul, funk, rock, you-name-it. I actually never spent much time with PJs before but now I love that config for a fiver. Records so good it's silly - such a solid, focused, "produced" sound. Now I want one with a P body like these! Big fan of "the Sadowsky Sound". I use the pre pedal on my other passive basses too.
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I just picked up a Metroline Modern 5, so I'm interested in the new ME ultra P5 that's coming out. If not that one, maybe find a used ME PJ 5, jazz body and mod.
When the time comes, it might be worth a road trip to Sweetwater (who probably has the biggest selection in one location) and spend a couple days playing all these different models side by side to find which one is best for you. I'm sure they would be willing to arrange a visit with you.
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In practice I never boost the bass or treble nearly as much as he's doing in that vid. I find somewhere around 10-20% max gives me that Sadowsky "thing", that super solid low end and clarity, yet still sounds organic and "Fender-y". VTC to taste. But it's nice that that mega boost is on tap if you want it.
It's the only configuration I don't really enjoy in the Sadowsky line. I feel like you lose the typical strong clean Sadowsky tone. Everytime I tried one it felt it sounded just nice unlike the rest of the other models that sounds fantastic.
I'd love to hear what a Metroline PJ fretless would sound like, to compare to my MX PJ fretless. I'm playing it today and I love the tone, with barely any boost applied. It's rock solid on the bottom and clear as a bell on top, with Chromes.
The only other PJ I ever played or owned was a '90 Japanese Bass Collection 310, and even though it "played like butter," with the lowest action I've ever experienced on a bass, the tone and clarity was terrible. It's the reason I got rid of it. The MX is so far superior, not even comparable. Granted, it's more P than J, but it's a really great P.
The only other PJ I ever played or owned was a '90 Japanese Bass Collection 310, and even though it "played like butter," with the lowest action I've ever experienced on a bass, the tone and clarity was terrible. It's the reason I got rid of it. The MX is so far superior, not even comparable. Granted, it's more P than J, but it's a really great P.
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I am typically not a big PJ person, but the Sadowsky’s I have heard are just so versatile! My absolute favorite Sadowsky with a split pickup is their P/Soap Bar configuration. They are in limited production this year for $6,500 a pop. That is much more than I want to spend, but I might go for it.
I own two P-body four-strings (purchased used but minty for less than new Pro II prices), a sunburst and a CAR. I've been taking the CAR one to all my rehearsals and gigs for the better part of a year. It works great for everything, as you said, and it's an ergonomic pleasure for my back and shoulder. For *me*, these Sadowskys are "extension of myself" instruments that are effortless to play. I still spend a lot of practice time with my StingRays, Ricks and Fenders, but at least for now Sadowsky is my No. 1.
I agree about PJs. Somehow, the Sadowskys shine where most PJs leave me cold.
At that price there are lots of options, that said the B string on a 34” scale is pretty darn impressive. Like you I’m not a big fan of the PJ pickup. I’m seeing their price listed on Sweetwater as $3,500.00. What am zI missing here?
Maybe cause I’m mostly a P guy, my PJ5 just ticks all the boxes for me. Does that sit in the mix thing in a P-ish way but with extra special sauce. I had a MIJ JJ Metroline 4 string years ago and it was great too, but gimme that P pickup any day!
I typically hate hate hate P/J setups. I have had tons of them and they always sound odd, volume balance is off and blending is also iffy, etc
my Sadowsky Hybrid P/J is the only P/J that seems to have gotten it right it. I have mentioned it before, its hard to make these sound bad.
my Sadowsky Hybrid P/J is the only P/J that seems to have gotten it right it. I have mentioned it before, its hard to make these sound bad.
I just got a metroline jazz 5 to go with the nyc modern 5 so I suggest getting something with a different pickup configuration. But the modern is worth having 2 of! Maybe I should have gone that route and got another modern and put some flats on one!
My best PJ sound comes from one of these. I think it's because the spread of the pickups are not standard. It sounds good with either the P soloed or the blend of both full on. The bridge soloed, not so much.
Then there is my P Bass of Doom with its humbucker, Precision, Jazz pickup layout. It sounds good because I use it differently.
If a fretless Modern comes along that isn't $5k+ then I'll be intrigued. Whatever model it is.
The modern is just the best configuration IMO. I acquired a second NYC Modern 5 a month ago.
I was playing my modern today and I agree… it works so well in the mix and my IEM’s 
