Sadowsky or Fender

[Thunderthumbs73]

I must agree with the 5 string bass for church/gospel and so on.

All of the gospel bass players I know have a 5 string jazz bass nowadays, either a Sire or a Lakeland but a Sadowsky will be great as well.

Also, I’m a 4 string b bass addicted but a jazz is more funky and versatile IMO.

I just helped convert a lifelong 4-string (church and other) player to 5-string Stingray player, because I let him borrow two of my Stingrays. I have no dogma or horse in the race here, but I helped him make the leap into something I think will be truly beneficial.

 

[Jugghaid]

I think a metro is a nicer bass. A metro express not as much IMO. I haven’t owned one but have played many in store and they haven’t stood out to me

Exactly Metroline>AMPRO>Metroexpress.

 

[bass12]

I have not tried a Metro Express. But several months ago I went shopping for a bass and I tried every Fender and Squier I could get my hands on (this included basses from the whole Fender range). What struck me the most was how all over the place the QC and sound were. Issues didn't seem to at all determined by price tag. Neck pocket cuts and neck alignment (for example) were terrible on some of the higher end Fenders. The bass that was the best of the bunch (set up, playability and sound - meaning not just tone in general but evenness of tone across the fretboard): the Squier Active Jazz. I ABed this bass against my Lull MV5 w/ Sadowsky preamp and it held its own remarkably well.

Now, as pointed out by another poster, you have to take each bass as an individual creature. It could be that the Squier Active Jazz that came off the assembly line after the one I played is a piece of junk. But the reviews I've seen of those basses have all been very positive. Anyway, I wouldn't assume that the extra money spent on even a high end Fender will get you a better instrument overall.

 

[jase72]

I find the Sadowsky ME models comparable to Sire, but not the Fender Pro line.

I own a Sadowsky MetroLine M5-24 (Japan), Sadowsky MetroExpress Modern (China), and also a Fender Pro II Precision (USA). For what it's worth, I will share my subjective experience on those models to help you a bit. Ignoring the obvious timbre/sound differences:

• Sadowsky ML is by far my favorite among this trio. If I had to pick a single one for the rest of my life, it would be that. It's very comfortable, a joy to play, and praised by multiple sound engineers for its balanced sound. Each note on its fretboard sounds equally clear and articulate.
• Compared to that, Sadowsky ME is in the same ballpark but doesn't have the exact same comfort and sound. To my ears, it sounds less clear and less balanced from note to note. Still, it is a very nice bass for its price - it is my backup/stunt modern bass, and I'd take it to any gig without hesitation.
• Fender P stands right in the middle of those two basses. A comfortable bass without any apparent problems, it sounded great in any gig I brought it to. It feels much better and sounds more inspiring than the Sadowsky ME, but not luxury-level as the Sadowsky ML. Mind you that I have flats on that bass.

I played a MetroExpress JJ once at a store, but I put it down because it was susceptible to EMI noise - which is the case with most Jazz basses I played before (even high-end ones). On the exact same rig, the Sadowsky Modern was dead silent. But my perceived quality of ME JJ was definitely less than my Fender P - the Precision feels more premium and inspiring to me.

For some reason, the (roasted) necks of both Sadowsky ME models had an unrefined feel and increased unmusical click-clack; in my experience. The sound is kind of fixable by EQ, but the feel is not my favorite. But very competitive instruments in their price points - I liked the ME series enough to buy one.

Thanks for your response , much appreciated.
Because I’ve had 2 x US Jazz basses in 4 and 5 string , I have a bit of a thing for the US P-Bass ( Especially the Dark Night blue colour )
Going by your experience with having both Sadowsky and Fender , it sounds like the Sadowsky PJ 5 string ( China ) would be good enough quality.
I’m no longer in bands and as I said previously , my main music is in church now , so I don’t need anything that’ll rock the house down , but I still want quality , as I’ve been playing bass for 30 years now and I’d like something nice.

 

[FRoss6788]

I have not tried a Metro Express. But several months ago I went shopping for a bass and I tried every Fender and Squier I could get my hands on (this included basses from the whole Fender range). What struck me the most was how all over the place the QC and sound were. Issues didn't seem to at all determined by price tag. Neck pocket cuts and neck alignment (for example) were terrible on some of the higher end Fenders. The bass that was the best of the bunch (set up, playability and sound - meaning not just tone in general but evenness of tone across the fretboard): the Squier Active Jazz. I ABed this bass against my Lull MV5 w/ Sadowsky preamp and it held its own remarkably well.

Now, as pointed out by another poster, you have to take each bass as an individual creature. It could be that the Squier Active Jazz that came off the assembly line after the one I played is a piece of junk. But the reviews I've seen of those basses have all been very positive. Anyway, I wouldn't assume that the extra money spent on even a high end Fender will get you a better instrument overall.

Not even close to my experience with Fender American, or MIM, at all.

 

[EricOnTheBass]

I own 5-string and 4-string AmPro II Precisions, a MetroExpress JJ 5-string, and a MetroLine PJ 5-string, so I feel qualified to add my opinions here.

Firstly, you can’t judge quality from country of origin anymore, so don’t get hung up on China vs US. Price is a much better predictor of quality.

So, let’s talk about a $1800 passive Fender vs. a $1000 active Sadowsky versus a $3500 Sadowsky. They are all good basses.

The MetroExpress is one of the best active J basses in the ~$1000 category. If you get one, make sure it’s 2023 or newer, not the older “RSD” version. The Sadowsky preamp is famous for very good reason. It sounds great in a mix. I’ve recorded some tunes where I’d play the same bass part with each of my basses, and more than once my cheapest bass, the MetroExpress, ended up being my favorite. My criticisms of this bass are the so-so tuners and the 18mm bridge with neck and pickups designed for 19mm.

With the Fender AmPro II, it’s a bit expensive but I feel like you get what you pay for. The necks are great, and the sound is exactly what you’d want from a Fender. The tuners and bridge are really nice. Classic sound in a modern package. Comes with a nice, lightweight hard case.

The Sadowsky MetroLine (made in Germany by Warwick) is on a level above the Fender. Playability is fantastic, it’s light, and it sounds great. At this price level one expects near-perfection in terms of quality and performance, and MetroLines do not disappoint. They have the VTC preamp with passive tone control, whereas the MetroExpress has the older preamp design without tone control.

So you have 3 great basses at three different price points, and I don’t think there is a bad choice. Decide how much you are willing to pay for diminishing returns.

If you’re going to play in church, I’d argue that an active 5-string jazz will be a better fit. I’d say get the MetroExpress and save some money.

 

[bass12]

Not even close to my experience with Fender American, or MIM, at all.

Either you’ve been lucky or I’ve been unlucky.

 

[BigDrew]

A little slice of heaven right there;
View attachment 7361596

I've owned a lot of basses and my American Professional II P is my go to. This includes two Fender Custom Shop basses.....

 

[Root 5]

I would say Sadowsky.

 

[CrimsonGhost]

Sadowsky Metro Express, you get a lot of bass for about the price of an Player Plus II Mexican Bass. Sadowsky preamp is much better that the Fender as is the quick release bridge. You also have to love the spoke truss rod adjuster on Sadowsky and very flat FB radius.

The issue always is that every bass is an individual and while we can speak in generalities, the actual instrument, the one you are buying, needs to judged on its own merits. I own a couple of Sadowskys, and I own a bunch of Fenders. I don't keep instruments that I don't love playing. They are all great in the their own right.

What I have found; active bass, the Sadowsky wins, passive, I think the Fenders sound better.... when you find one that rings and is plays cleanly at the action setting you like, that's a winner, regardless of brand.

Here is my review of my Sadowsky ME Hybrid 5
Here is my review of my Sadowsky ME Jazz 5

Curious, is there something to not love about spoke truss rod adjustment? After using them it's hard to go back to searching for tools.

 

[Nebadon2000]

My criticisms of this bass are the so-so tuners and the 18mm bridge with neck and pickups designed for 19mm.

Many Metroexpress owners get upgraded Metroline 19mm bridge, upgrade tuners and VTC Preamp still a good value all considered

I would get 19mm bridge have no problem with pre never use tone control and tuners would have to give me some problem first

Saying that if OP I would look at 5 string Sadowsky MetroExpress PJ in their line based on his post but Fender is solid Bass and looks great

 

[Sparkl]

A Fender is a Fender. Nothing Sadowsky does will get close to Fender. Because they aren't Fender. Fender will also never get to Sadowsky. Because they aren't Sadowsky.

Two different things in a similar looking body. I don't care much about NYC Sadowsky basses, their chambered body feels too light and IMHO degrades the experience of a solid stable wood block. Their Metro line is super nice but in that price range, so is any Fender. Follow the sound and feel, they do have slightly different neck feels so I'd check that first.

 

[Sparkl]

Edit: Or, save yourself the hard earned money and buy 10 sires instead.

 

[Green Lantern]

I play in a worship band now for many years. I own a American Standard Jazz 5 and a Sadowsky P/J Metroline 5.

I will say the Fender Pro is a well made bass. However with it being passive makes it a little more limited in signal strength and tone. I installed a Sadowsky preamp to my American Standard bass and it increased the signal strength and tone alot. It is a much nicer bass now.

The Sadowsky Metroline is a step up from the American Pro Fender by a little bit. More attention to details and the fret job is amazing. Having a preamp offers more flexibility in tone. The Metro Express has the same pickups as the Metroline.

Regarding pickups Fender offer a little warmer sound and the Sadowsky offers the J or P pickup sound similar to Fender but they are a little clearer and open sounding. I find it cuts through a mix better than the Fender for this reason. Another option is to get the Fender and add the Sadowsky preamp. Sweetwater can do it for you before they even ship the bass to you. Or a local Guitar Center and do it as well afterwards

 

[FRoss6788]

Curious, is there something to not love about spoke truss rod adjustment? After using them it's hard to go back to searching for tools.

I prefer the truss adjuster on my Fenders with the provided tool, works flawlessly, no strings in the way.

 

[MtManiac]

Not being American and the only church experience I have is attending a Presbyterian church regularly in the early 2000s, I have to say I don’t know what is meant by “church music” when I read it here on Talkbass. I don’t know if you mean gospel, hymns, something else…? Is there something to it that makes it different music than any other kind of music? Is it a style?

 

[Green Lantern]

Well playing in a worship band has many advantages. No issues with drunks or people who are high. The worship leader picks the songs and provides the charts. Generally there are less personalty conflicts in the band. The guys on the board generally have a good mix as the same people do it from week to week. That is if they have a experienced sound person who trains the other people. No lugging equipment to the church except for your bass or guitar and digital board or pedals. And you play positive music generally thanking God for his saving grace. Its not perfect but one of the better gigs.

 

[MtManiac]

Well playing in a worship band has many advantages. No issues with drunks or people who are high. The worship leader picks the songs and provides the charts. Generally there are less personalty conflicts in the band. The guys on the board generally have a good mix as the same people do it from week to week. No lugging equipment to the church except for your bass or guitar and digital board or pedals. And you play positive music generally tha king God for his saving grace. Its not perfect but one of the better gigs.

Ok, thanks. I was moreso wondering about the music style not the band dynamics or gig perks. Stylistically, it’s like modern pop country or 90s radio pop rock, kinda Celine Dion and Mike+Mechanics meets… I dunno, a modern popular country performer.

Sounds/looks like some hefty investments made in sound and lighting gear, not to mention the real estate to accommodate that stage and seating. I bet onstage you can hear a miked pin drop in that mix. Sounds and lights guys are real pro’s, and there’s zero room for mistakes from anyone in the band.

From a bass gear perspective, what makes it unique?

Our church had the same old lady every Sunday in her tight curls and a small choir made up primarily of septuagenarians. It of course had its own appeal.

 

[Green Lantern]

What makes it unique is there no amps on stage. I love having my Aguilar amp and cab on stage with me. But I have been playing with in ears for years now. It makes you feel like your playing in a recording studio setup instead. So I invested in higher end in ears like the Westone 5 drivers to get more satisfying bass. But I miss playing with a real bass amp. I only enjoy it when I play at home.

 

[MtManiac]

What makes it unique is there no amps on stage. I love having my Aguilar amp and cab on stage with me. But I have been playing with in ears for years now. It makes you feel like your playing in a recording studio setup instead. So I invested in higher end in ears like the Westone 5 drivers to get more satisfying bass. But I miss playing with a real bass amp. I only enjoy it when I play at home.

Well, that’s not unique, my covers band plays ampless every gig, but we do our own sound so we definitely do not get the expensive kind of production shown in that video. Most bar bands I’ve seen over the past few years are ampless.

I was more thinking bass gear specifically, like I’ve seen posts asking what’s the best bass for church music, and I’ve gotten confused. From what I heard in that video, I didn’t take away any reason why a Squier P bass wouldn’t work as well as an expensive Sadowsky Jazz bass, but the responses to those questions are typically 5- or 6-string basses with expensive preamps and exotic figured tops. So what’s your view? Something special, or any bass will do just fine? And if the latter, why? What makes it more fitting for this music?