Those are beautiful basses, but spending $1K on a bass and then spending $200-$300 more to get the electronics right is just not acceptable. When they come from the factory noise free, they will be much more attractive.
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Sadowsky (RSD) MetroExpress was a heartache
- Thread starter Tom Doran
- Start date
I didn't spend 1K. I got them for good prices. Kinda softens the blow. An Audere is $120. I am a modder and I do my own installs and setups. Not everyone can do this but it saves me money. I look at it like this. If a bass has good bones I can always make it sound like I want by changing the electronics. I don't have the tools yet to do body and neck work. The next batch will hopefully have better QC.
Good, I’m glad it worked out for you. That said, it would annoy me to no end to have an Audere preamp in a Sadowsky bass since the Sadowsky preamp is usually considered to be the brand’s secret sauce.
What made the pj sound better than the j? thinking about pulling the trigger on one of these.. how are the fret ends?
I just received my Olympic white MetroExpress jj. I got it on Reverb for $799. Manufacture date was Oct 15, 2020. The frets were fine, better than my Fender American P was. I like the neck. I had to tighten the output jack and the volume knob. The pickups are indeed noisy. I'm hoping that shielding will solve that.
Update: I just contacted Framus & Warwick in Nashville to see if they can do something to resolve the noisy electronics. Here is a youtube video that discusses the problem. I read in the youtube comments that someone had sent their MetroExpress to Framus & Warwick
If I were Roger, I'd ditch the China made basses. They are just going to drag his legacy through the mud IMHO. Not to mention that horrid headstock logo. I won't touch one.
I think he can stay in China, but maybe go for $1,200 for a five and $1,100 for a four. This would guarantee quiet pickups and better fit and finish. They would still be much cheaper than the last Japanese Metros.
Sadowsky, to me, used to mean top tier - regardless of whether it was NYC or Metro. Now it runs the gamut, with Warwick’s involvement further muddying the waters. Right or wrong, the only Sadowskys I now consider “real Sadowskys” are the NYCs.
I think you're missing the point regarding the level of control Roger has over the Warwick lines. Warwick wouldn't have gone into this unless it was clear to them they're going to make a profit. This must be done the Warwick way. These are Warwick instruments, Warwick service, Warwick vision, Warwick decision... of course under the license agreement. This is not to say they're good or bad... it's just what it is.
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I agree, but IMO as it's Roger Sadowsky's name and spotless reputation being tarnished by Warwick selling basses with issues,surely there should be penalty clauses being triggered. I wouldn't buy a Warwick Sadowsky after this. There are plenty of great basses with 100% QC out there to run the risk of picking up a dog from Warwick.
You get what you pay for... Been at this a long time and there are just certain "made in" origins I've learned to stay clear of - regardless the reputability of the brand. Find yourself a used Japanese MetroLine or pony up for a new German version. Great alternative to the NYCs!
There was a time when everyone was convinced that "made in Japan" meant junk.
I have always thought this was a bad move from Rodger. I really don't see what he has to gain from doing it. I wouldn't go near one. Its not like they are really low priced.. Sire are doing it much better and cheaper.
The Cort GB74JJ is an excellent jazz bass.it’s my backup to my Rosser fenderbird but actually gets about 40% playing time as it’s so comfortable & fairly light.
If you want a Sadowsky , buy the "real thing", not a $1000.00-$2000.00 non made in Brooklyn bass . I too bought a "entry level " bass lasy year and to be honest a Squier 70's CV is a better sounding instrument . I knew in 5 minutes , this bass is going back . If you want the Sadowsky tone ....it's going to cost you $6000.00 and it's worth it.
May I ask what tuning you use on it?
That bass may be first choice for a Drop-D tuning if I needed it. I have a GB75JH that is most excellent.
