Sadowsky (RSD) MetroExpress was a heartache

[bass12]

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.

Or you can just get a Sadowsky preamp and drop it into any number of considerably cheaper basses.

 

[80jazz]

If you want a Sadowsky , buy the "real thing", not a $1000.00-$2000.00 non made in Brooklyn bass .

I am not sure I would want the Sadowsky tone. The RSD Metroexpress may be an excellent way to get the feet wet on this.

The RSD would be a bass I would try if I needed an alternate tuning.

 

[bazzanderson]

D standard (dgcf) with EB power slinkies. I did change pickups to EMG JXs but it wasn’t necessary....stock pickups & preamp were just fine. I just can’t leave well enough alone on any of my basses.

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.

 

[Bikeguy57]

This is what I respect about John Hall. Never cheapened the brand by slapping the Rickenbacker name on an overseas cheapo for a quick buck. Not a Rick fanboy, don't even own one at the moment, so save the Rickenbacker hate.

 

[80jazz]

This is what I respect about John Hall. Never cheapened the brand by slapping the Rickenbacker name on an overseas cheapo for a quick buck. Not a Rick fanboy, don't even own one at the moment, so save the Rickenbacker hate.

As a bassist with 2 Rics, I suspect those who like them wouldn't touch a non-American made version.

I could be wrong.

 

[MrLenny1]

Does anyone know the difference between
the MV and the RV Japanese build?
I can't keep up with the different lines lately.
They all look the same. I know NYC is the US made
and the others are priced lower but which is which?

 

[jmain]

For the MIJ models, the MV = ash body / maple fretboard and the RV = alder / pau ferro (morado).

I have a MIJ MetroExpress RV5. Sadly there will be no new MIJ MetroExpress basses.

 

[MrLenny1]

Noisy pickups? Bummer, my Traveler P bass is not noisy
and it sells for $500.
I'm gonna hold off on my Sadowsky GAS until
this pop gets resolved hopefully.

 

[jmain]

There are some other threads out there too. Apparently the electronics noise issue has been addressed.

 

[MrLenny1]

There was a time when everyone was convinced that "made in Japan" meant junk.

Yes there was a time when MIJ was junk then the USA went over
there and taught them QC and they took it seriously and won the markets.
MIC beware.

 

[MrLenny1]

For the MIJ models, the MV = ash body / maple fretboard and the RV = alder / pau ferro (morado).

I have a MIJ MetroExpress RV5. Sadly there will be no new MIJ MetroExpress basses.

Thanks for the clarification. I saw one advertised as an MV but it has a RW neck & body is ?
Too bad about the RSD line issues. I have tried 2 Sadowsky's and everything about them was perfect.

 

[jmain]

No worries. I had a MS5 Metro a while back that was awesome but had to let it go with my long-awaited CallowHill came in. That wasn't a bright move. Really glad I was able to get an MIJ RV5E. Waiting for the kinks to get worked out of the MIC version and going to get a PJ5E or MV5E. Or maybe I can find a used MIJ MV5E when the gear funds are ready for it.

 

[joenoone]

FWIW I recently traded up to a MetroExpress and can't complain - sounds amazing and feels great. The only minor complaint is the preamp is really hot, but having had a Lakland that was too quiet it's easier to pad down then gain up.

 

[hands5]

What "haters?"

You wat get any hate from me although I own both brands.

 

[bigdaddybass12]

Same experience here when i compare both China Metro Express J and Cort GB74JJ(half the price tag) side by side in past.
The Cort just smoke the China ME in overall QC, fret work and noisy electronic.
I rate this Overprice China ME below Indonesian made Squier CV line and Sterling SUB line even Cort Low price Action PJ plus.

Looking for affortable and nice quality Asian made Active Jazz bass ? It belong to Sire V series. Or , underating Cort GB64JJ or GB74JJ.

Yeah, now you can buy a really decent indo bass for $300. Plus it is made side by side with the $1000 bass

 

[mtdkingstonheir]

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.

Sire is, indeed, doing it much, much better.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

The newer versions are really good. I love mine!

 

[Alessandro Cruz]

How to spot a first or second batch bass? Is there a way to find out, let's say, by serial number?

 

[Yahboy]

Maybe this one tame able down the GAS on RSD a lot.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Maybe this one tame able down the GAS on RSD a lot.

It’s a Cort, that means it’s probably very well put together.