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Sadowsky (RSD) MetroExpress was a heartache

#81
Alessandro Cruz said:
How to spot a first or second batch bass? Is there a way to find out, let's say, by serial number?
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If you can actually see the bass in person, it will say when it was made. Mine was made in 2021, so it was probably in the second or third batch of RSD’s. I am very happy with the tone, fit, and finish of my RSD. The pickups are noisy soloed, but turning down the amp’s treble makes the hum very manageable. Whenever the drop in preamps and noiseless pickups become more readily available, I will be very tempted to get a fretted MetroExpress Sadowsky and and the upgraded preamp and pickups. I am certain that in a blindfold test, it would not be possible to tell a bass modded that way from a German Sadowsky or older Japanese Metro.
 
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#82
Alessandro Cruz said:
How to spot a first or second batch bass? Is there a way to find out, let's say, by serial number?
Click to expand...
Yeah, serial number. I'm not positive but I think if it starts with a "2". But now mostly the layout is curved on the back of the headstock and those seemed to have the issues fixed. (I don't own one 'yet' :-) )
 
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#83
Dr. Cheese said:
If you can actually see the bass in person, it will say when it was made. Mine was made in 2021, so it was probably in the second or third batch of RSD’s. I am very happy with the tone, fit, and finish of my RSD. The pickups are noisy soloed, but turning down the amp’s treble makes the hum very manageable. Whenever the drop in preamps and noiseless pickups become more readily available, I will be very tempted to get a fretted MetroExpress Sadowsky and and the upgraded preamp and pickups. I am certain that in a blindfold test, it would not be possible to tell a bass modded that way from a German Sadowsky or older Japanese Metro.
Click to expand...

Doc, does yours have a metal clip holding the battery, or does it have a separate cavity routed into the body wood? I've only ever seen the later on a 2021 with a 005XXX serial number. I'm wondering how far back that change goes.
 
#89
jmain said:
Yeah, serial number. I'm not positive but I think if it starts with a "2". But now mostly the layout is curved on the back of the headstock and those seemed to have the issues fixed. (I don't own one 'yet' :) )
Click to expand...

The ending numbers are related to the year of production, right? The description of the bass I've purchased start with "SME", the first two digits are "00" and then "3". And the last two digit is 21 ( I'll assume that's 2021 year, course... )
 
#90
joel406 said:
I wanted to love Sadowsky. I really did. Many of my favorite players use them and always sounded great.

Having said that.

They just don't do it for me. Even the NYC is just terrible. I know the haters will flame me but in my hands a Sadowsky is a waste. I am the proud owner of 2 fantastic Fender American Pro V's. And 2 Mike Lull V's. All just smoke any Sadowsky I've ever tried.
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I loved my Mike Lull M5V but I just couldn't get with the 35 inch scale length.
 
#91
I've only known of the NYC Sadowsky's for the last 31 years. I'm not up to date on all this other Metro Express, Japanese Metro Express, Metro, RSD versions, Chinese involvement, Warwick involvement etc. Can anyone give me a brief outline on what the deal is with these different types of Sadowsky's? Thanks.
 
#94
Ian774 said:
According to Andy Irvine’s Facebook, all-new MetroExpress basses coming out soon.

-Roasted Maple neck as standard
-Detailed fretwork (whatever that means)
-Noise cancelling pickups
-Copper shielding
-Quick access cover battery compartment
-GENUINE SADOWSKY LOGO ON HEADSTOCK

If the QC is good; these could be winners.
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These should sell really well if they are up to par.
 
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#98
jmain said:
I understand 'why' the roasted neck, but not a fan of the look. Minimal, I know.

Thanks for dropping in this intel!
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I agree about the roasted necks. What used to be kind of an upscale feature is now the standard budget instrument spec because they can dry the wood quickly and cheaply. Meanwhile companies like Suhr have basically said they don't want to work with it anymore because its brittle and could be a problem down the line. Its an instant pass for me.
 
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#99
Johnny Alien said:
I agree about the roasted necks. What used to be kind of an upscale feature is now the standard budget instrument spec because they can dry the wood quickly and cheaply. Meanwhile companies like Suhr have basically said they don't want to work with it anymore because its brittle and could be a problem down the line. Its an instant pass for me.
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Not sure about that, there may be "levels/qualities of roast". Certainly the most stable and best Fender neck I have come across is a roasted neck (and body) on a custom shop 64 jazz. I have had all sorts of issues with Fender necks over the years but this one is absolute magic and has sold me on roasted necks - for Fenders anyway. Never had an issue with stability on my mij Sadowskys.
 
#100
Brittle doesn't mean that its unstable. It could be very stable. Suhr was just saying that its difficult to work with and he has some doubts about how they will last in the long term. This is coming from someone that has built quite a few guitars with roasted maple necks. I believe he said he is going to stop offering them. Either way they have become a hit with budget brands because they can dry the neck quickly.
 

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