Sadowsky/Warwick Announcement Video

[AMp'D.2play]

Someone earlier in the thread mentioned the Metroline as being a downgrade from the level of quality of the NYC line, and I have to disagree with that.

It's been said on TB, possibly by Roger himself, (to paraphrase) that a MiJ Metro was every bit as good as a NYC Sadowsky and one of the only reasons to go NYC was if you wanted a fancy wood top or something else that was not a standard spec. If not, might as well save your $$ and grab a Metro. (There may have eventually been other differences - chambering, graphite rods, etc., but initially .. not so much.) I've owned 2 Metros previously and have tried a few NYC basses. The Metros didn't take a back seat to anything.

A 19mm, 34" scale 5-string with Sadowsky DNA at under a grand for the few times I reach for a 5er interests me, so I can't wait until they hit the street. But if I spent years longing - and saving - for a Sadowsky, I don't think buying one of these inexpensive models would scratch that itch, IMO.

 

[baxter_x]

It's been said on TB, possibly by Roger himself, (to paraphrase) that a MiJ Metro was every bit as good as a NYC Sadowsky and one of the only reasons to go NYC was if you wanted a fancy wood top or something else that was not a standard spec. If not, might as well save your $$ and grab a Metro. (There may have eventually been other differences - chambering, graphite rods, etc., but initially .. not so much.) I've owned 2 Metros previously and have tried a few NYC basses. The Metros didn't take a back seat to anything.

I totally agree. Except that I feel the neck of my NYC has something slightly "better" than my Metro. But it's almost impossible to describe and I play my Metro as much as my NYC.

 

[Bass Viking]

I wanted a Warwick for years, but now I have no idea what is what.

Don’t let that stop you from getting a Warwick. It isn’t really that complicated.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Don’t let that stop you from getting a Warwick. It isn’t really that complicated.

I suspect that was hyperbole. At least I hope it was hyperbole.

 

[deepestend]

It's been said on TB, possibly by Roger himself, (to paraphrase) that a MiJ Metro was every bit as good as a NYC Sadowsky and one of the only reasons to go NYC was if you wanted a fancy wood top or something else that was not a standard spec. If not, might as well save your $$ and grab a Metro. (There may have eventually been other differences - chambering, graphite rods, etc., but initially .. not so much.) I've owned 2 Metros previously and have tried a few NYC basses. The Metros didn't take a back seat to anything.

A 19mm, 34" scale 5-string with Sadowsky DNA at under a grand for the few times I reach for a 5er interests me, so I can't wait until they hit the street. But if I spent years longing - and saving - for a Sadowsky, I don't think buying one of these inexpensive models would scratch that itch, IMO.

The metros are not chambered and often heavier than the NYC's.

 

[baxter_x]

The metros are not chambered and often heavier than the NYC's.

My Metro weights exactly the same as my NYC

 

[Bass Viking]

My Metro weights exactly the same as my NYC

My Metro is a comfortable 8 and a half pounds.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

There is overlap, but in general, Metros are 1/2-1 lb heavier.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

There is overlap, but in general, Metros are 1/2-1 lb heavier.

It seems the old Japanese Metros tended to run over 9 lbs and the MetroExpress basses were under 9 lbs. The chambered NYC’s are often under 8lbs.

 

[Bass Viking]

Just played a SUB 5 string at GC that was $300 or so and was the best playing bass they had on the wall

That isn’t saying much!
But seriously, I’ve heard good things about the SUBs. If I see one I’ll give it a try.

 

[AMp'D.2play]

My Metro is a comfortable 8 and a half pounds.

There's a Metro Modern M4-24 near me that weighs 7.99 lbs!

I remember sending an email to Sadowsky over the weekend asking about whether this particular bass - a Metro, not an NYC - had the graphite rods in the neck based on the serial number (it didn't; missed by a few months), and getting a reply from Roger himself later that day - I forget if it was a Saturday or Sunday. Not that the question was urgent, but that level of customer service will likely be lost with this new licensing agreement with Warwick. But as Roger mentioned in the video, he's been working 6-7 days a week for decades, so he's certainly earned the right to slow down and smell the roses.

 

[monkeyland]

My Metro weights exactly the same as my NYC

My metro 4 string is 8.6 pounds and my NYC 5 string is 7.8

 

[baxter_x]

I should check again then. But I'm pretty sure they weight the same. I'm absolutely convinced I can't feel any difference when playing both though

 

[SgtHulka]

Getting a light bass is not just exclusive to high priced basses, just in case anyone is confused.

 

[jim nolte]

I totally agree. Except that I feel the neck of my NYC has something slightly "better" than my Metro. But it's almost impossible to describe and I play my Metro as much as my NYC.

Interesting,that’s how I felt about the difference between a US Lakland 55-94 and the Skyline 55-02, it was mostly in the feel of the neck but it’s hard to quantify.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Interesting,that’s how I felt about the difference between a US Lakland 55-94 and the Skyline 55-02, it was mostly in the feel of the neck but it’s hard to quantify.

In my experience, the difference between a high quality production bass, like a Skyline 55-02, and a boutique like a 55-94 can usually been seen or felt more than it is heard. I doubt if anyone can tell the difference between a 55-02 and a 55-94 in the mix, but the player would certainly know which one she is playing.

 

[baxter_x]

Interesting,that’s how I felt about the difference between a US Lakland 55-94 and the Skyline 55-02, it was mostly in the feel of the neck but it’s hard to quantify.

I totally agree with both of you. I the same Lakland basses and it sounded exactly the same. The 55-94 was however lighter, better next and flawless finish. That was the only difference.

 

[Woodchuck]

Funny enough, but I don't see Ken Smith basses losing their value.

 

[baxter_x]

Damn, My message was almost readeable! I wote from my phone. Sorry guys

 

[Loepie]

The headstock of the new Metro Express will have RSD (Roger Sadowsky Design) on it, because of the trademark issue in China. Some pirate claimed the name "Sadowsky" before Roger could register it. He is now trying to get his brand name back, but that may take a while. The new Metro Express will have an original Sadowsky preamp on it, but without the VTC. According to Roger: "Pickup and Vintage Tone Control upgrades will be available for the MetroExpress" later. Further: Warwick has it's own factory in China and quality will be checked by people from Warwick and from Sadowsky. MetroExpress basses will closely match the Japanese MetroExpress, except for the different headstock. Roger claims: "I am committed to having the best bass at this price on the market and will go to China myself to supervise the quality" So, if you have any doubts getting a great bass for a great price, I don't. Ordered one myself at the Warwick shop ---> https://shop.warwick.de/de/instrumente/e-baesse/sadowsky-metroexpress/