Sire V8 or Sadowsky Metro Express? 5 String Jazz Bass

[IAMPK]

I used to have a V7 and currently have a P5, so I know the pros and cons of Sires, their preamps and that sweet roasted maple neck. Anyone have any experience with the Sadowsky Metroexpress 5 JJ (the new version with the roasted neck)? I'd love to try a Sadowsky even though it's the import line. The only thing I'm really concerned about is that there's no passive tone control. I know that can be upgraded but that's more money.

Anyone try both of these and have a preference? I know the Sire has the mid range freq control, but is the Sadowsky preamp still better? Any help is appreciated, thanks.

 

[PapaBearBass]

I have a metro express 4 string j bass and absolutely love it. There’s a whole thread on these basses on TB

 

[PapaBearBass]

Can’t figure out how to do a link to a thread but here… search for this thread title

“ 2023 Sadowsky Metro Express Basses”

That’s going to give you the most in depth and honest assessment of these basses

 

[chris_b]

The right answer is to audition both, but as a Sadowsky player I'd start with the ME. IMO the 2 band pre amp is so powerful and musical that it really doesn't need the passive mid.

 

[jTrolt]

I have a ME5 JJ with roasted neck. At half the cost, it rivals my MTD Kingston ZX5 for clarity and focus of the B. Plays very well, has all the classic JJ tones you could want. Sorry, I had no chance to play the Sire to compare. Only down side would be the electronics, but then, they're not bad, just may leave you wanting for more, as you just cannot dial down to a dull tone. Either treble, or more treble. I keep thinking, after a year + ownership, I "gotta get me dat upgraded preamp", and yet, it's not proven to be that urgent. I am very happy with the instrument. No regrets.

 

[SuperTheBass]

Genuite question, is the v8 much of an upgrade from the v7 you already have?

 

[IAMPK]

Genuite question, is the v8 much of an upgrade from the v7 you already have?

No - the biggest difference was going from a 4 string to a 5 string. I think the difference between the 7 and 8 is the roasted maple neck and maybe a different bridge, not sure if it's better or worse though. Just playing 5s more lately so wanted to get a 5 string jazz style bass.

 

[SeaDunk]

Also, the V8 is 70's spacing, wheres depending on which model of V7 it could be 60's spacing.

 

[PapaBearBass]

I keep thinking, after a year + ownership, I "gotta get me dat upgraded preamp", and yet, it's not proven to be that urgent. I am very happy with the instrument. No regrets.

I would second this… several people in the Sadowsky threads recommended upgrading to the VTC, and although that might be awesome, I have not at any point felt the ME with the 2 band was lacking at all. I really dig the tones inherent to the instrument itself.

I did consider the Sire when I was hunting for a jazz last year. They sound legit. But I felt drawn to the Sadowsky, found a good deal on reverb and pulled the trigger.

 

[IAMPK]

I would second this… several people in the Sadowsky threads recommended upgrading to the VTC, and although that might be awesome, I have not at any point felt the ME with the 2 band was lacking at all. I really dig the tones inherent to the instrument itself.

I did consider the Sire when I was hunting for a jazz last year. They sound legit. But I felt drawn to the Sadowsky, found a good deal on reverb and pulled the trigger.

That’s great thanks. I’m now less worried that the tones may be too bright over all without a tone knob. I know the vtc upgrade is available but I’m not much of an electronics tinkerer.

I ordered a used smx but it has a good return policy so I hope I’m happy with what I get.

 

[PapaBearBass]

That’s great thanks. I’m now less worried that the tones may be too bright over all without a tone knob. I know the vtc upgrade is available but I’m not much of an electronics tinkerer.

I ordered a used smx but it has a good return policy so I hope I’m happy with what I get.

Awesome and good luck. Let us know how you like it

 

[Not yet]

Have the 5 string ME JJ for a bit now. Don't know the Sire but observations

* As someone said waaaay bright that is hard to dial down (for my taste). Did find that by experimenting w different heads it has different vibe. Interestingly w the treble and high mids dialed down on a GK MB200 sounds just where I want it. Found similar w other heads, does seem to like the Markbass dialed similar too at Bluesjams which is what I mostly got it for

* The fretboard is not rolled and the "shelf" really bothered me. The neck is big and fat and I could feel it. Had the fretboard rolled off by a luthier who also dressed a handful of uneven frets which did impact intonation and how low I could get the action. So some investment there, but to me was a dealbreaker if not done. All good there now

* I got it to check out a Sadowsky which I could never bond w every time I went to get a mainline one but for $1Ksh seemed worthwhile experiment. Don't think it will ever be #1 but is fun to mess w a totally different feel from my others. It comes off the wall almost daily so at the end of the day was a good purchase. Do think after it gets more stage time and gets broken in it will be a winner