Sire Z7 vs Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage MJ5

[Nunovsky]

Hi! I know this may be way too soon to ask about this because both of these basses are new in the market but I'm thinking about getting a versatile J/MM 5 strings bass and these check all my boxes.

The Z7 is cheaper but more versatile with the 3 band preamp with mid frequency selector. It has the specs closer to a MusicMan bass and even the J pickup is closer to the neck like they usually do in MM basses. The humbucker seems to be placed a bit further from the bridge, which I also prefer. The only downsides that I see is probably the weight, the fact that it doesn't have passive/active option nor tone control like the other Sire models, the J pickup too close to the neck for my taste and probably the neck profile compared to the Sadowsky.

The Sadowsky is lighter and I love the neck profile of their basses. The j pickup is in my prefered position. Also, both pickups can be set to single-coil, parallel and series, and it can function in passive or active modes. The downsides are the preamp that is more limited compared to the Z7 because it's a two band boost only without the VCT, and also it's more expensive. But honestly, much of the MM tone is from boosting bass and treble, so the preamp wouldn't be much of a problem.

I think that the pickup's switches make the Sadowsky a very versatile bass but the Z7 also offers so much at a better price.

It all comes down to tone. And from what I've been hearing in the few youtube videos available, the Z7 is closer to a real MM bass while the Sad seems to be a bit more of a hybrid bass that has that MM quality but is a bit diferent.

Has anyone had the opportunity to check any or both of these basses? What are your thoughts about them?

EDIT: It seems that the Z7 has active/passive option as well.

 

[WarmToneWank]

Personally I would trust the Sire more the metro express line seems always be just missing the mark recently. Like lots of nice things on paper, and they are definitely trying, its just not all coming together like Sire normally seems to make it do.

 

[BrotherRay]

Does anyone know what the string spacing (neck and/or bridge) on the Sire Z7 is?

 

[baxter_x]

I would certainly go for the Sadowsky. The famous Sadowsky preamp is the first main reason but I've also been positively surprised by the one that I tried a couple of years ago.
I play both Japan and US made Sadowsky and I thought as backup it would be perfect

 

[Gizmot]

I bought a new MetroExpress PJ5 about four months ago - and I love it. I know that Sadowsky / Warwick has had a few hiccups with these products but I can tell you firsthand that they've fixed anything that needed fixed. The workmanship is fantastic, the fretwork as good as any instrument I've ever seen and the sound quality is spectacular. The flexibility of the preamp is great - all I needed to do to get the perfect sound was to bump up the bass EQ a notch or so and it delivers the perfect combination of punch and incredible definition

 

[Nebadon2000]

Soon after Roger’s return to New York, a friend introduced him to Marcus Miller. Marcus brought his 1977 Fender Jazz Bass to Roger with one request: “Do whatever you can to make this the best bass it can be.” Roger told Marcus that he would install a pre-amp he had just started working with, shield the electronics, install an upgraded bridge, refret the instrument and set it up to Roger’s exacting specifications. The legendary “Sadowsky Sound” was born.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I would certainly go for the Sadowsky. The famous Sadowsky preamp is the first main reason but I've also been positively surprised by the one that I tried a couple of years ago.
I play both Japan and US made Sadowsky and I thought as backup it would be perfect

A friend of mine, who is a great Stingray fan, does not think the Sadowsky preamp is that good for Stingray style tone. When these basses become more available, it would be wise to try them, if possible.

 

[baxter_x]

A friend of mine, who is a great Stingray fan, does not think the Sadowsky preamp is that good for Stingray style tone. When these basses become more available, it would be wise to try them, if possible.

It's always nice to try something you're about to buy.
However, I didn't see it was a stingray like bass. So you could be right.
While I'm a Sadowsky fan, I admit their PJ configuration is not the best IMO.

 

[Nunovsky]

I'm more inclined to Sire right now.
A friend of mine just got his Z7 and he's loving it. I'll probably gonna try it this weekend.
Let's see how it goes.

 

[OldShark]

[...] The only downsides that I see is probably the weight, the fact that it doesn't have passive/active option nor tone control like the other Sire models, [...]

EDIT: It seems that the Z7 has active/passive option as well.

It DOES also have a tone control working both in active and passive mode, AFAIK.

 

[Nunovsky]

It DOES also have a tone control working both in active and passive mode, AFAIK.

You're right. The Z7 has a tone control. Just saw that in the preamp guide.
It's the Z3 that doesn't have one.

 

[EliasA]

How about one of these? https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...sr605e-bass-guitar-cosmic-blue-starburst-flat

 

[Nunovsky]

How about one of these? https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...sr605e-bass-guitar-cosmic-blue-starburst-flat

Those are great basses but not exactly what I'm looking for.

 

[EliasA]

Those are great basses but not exactly what I'm looking for.

Could you lay out some desired specs? I could help you find something. I will always advocate a fretless option...

 

[Nunovsky]

Could you lay out some desired specs? I could help you find something. I will always advocate a fretless option...

I'm well served of fretless, thank you.
Like I said in my original post, I'm looking for a J/MM bass, which basically is a MusicMan style bass with a neck jazz pickup.
I want a bass that can get me that Musicman tone and also has a neck pickup that can provide more tonal variability.
There are a lot of models that have those specs but I've narrowed to these two that have most of my desired specs: J/MM pickup configuration, active basses, possibility to work on passive mode, good neck profile and doesn't break the bank.
I'm mostly convinced to get the Sire Z7 because it checks all the boxes and it's cheaper but I would like to know if anyone tried the Sadowsky so I could make a more based decision.

 

[EliasA]

I'm well served of fretless, thank you.
Like I said in my original post, I'm looking for a J/MM bass, which basically is a MusicMan style bass with a neck jazz pickup.
I want a bass that can get me that Musicman tone and also has a neck pickup that can provide more tonal variability.
There are a lot of models that have those specs but I've narrowed to these two that have most of my desired specs: J/MM pickup configuration, active basses, possibility to work on passive mode, good neck profile and doesn't break the bank.
I'm mostly convinced to get the Sire Z7 because it checks all the boxes and it's cheaper but I would like to know if anyone tried the Sadowsky so I could make a more based decision.

Oh. I thought you wanted a J OR an MM, either one works
Okay, I can't really help you here, I've never played either

 

[Jarneskeg]

How about one of these? https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...sr605e-bass-guitar-cosmic-blue-starburst-flat

I really like Ibanez basses and I have been thinking on this one a while (but in the greyer color.) The only problem I have ever had with modern Ibanez is that some of the finishes look cheap to me. Like this cosmic blue starburst looks almost molded in plastic instead of crafted in wood. My SRF706 finish looks kinda fakey to me, and it's tobacco sunburst!
I know they are real wood and good quality, but they look like they were made in a mold sometimes.

 

[pb9717]

The MetroExpress line Omits the tone control. You’ll likely want that ( add $200 to your purchase cost). The sire includes that option. The newer MetroExpress with the roasted neck that is thicker than the prior series necks. And likely thicker than the sire neck. Be prepared for that. The Sadowsky will be almost certainly be lighter (if thats a factor. To some it’s not important. ) You’ll probably be able to get the sire before the Sadowsky if you’re a US buyer as there’s a wait on the new MetroExpress models till Q1 2025 ( hopefully). The Tuners on the Sadowsky are lightweight too. I believe The Sire tuners are pressed metal types seen on lower cost basses. But in my most recent experience the current MetroExpress units are still not completely ironed out. Also the Sire is 30% less expensive.

 

[ErnieD]

All you've stated is quite true. I just took delivery of a Sad ME, PJ-5 yesterday afternoon. . Unboxed it, played it at home a few mins thru my Elf using headphones.
I felt, Woah powerful lowend and highs. Its gonna need that VTC upgrade. That evening I took it to my weekly open mic jam. We host and do 5-6 tunes to start the show.
This nite, I took my MB Vintage 500w head, MB58R cabs, Energy 102 and Energy 104. First time using the 410, its new too.
No pedals this nite. Just my always on fDeck HPF. It was set full open. I obly cut for other bassists to protect my cabs.
I kept the MB Vintage flat w just the highs cut to 11:00. The filter was set to old. That cuts highs some.
Did that as i was concerned of the strong Treble of this PJ5.
On stage the Vintage head w 610s below sounded awesome as I'd hoped it would. The ME full volume, both pups on, bass bout 30-40%, Treble knob, 20%. The bass sounded just great. I did not feel it needed any help cutting thru the loud band mix. Our weekly soundguy later told me, "Wow. That bass sounds so good and clean in the front mix. And it felt great in my hands. I think it's lighter than my 6 different Sires. So easy to play with great feel and response to small knob turns.
I really felt inspired and played better than I have in some time.
Maybe it was first use luck. I took it out the case a few mins ago. It was still all in tune.
At home the first day, i may have felt that louder A string some speak of. At the gig the bass just sang perfectly and played so well.
I feel no changes are necessary at this time. But I'll be aware of any changes that may occur. Peace yal, e.

 

[ErnieD]

Also, I was just about to pre-order a Sire Z3 5 or Z7-5. But w 6 Sires and the supposed improvements to the Sadowsky MetroExpress I've read and seen videos of. I felt the need to try one before ordering another Sire. But still like to try the new Z models.
And, I saw a few say the MEs neck was wide and chunky. Im so glad to know now that the roasted neck on my ME PJ5 is not so chunky that it bothered me while playing it last nite.
I mean I sold off a lovely Valenti J5, bought on TB, a couple years ago. That neck was even fatter than any P bass I've held. I just couldn't play it anymore. I feel the neck on these ME 5s, is not a big issue at all; for me. And of course, yhe roasted neck plays beautifully.