Sire Z7 vs Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage MJ5

[ErnieD]

Here's proof from Sweetwater...

 

[ErnieD]

Kidding, Kidding....
Bass #17. I plan to sell off a couple Sires if this Sadowsky holds up.

 

[ErnieD]

With the maple boards on a few basses I own.
I decided to try the ME JP5 w a Morado fretboard to compare. I really like it.
Ok, I'll stop gushing for now.
NBD syndrome I'm sure....hope it lasts.
Peace yal, e.

 

[pbass6811]

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.

I'm, kinda, in the same boat you are with these. You're spot on with the differences you mentioned. I was contemplating a J/M bass for something a bit different. I've got two German-built MetroLine Sadowskys(and a third one on the way), so you could say that I'm a fan of the Sadowsky brand, lol. Having said that, I'm seriously leaning towards Sire for this one. I've been an admirer of the Sire brand since the beginning, I've just never pulled the trigger on one. This time feels different.

One thing I've only seen mentioned a couple of times is that the neck pickup is a split coil, not a single coil. I dunno if that makes a difference to some, but I like the idea, since I think that makes it more like a P than a J.

Pricewise, the Sire is obviously more comparable to the Sadowsky SMX line, but, according to everyone that I've watched, it seems like features, build quality, and sound quality are more in line with the Sadowsky SML line. Sure, Sire is probably using cheaper hardware and there's nothing special about the wood they're using, but it doesn't seem likely the Sadowsky SMX is 30% better and there's definitely no way the SML is 5X better!

Fortunately, we've got some time, since no one seems to have any of either, lol(there are some SML J/M's available)! I'll just keep going down this rabbit hole until they're actually back in stock. I hope you enjoy whichever way you decide to go!

 

[Nebadon2000]

but it doesn't seem likely the Sadowsky SMX is 30% better and there's definitely no way the SML is 5X better!

That's 'In the Eye of the Beholder'

 

[brushfirewolf]

I can't comment on the Sadowsky but I just received my Z7 a few days ago and it is a great instrument for the price. It reminds me a lot of my stingray special in feel and playability at a fraction of the cost.

It is on the heavy side and the preamp did not blow me away but if you're in the market for a MM style bass, particularly one with an HS config, I don't think you will do better for 500 bucks.

 

[Nebadon2000]

I can't comment on the Sadowsky but I just received my Z7 a few days ago and it is a great instrument for the price. It reminds me a lot of my stingray special in feel and playability at a fraction of the cost.

It is on the heavy side and the preamp did not blow me away but if you're in the market for a MM style bass, particularly one with an HS config, I don't think you will do better for 500 bucks.

Where did you get Z7 for $500?

If feel and playability is similar that is a solid compliment; I have Special 4H and those 2 features are first rate IME

 

[brushfirewolf]

Where did you get Z7 for $500?

If feel and playability is similar that is a solid compliment; I have Special 4H and those 2 features are first rate IME

I agree the specials are great. I am comparing to a 5H and a 4HH I previously owned. The Z7 is very well crafted which I think can be said of most Sires. I picked up the Z7 because I have always wanted a HS stingray. Very happy I did.

They are retailing for 599 and sweetwater has a promotion that knocks off like 70 bucks.