Is Sadowsky Really Better Than Fender?

[@DavidMichael613]

I like how he plays simple bass lines that you would play in a song with a band. We get to hear the tone much better than when people play really fast and showy. Great Review!

[@flukyreview9128]

😂😂😂😂 just like any musical instruments, the tone is their regardless if one plays fast or slow. How long you’ve been playing bass?😂😂😂

[@JTPrime08]

I play bass and Jason Newsted got me into Sadowsky basses.

[@TonyTrupp]

Loved his playing on And Justice For All

[@HelmsRupture]

Ooh I need to hear that !

[@TheAlbiCollier]

Totally! Hadn't heard of them til after Newsted played them. maybe on a Patitucci video but not to the same level of awareness.

[@PJErvin]

It was Brian Marshall (Alter Bridge) for me. I’m not a bass player… I can pick a bit because I’m a guitar player, but I have no technique or endurance. But I like the sound of most I’ve heard.

[@brownmoney27]

I'm not a bassist

[@k0brakai]

I have a Metro - not MetroExpress - bass, made in Japan and it's hands down one of the best bass I ever played. the pickups/preamp combo, while might not be very impressive at first alone in your bedroom, will really shine live with a full band, as the video explains. It really cut through the mix very easily ! The lack of VTC on the Expres series is a no-go personnaly though as I think it's a very important feature of the Sadowsky preamp.

[@kingdeedee]

I'm with you on that, having no VTC on the metroexpress especially hurts seeing as the Sadowsky preamp is Boost only. Having basically zero options to kick the high-end frequencies on a bass is a big fat no for me

[@EgonSpenglersTwinkie]

I agree with that, but apparently they sell the VTC module that is relatively easy to add to your onboard controls. They absolutely should have included it, because there should be SOME way of taming the highs out of the box. But I guess that’s one way that they keep the price down.

[@kingdeedee]

@@EgonSpenglersTwinkie I feel like they ultimately just wanted to have a clear differentiator between the MetroExpress and their more premium instruments. If they added the VTC and it cost like $100 more in my opinion there wouldn’t be much impact at all on its value proposition to its target market plus it still wouldn’t be anywhere near the cost of basically anything else Sadowsky sells. I feel their plan was to make something compelling for the money (which I still think they absolutely did) but while still reserving the “full Sadowsky package” for their more premium lines

[@danielirvine7468]

I also have a Japanese metro and yes you are bang on alone ok but cuts like butter in the live gigs

[@dwightmcvey2265]

My experience as well. I've owned many high end bass guitars over the years, but nothing compares to the tone in a live setting with other instruments. That's where the Sadowsky shines.

[@jackshittle]

I'm hoping that in the future that Fender can make their lineup even more confusing than it is today.

[@muriloninja]

Sadowsky is a "Fender on Steroids" and within like 2-3 notes (7:40) I heard that Sadowsky mid-punch and yep! It's a thing of beauty, it sits in the mix so freaking well I made the switch to Sadowksy NYC models a few years back. The thing to me is I can get a Fender sound out of the Sadowsky if needed but I cannot get a Sadowsky sound out of a Fender.

[@trailblazeratv6306]

It sounds scooped to me. Just goes to show how we hear things differently

[@sebg2086]

fender on steroids lollllllllllllllllllllll i dont need the sadowsky sound.....when you have a fender

[@budgetguitarist]

@@trailblazeratv6306 Yes - I feel like you can get that scooped sound with a good EQ pedal or in an HX Stomp.

[@NotThatKraken]

Sadowsky controls are slightly mid-forward with bass and treble on 0. There’s a *lot* of boost available. +20 dB treble is unpleasantly bright to me, but you don’t have to turn treble all the way up. On my Japanese Metro, I normally run with treble boost almost off and just a bit of bass boost, which gets pretty close to Fender tones, but with a little more clarity.

[@yogzo1]

Awesome review. I am an owner of japanese Metroline 5 string and the reason I am staying with Sadowsky can be heard at around 14:30 mark where there is a clear inconsitency between E and rest of the strings on the Ultra. I had that issue with B strings mostly on various basses (Xotic, MTD, Lakland...) but not with my Sadowsky MV5. Really considering getting a Warwick made metro express as a backup after this review (I´ve seen several other reviews already), so thanks :)

[@1DerekMiracle]

Thank you for this! I've been trying to find info on Sadowsky basses and this told me everything I needed to know.

[@muriloninja]

You have the Internet, how hard can it be? Seriously? hahaha!

[@1DerekMiracle]

@@muriloninja Sure, but more information is never a bad thing.

[@raoulselten9480]

the people at the warwick factory are lovely, kind, welcoming, dedicated, and highly skilled. the level of expertise is over the moon. they gave me a tour and they were super patient with me. made me love the warwick brand much more than before! the sadowksy basses were very high quality too but i'm just not into FSOs

[@MrAlecksTv]

appreciate the explanation in the beginning about the sponsorship, being transparent is refreshing. The Sadowsky does have a nice thinker sound.

[@theinvisiblebassist]

I've had US Fenders and US Sadowsky basses and I sold them. I kept my Sandbergs. But while it is a competition for the builders, for us players it's a wonderful time. So many great instruments to pick from, we can all find something that suits us perfectly.

[@PaddyLeggBass]

You can honestly by a “budget” bass (like $300-400) and it’s absolutely great - Sire, Cort etc all do great basses cheap. When I started playing in 1994 it was an Encore P Bass until I could afford a Squier P bass and eventually got an Ibanez double $ but that was all that was out there

[@rl-ub9hx]

Sandberg IMO is the best FSO on the market.

[@FacPhoto]

Whilst I still own the Fender Ultra I have 5 Sandbergs including a masterpiece. They are fantastic basses.

[@RobMLyon]

Sandberg tm 5 here baby!! Love them

[@Iofflight78]

I just got a fretless TT from Sandberg. It sounds and feels amazing. I'd love to get a fretted TM.

[@neocollective5959]

Wow, most honest product review requested by a very honest company. You got my full attention. 👍🏼

[@rome8180]

I own a Squier Classic Vibe '60s P Bass. It's the cheapest bass I own. But it's also my favorite. I've played several of the same model in stores, and they were all equally good. It's made me look way more favorably on Squier. I even use it to record, and you would never know it was a $500 instrument which I bought on sale for $350.

[@ClaudioBrogliato]

I have the same bass. You put on flat-wounds and it's a pop, vintage machine. You put on round-wounds and it's a growling rock beast.

[@lougaru2445]

I enjoyed the hell out of this review. I can't hear sound differences and nuances over KZbin so a detailed opinion really means a lot

[@kevinfraser1463]

I bought the ultra jazz 5 and installed the on-board sadowsky pre amp. Ridiculously perfect.

[@r.l.rachel740]

The live gig musician playing all 4 instruments between songs and providing immediate commentary assessments was unswervingly candid, brilliant ! Thank you for comparing the 4 basses.

[@ruebenlambert9428]

Agreed! Great touch

[@henryeowens]

Great comparison. I really like this type of head-to-head-to-head for the comparable instruments.

[@StirfriedGerman]

I recorded some Sadowskys in the 90s, great players on them. They mixed really easily. Chinese craftmanship in guitars is stellar these days. If you get a bad one, it was configured that way by the brand that's slapped on.

[@jhfender5]

Great video!!!! I actually LOVE how the Metro Express neck feels compared to my Squiers and Fenders. But thats just me - I totally respect everyones experience and preference

[@marcustrice3876]

I have one of the Japan made metro it’s the lightest bass I got

[@violao206]

Every brand should want honest feedback so that they can innovate and compete in the market. What a great real-world eval from a dude working in the trenches. I am a Squire fan and now, even more of a Sadowski fan!

[@RingtailBanditMedia]

So I got to grab one of these new Metro Express basses from the Sadowsky event in Nashville. I picked the PJ 5 with the Maduro board. (Maduro is another Rosewood like option but looks a lot better than pao Ferro.) I've had the bass for 3 weeks and have done multiple runs with it and overall I'm very happy with it. However I do have 1 issue. The tuners. I think it has to do with the grease in them but in high heat/humid conditions they grind and bind worse than any other tuner I've ever experienced. But perhaps the one thing that was majorly overlooked in this video was the fret ends. The frets are BEAUTIFUL on these basses. And massive attention to detail was paid in crafting perfect ball ends on both sides of each fret. Really really above and beyond. I'm going to mod mine to the moon and back. But largely that's due to personal preference and not necessity.

[@mattster693]

very interesting comparison, the sadowsky preamp is wonderful sounding! i really wish you wouldve used the blend control tho, especially the fenders. with noisless pickups the blend knob can really open up a bass in the mids which was probably why the fenders didnt sound right, using mostly neck pickup with the j on just a little to tighten things up and add some sparkle wouldve probably changed everything

[@nachobassman]

That Sadowsky sounds compressed right out the box, very tight overall sound compared to the Fender/Squier you had. I like it. What about a review of a MetroExpress P/J 5?

[@bass7string7]

As far as dynamics, the Fender Ultra let you know that you are spiking in your technique. It has more headroom indeed. It's like the first time I plugged into a tube amp and realized how inconsistent I was and how much more dynamic control I had with my picking or plucking hand. I realized how much I sucked and it was eye opening. I play nothing but vintage tube amps now for that dynamic control....and don't get me started on being put on a compressor from FOH! If you have awareness of dynamic control, then you don't need a compressor...(fighting words I know, but I stand my ground) Anyway, thanx 4 the in depth dive and time spent on this, much appreciated. Peace & Love - K

[@BassAdvisor]

100% agreed. Musicality is partly in the control of the dynamics.

[@sparella]

The boost only EQ curves that Sadowsky uses are masterfully chosen. When mixing I often use them to spice up dry bass tracks prior to the amp sim and other effects.

[@PaddyLeggBass]

I’m a massive Sadowsky fan, the basses are great and the preamp on any J bass is pure magic. I also generally not a massive P Bass fan and feel like Fender’s Ultra P Bass’s are way overpriced, but with that being said the Fender P Ultra sounded the best of those basses by a mile, I was pleasantly surprised by it - sounded great. I have absolutely MASSIVE G.A.S for the new Sadowsky MetroExpress (with the proper Headstocks!! 😂) my wallet is crying already

[@jemsar2]

Ultras are overpriced? How much did you pay for your Sadowsky!???!! Must have been free..

[@PaddyLeggBass]

@@jemsar2Fender precision ultra at over 2 grand with questionable qc and quality are definitely overpriced IMO compared to others on the market, I’ll die on that hill 😂

[@StillWeRide]

you can get them new now on sale for 1800

[@ParanoidGoblinoid]

You just got a new follower thanks Sadowsky, PJs and that Rush tattoo. ❤

[@johndube1731]

The clarity of the Sadowsky just pops out. Tone wise it's night and day. I haven't played one but would love to. I own an early 80's Tokai, 66' Jazz, 2002 PBass, and 7-8 other bass in 5 and 6 string but would love to access one to play for a while. As an EMG super fan, it is no longer a Sadowsky.

[@ngknm_14]

Hi! What do you mean about EMG is no longer Sadowsky ? Thanks!

[@johndube1731]

@@ngknm_14 I didn't say EMG is no longer Sadowsky. ???

[@pacoruizserrano]

Awesome review!

[@samlelowitch]

This review was rather too long for my attention span, but it was loaded with lots of good information. I watched all the way to the end. The final 20 minutes was the most concise and useful part of the video. Thanks for doing it!

[@rl-ub9hx]

You're not the only one who still loves the B7k, you are one of the only ones who uses it not to make "that Djenty tone". And it's healing appreciated. Also the toasted maple necks are just better looking. The brighter colored maple just looks cheap. In my mind I see that light color and I think words like frail, cheap, unfinished, short cut.

[@ejhayes]

Yeah, I know what you mean with the initial look of the Sadowsky neck and headstock, if you feel them live and play them, you’ll understand. I believe the roasted necks will look and feel even better. But those necks are quality, but these are Sadowskys lowest line by far.

[@charlieburns1385]

Thanks great complete video OMG bro this was the best vid Especially the live compare I'm def going to get a sadowsky

[@waitin4winter]

This video is just what I needed, I’m trying to decide between 2 used basses on fb marketplace right now, the fender player plus and the sadowsky metroexpress JJ. So this was super helpful. One thing though, so many times throughout the video you said “this one” or “this bass” and it wasn’t immediately obvious which bass you were talking about. Would’ve been better if you referred to the basses by name.

[@muriloninja]

42:29 100%, because the way it sits in a mix people just don't understand until you either play live with a band or are in a studio and hear it back through the monitors. I am the biggest Spector guy around and will never get rid of them but once I changed to Sadowsky NYC? Game over, too versatile and without doing much at all, I sit right where I want to be in a mix. \m/

[@davedixon2167]

This is a great take on brand loyalty IMHO - Keep the stuff you love because you'll always love it, but if something comes along that suits your needs better don't be afraid to embrace it.

[@josensototorres7070]

Most of the time I fast forward the talking, But this time I’m interested, Great video 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼🇵🇷

[@HectorGallegosmusic]

Got my hands on a 2008 American P bass. I can never back to anything else. Sounds GREAT! Great video, by the way. The Fender sounds quite a bit better than the Sadowsky. Fuller, thicker, whatever adjectives you want to use.

[@glenndjubilee]

I have to interject that the Sire roasted necks ARE THE BEST I HAVE EVER PLAYED. And believe it or not the Squire Paranormal '54 J is a close second. it has nothing to do with these but I had to add that. I haven't played a Sadowsky...yet. I have two Fenders. All that being said, I would get the Sadowsky.

[@1992Apocalypse]

Every time i find a sadowsky jazz, I HAVE to plug it in and hear it. They sound incredibly good!

[@MichaelMassimino]

I just bought a Sadowsky Metro Express Jazz, it's a brilliant bass. Not better, just a different sound signature. I played it yesterday on a gig and every guy in my band and the band after us was raving about the sound.

[@Yamumghae]

Compared to his, doesn’t it look so different? Chinese has rsd logo (no sadowsky) and a straight serial number on the back (not curved) and a gap between the fingerboard and the pick guard (unlike his in the video)

[@ronanlemonnier6760]

Nice test, informative. Thanks !

[@DWdawgable]

I think the tone of a Sadowsky is 50% the pups and 50% the pre, but I also LOVE the EMG GZR pickups. They're amazing. So... To answer your question, I think the Sadowsky electronics setup *makes it a Sadowsky*... But with GZR pups, you might just make it even better! I'd love to hear the results if you do it!

[@michaelweinman9051]

Nice Rush Starman tat, bro. Cheers from Mtw in L.A. weekly jam nighter 2013-2018. Subbed on bass like 10 times thru my old Peavey TKO 75. It really held up!! It's like 40 years old!! ha ha. Doing a few beach jams these days on a little 30 watt birthday busking amp. Cheers!

[@rickrolli7091]

Hey Chris. I just watched this whole video again. The content is so good. Thanks Chuck for your reviews as well. IMO ~ I wouldn't be a fan of changing the pickups to EMG. I know you're an EMG fan. Just for the simple fact that... The pickups are the voice. If you change the voice that you already like. Then you don't have that voice anymore. It would be worth the experiment to see what the difference would be. But I feel the preamp just accentuates the voice of the pickups. Here again. It's just my opinion. If you like EMG voicing. Then you'll like the voicing from the preamp. Hope that makes sense. Keep Rockin man 🎸✌️😎🤟🎸

[@carlosKDRHCP1]

I have an American ultra Jazz V and a Sadowsky ME fretless 5 with the pau ferro board. For the money, I was unbelievably impressed with the quality as well as the gig bag. Everything that it comes with is of exceptional quality. My only downside is one of my strap locks didn’t work but that’s very minor. The bass plays so very well and for the money it is absolutely a no brainer

[@ryban1001]

Great video. Thanks for getting deep in this! I prefer the way you edit the sound comparisons back-to-back so the ear can hear the difference. I also like the tones you got through the Radial JD7. The gig testimonial is a tremendous feature! Here’s an idea for a Fender marketing campaign. Fender Precision Pickups: Noiseless Since 1957. Rock on!

[@boomerbassmeme]

I would play the Sadowsky in a heartbeat! As far as passive Geezer EMGs try them in an Ibanez instead! I got an Ibby with fried electronics, but an amazing neck and feel for $100. Added the Geezers for another $200ish and it has become one of my favorite basses! Add in a mildly set B7K in the chain to give it that "tubeish warmth" boost and they are amazing! Even my Spectors are getting dusty because I play it so much! 😊👍

[@blackberryblossom]

I liked how you described the feel of Fender necks. That’s what I‘m after.

[@priceth]

I love how in-depth your reviews are. I keep coming back to this video trying to decide between a Sire p8/p10 and a Sadowsky metroline pj,

[@lionelkirbyshire7683]

Well i think the fender precision is excellent, it allways gets great reviews.

[@mstclair]

I have a Fender with Sadowski electronics and I love it

[@DouglasPneuma-u7t]

I'm happy to see someone finally point out that 18V preamps are just making battery changes less convenient while moving away from the punchy sound normally associated with active electronics.

[@vitamenz]

Brilliant! Live performances were amazing. Yes man.

[@cloaca1234]

I'm still rocking a Fender American Deluxe Jazz from round 2005 and I already got tired of the dull sound it has. I loved it for such a long time but now I just get bummed when I can't get the sound bright enough. It's curious how taste changes over time.

[@chrischilton8455]

Finally, somebody said it. Pau ferro or whatever light dark wood is being used to replace rosewood is damn ugly. Give me the gnarly juicy dark slab of rosewood on my CV Squier Jazz any day. Another comprehensive review Chris. Thanks.

[@ramencurry6672]

Too knit picky. Before the internet I never knew the difference. I just focused on the music

[@eatass5627]

@@ramencurry6672for 1k plus I better like the way it looks

[@Mikey__R]

Or go the other way and go with maple. Perfectly valid option.

[@StillWeRide]

its so bad!!!! I just looked at fenders catalog and it seems rosewood is back for the players series. I got an am pro jazz in rosewood and love it

[@mikeburford3005]

Excellent, thorough review! Thanks for your candid evaluations!

[@jefflogan334]

I got a player plus and I love it. I'm a bridge rider on one of the 3 bands I play in and it just felt "right". The guy I switch from bass to guitar with and takes bass loved it too. He found a sound immediately, was comfortable with it and it sat really well. Some of this is romantic as I've never owned a Fender PJ. I wish the electronics have a passive off and passive tone but one of the other bands I just played it with so far was like "yeah". A cover thing for 15 years. That's coming from a SR650 and a SR400 as a comparison. The SR650 was a workhorse and I ended up running it in passive mode but it is noisy as hell. A bit of me wishes I went to the American Performer because I can get what I need from a passive setup but I know that will also be noisy and the PP has a noiseless bridge and being able to turn my noise gates off and get some mids with a slight twist to the bridge J has been a long awaited luxury

[@paulleeming5733]

great Review, fair comments about the basses reviewed. The price point on the Sadowsky for this quality instrument speaks for itself. it holds its own with similar basses at the same price point and those more expensive. Japanese built Sadowsky's, are comparable to Roger's New York basses. I have owned a NYC 4 string flamed Maple Sadowsky for 21 years it is still my go to bass here in Perth Australia. If you are privileged to be able to own any Sadowsky hold on to it. i also have Marcus Miller fenders - U.S.A. Built so Fenders are great basses also. Thanks again for the review, I really enjoyed it.

[@trunkshope6]

that squier precision bass does everything you need from a good p bass and it looks great to boot.I love my walnut finished one and it scratches the old p bass vibe with flats on it.

[@ephraim.1964]

It’s not unfinished…it’s natural oil finish. I just purchased the Metro Express Jazz 5 strings bass in candy apple red with white vintage pick-guard with the new roasted neck with Pau Ferro fretboard, and the bass sounds killer!!.

[@vodekz1534]

Sadowsky has a thinner sound, brighter. They are very well built, I have a 4-string made in New York 5 years ago and a Master Build Fender Jazz bass. They are two different basses but are similar. My pick will be may Master Build Fender on daily work Both are high-quality basses. Love them both

[@Napalm6b]

It's punchy would fit perfectly in a rock context, played with a pick.

[@clementtytube]

I'm tuning out..I would love to see the full video but for the pluck playing

[@bassusplay]

I need a backup bass, I have a Yamaha BBG5A that sounds great (a friend made some nice single coil pups for it). I can say that the Sadowsky sounds more modern than any Fender (or Squier). And love the offset jazzbass body in combination with PJ pups. I might go for a fiver, love a little more wood on my hand and belly 😇

[@deanmentjes7774]

Excellent review format and really good video, thanks!

[@davidpeters44]

I'll just say that my Sadowsky Metro MV4, MIJ, is the best jazz bass I've ever owned, in terms of build quality, intonation, playability, and tone. I've had Fenders, Mike Lull, Wilkins. I was unimpressed with the Metro Express 5 string, sold it immediately. Best Fender P's I played included an original '63 sunburst with Brazilian rosewood, and a recent LaBella Olinto P.

[@MarcG7424]

Can't spend a 1k on a bass right now but I really want that exact Sadowsky P/J configuration and color even w/o the roasted maple neck ( I'm not a fan ) so Reverb here I come

[@JoshNotJohn0]

I dunno why but I just prefer the jazz bass body, but also want the p bass pickup in there. to my knowledge, fender doesn't offer this (besides the aerodyne) so other brands are essentially my only offering. especially if i want it cheap. good vid tho

[@danielbasetone1467]

Been playing Bass for 50 years played them all,I have never had an issue with the back of a neck,of course unless it has been altered.. sub /standard,such as painted,improperly sanded,splintered,I mean I have never had a manufacturer's bass neck back finish cause an issue for playing..any genre music, I do like matte ,sanded,not glossy, glossy can get sticky but is not a deal breaker,glossy can be rectified very easily so IMHO the back of a neck is less of an issue for me as opposed to the fret board I love maple fretboards I think they sound better on Basses and "Trebley" Guitars I have a home made fretless Maple fret board fender Jazz Bass sounds great Just Favor Maple.. thanks for the Vid great work,,I'll be watchin Dr.Dan

[@EgonSpenglersTwinkie]

Just out of curiosity, do you know if there is any information out there regarding these new production models? I've been interested in these Metro Express basses for a while, but I'd definitely hold off until seeing what the new neck is about.

[@TheStratman007]

I played both. I'm retired with the cash to purchase either one. Both are very nice instruments, but the Ultra Precision had everything going on. I ordered the Fender new in the case and never looked back.

[@TrojanSalesmen1]

closing my eyes when u play them idk I like the Fender sound but something about the Sadowsky is just like.. adding butter on bread just make sit a little better. If I could get a hold of that pre amp and pick up Id be a happy man lol

[@robwingler1610]

I liked the sadowsky the best personally. Did you ever end up changing the pickups to EMG?

[@jameslewis2635]

The thing that sticks out about the Sadowsky is how sensitive the pickups seem towards higher frequencies where the Fender seems muddy in comparison.

[@TerryRandall1]

I have a 2005 flamed maple Warwick Stage 1 Streamer 4 string bass and a 2021 RDC Sadowsky Metro Express PJ5 with a maple neck. The more I play the Sadowsky bass, the more I prefer the tone. Maybe it's the maple neck and fretboard. Both great basses, but there's something more to my liking when I hear my Sadowsky bass.

[@soulfate2]

def there is that Fender tone..has its own language and culture..... the Sadowsky sounds neat modern .. cool

[@ampegloud]

i spoke with Ashley today she is running the distribution center in Nashville tn

[@bassdaddy7725]

I was really hoping to be impressed with the Sadowsky. But, (to my ears anyway) it sounds harsh and thin compared to the Fenders. It lacks warmth, especially on the D and G strings. Thanks for the transparency in showcasing these basses. For the money (and as long as you're not bent on active electronics), the Squier is the easy choice. You could buy 2 Classic Vibe basses for less than that Sadowsky.

[@GregTuckerKellogg]

Where did you set the mids in the American Ultra active pickup, since it's a two-band preamp on the Sadowsky versus a three-band on the Fender?

[@erickpaxecko8428]

I just got a Merto Express but it has a different Logo on the headstock, which is kind of a bummer. I heard that it was a decision they made when they moved their production to Warwick China and they eventually moved back to the Sadowsky Logo. Is there any other difference other than the Logo on those basses?

[@marklongshore4860]

I bought a Sadowsky Metro Express Jazz Bass five string and swapped out the preamp for the VTC, $209. I simply love this instrument, and plays like a much-more expensive bass.

[@Buckers2202]

If I could choose any it'd be the American Ultra for many reasons, but as for pure tone, the Sadowsky is absolutely brutal!

[@Therealchuckbailey]

Ultra was super nice but $2k + is tough for me to pull the trigger on lol

[@Buckers2202]

@@Therealchuckbailey Haha I know, I've just bought a Sire P7 - that's about as close as I'll be getting lol

[@GeorgeGeo]

Made me want to search out and try a Sadowsky

[@NotThatKraken]

I have a ten year old 5-string Japanese Sadowsky Metro and a fifteen year-old, high-end, four-string American Fender Jazz bass with active electronics. The Sadowsky is similar quality and I think it sounds a little more clear. The Sadowsky tone controls have a lot larger range than the Fender and they are add-only. That’s not a big deal, but it’s something to be aware of when comparing them - I would never turn bass and treble all the way up on the Sadowsky. The Sadowsky was also about half the price of the Fender. I play the Sadowsky about 95% of the time at gigs.

[@DrTomoculus]

Very surprised. Between the Squier and the Sadowsky, I thought the Squier had a bit more punch, and made the Sadowsky sound thin. But then it went up against the Fender Ultra, I liked the Sadowsky better. Not so much through the Ampeg VST, where I thought both sounded kinda muddy. Maybe not muddy, just no clarity. The Sadowsky just sounded better through it, but the kind of D.I. setup, I just thought the Sadowsky sounded cooler with the pattern you were playing.

[@warutnujoy5200]

I got both and love them both ❤😊

[@castrolousada]

Good job, keep on going.

[@Crushin123]

Kinda diggin the Squire - not gunna lie :)

[@93greenstrat]

Fender seems to be slow to change. It took them until the mid-70's to adopt the 5-way selector switch on the Stratocaster.

[@isaakc7096]

Great video !!

[@Napalm6b]

A couple weeks ago out at a gig a guy was playing a Sire V8 through a Phil Jones head that sounded amazing. I adore my Spector LX but man for $1000 that Sire is going to be hard to beat value per dollar.

[@MrJezryL]

How about a comparison between a Marcus Miller P7 5 string against the Metro express P/J 5 string?

[@wei-chengfang9904]

Own an Sadowsky metro line (Japan), the playability and craftsmanship really beat the American Fenders.

[@joeo754]

I have a Squier vintage modified like the one you are talking about and it was made in Indonesia not China.

[@christopherfidler3019]

Great video Chris. The Sadowsky nut is made out of Tedur.

[@KBP4]

I have owned a few NYC Sadowsky's over the decades. Nicely assembled parts for sure. People don't realize he does or did not make his own necks, bodies etc. They are all made by 3rd part vendors. He put the part together. In a GOOD way though. His shop delivery has boxes coming and going from multiple vendors. Nothing wrong with that. My Sadowsky days ended when I bought a Fender American P bass5. The weight neck , playability and sound were as good as the Sadowsky NYC that was 4 x the cost of the fender. I sold off the Sadowskys . Great basses but the NYC are way too much $$ for a parts bass. Not Warmoth anymore. But a few other well known body and neck builders. Stick with the lower cost Metro or whatever his new flavor is.

[@pandabirahi8168]

I always felt the mid's in Sadowsky are "over" scooped. For some gig's, it just not cutting through.

[@jonnyhammerstix1535]

How was thr fret job? I'm hearing mixed results.

[@Mo-420]

is the fretboard make difference tone?

[@Therealchuckbailey]

It really depends. People that are tone wood vs non tone wood will never agree. I think it does though

[@maciejbrusio8321]

Pro tip: you can buy an outboard Sadowsky preamp in a form of a pedal. This way you can have both sounds of a passive Fender and the boost-only Sadowsky sound available.

[@adamphillips6747]

the pedal doesn't have the VTC.

[@maciejbrusio8321]

@@adamphillips6747 Every passive bass has a VTC ;)

[@adamphillips6747]

@@maciejbrusio8321 not every passive bass is a Sadowsky.

[@daniellagostena2504]

@@adamphillips6747 Not every preamp has a pedal version. It's a great tool, I have the one with DI and sounds great. VTC on the pedal doesn't make any sense anyway, because tone control depends on the pickups. Tone controls are not expensive to install on an active bass anyway.

[@adamphillips6747]

@@daniellagostena2504 I don't think you understand what the VTC does. It's not just a bypass knob. It has nothing to do with the pickups

[@chrispchrist8074]

I thought the Sadowsky tone was too thin sounding and overly brittle. My ears preferred the Player Plus tone out of all 4.

[@davidblack8174]

I had thought of getting one of these and swapping the pickups for a dimarzio relentless set.. dimarzio does make sadowsky’s pickups, so I don’t think it would be a huge departure

[@johnglynhughes4239]

I own a Sadowsky Will Lee and it was worth every penny...all...day...long!