Few names in the music industry are as synonymous with high-quality J-style and P-style basses as Roger Sadowsky, whose unparalleled expertise is now reflected in the updated version of the MetroExpress 21, a bass that serves as an entry-level model for the Sadowsky lineup. This is quite simply a thoroughly modern bass in terms of everything from its sound to its versatility and playability, and it successfully combines the classic Sadowsky look with a range of contemporary features. In other words, it bridges the gap between vintage aesthetics and modern musicianship. This left-handed five-string version of the Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 also features a neck and fingerboard made of high-grade roasted maple, newly developed pickups, the Sadowsky two-band boost-only preamp, premium hardware, and a hard-hitting Solid Black finish, to name but a few key features. The instrument ships with Sadowsky's high-quality PortaBag, the Sadowsky Fretboard Protector, and a set of hex keys.
The new five-string version of the Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 features a neck made from roasted maple; roasting not only gives the wood its rich caramel hue, but also significantly improves its resistance to climatic fluctuations. The body – flipped for left-handers, of course – is crafted from okoume, while the fingerboard on this model is also made of roasted maple (which contributes greatly to its smooth playability and snappy response); it's fitted with 21 easily playable nickel-silver frets. The MetroExpress 21 5 has a relatively flat fingerboard, 47.5mm nut width, and 18mm string spacing, ensuring effortless playability for both traditional and modern techniques. At the heart of this Hybrid PJ5 variant is its classic pickup configuration: A split-coil P-style pickup paired with a noiseless single-coil J-style pickup (hence the suffix "PJ"). These work in perfect harmony with the renowned Sadowsky two-band boost-only preamp. The high-quality chrome hardware is manufactured in-house and includes a quick-release bridge, height-adjustable nut, and security locks.
The Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 PJ5 LH is the ideal bass for left-handed players who prefer a classic look but don't want to compromise on modern features like a low B string, effortless playability, and musical flexibility: Thanks to its PJ pickup configuration, the MetroExpress 21 Hybrid PJ5 delivers the best of both P and J-style bass tones. This combination enables the full range of bass guitar sounds – from lyrical and expressive to bold and powerful, all further enhanced by the active Sadowsky onboard preamp. Of course, the passive mode makes it even more versatile, allowing bassists to unlock the range of authentic vintage tones the MetroExpress 21 has in its locker. Given its specs, build quality, and versatility, it seems fair to describe the MetroExpress 21 as an affordable option – it's certainly a solid step up for any lefty who's upgrading from their first five-string, yet affordable enough to represent a good option for multi-string novices with an eye for quality.
For over 40 years, professional musicians have associated the name Sadowsky with high-end bass guitars, electric guitars, and archtop Jazz guitars. In the late 1970s, Roger Sadowsky opened his own workshop, where he started out repairing and modifying instruments from other brands. In the '80s, he began to develop bass guitars that represented his own unique vision: Soon, the name Sadowsky had a worldwide reputation for quality, thanks in part to prominent clients like Marcus Miller and Will Lee. Roger's legendary inventions include the on-board preamp for bass guitars, which helped create such extraordinary demand for Sadowsky instruments that he eventually made the decision to start producing the Metro line of basses in Japan. In 2019, the German bass specialist Warwick assumed manufacturing responsibilities for the Metro series, ensuring the name Sadowsky will continue to be synonymous with high-quality instruments for years to come.
Sadowsky basses have long been the go-to instruments for professional bassists in both live and studio settings: Indeed, at every stage of the development of his instruments, Roger Sadowsky collaborates closely with the New York scene's top bassists. One result of this dialogue is the legendary Sadowsky two-band preamp, which gives players precise control over their tone – no matter how underwhelming the club's backline might be! Designed with the demands of working bassists in mind, the noiseless P-style and J-style pickups on this model deliver clean, reliable performance: The split coil in the neck position provides a powerful, punchy low-end response – complementing the low B string perfectly – while the noiseless single coil at the bridge adds articulate mids and definition. Together, they offer a balanced, high-impact sound that's ready for anything life as a musician might have in store.