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 five-string version of the Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 features a neck made of high-grade roasted maple, a newly developed MJ pickup config, the Sadowsky two-band boost-only preamp, premium hardware, and a cool, classic Ocean Blue Metallic 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 five-string version of the Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 now 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 is crafted from okoume, while the fingerboard on this model is morado (a wood also known as pau ferro); it's fitted with 21 easily playable nickel-silver frets. The MetroExpress 21 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 Vintage variant is its classic pickup configuration: A humbucker M-style pickup at the bridge, paired with a single-coil J-style pickup at the neck (hence the suffix "MJ"). 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 is the ideal five-string bass for players who prefer a classic look but don't want to compromise on a modern low B string, effortless playability, and musical flexibility. And thanks to its MJ pickup configuration, the MetroExpress 21 Vintage delivers the best of both M-style and J-style bass tones. This combination makes the MetroExpress Vintage a real all-rounder, with something to offer in every genre and for every playing style. The active Sadowsky onboard preamp gives bassists a huge range of punchy, powerful sounds. Of course, the instrument's astonishing versatility can truly be felt when switching to passive mode, allowing bassists to unlock the full spectrum of authentic vintage tones the MetroExpress 21 has in its locker. Given its specs, build quality, and versatility, it seems more than fair to describe the MetroExpress 21 as an affordable option. It's certainly a solid step up for any bassist who's upgrading from their first instrument – in short, a serious, durable, and stage-ready bass guitar.
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! Of course, the MetroExpress 21 can also be plugged directly into a mixing console or audio interface without futher ado. Designed with the demands of working bassists in mind, the noiseless M-style and J-style pickups on this model deliver clean, reliable performance: An aggressive midrange and a tight, focused low end is what the humbucker at the bridge was built for. The warm bass notes and drive, on the other hand, are the job of the single coil on the neck. Together, they offer a powerful and yet articulate sound that's ready for anything life as a musician might have in store.