Few people in the music industry have more experience with bass guitars than Roger Sadowsky, whose unparalleled expertise is now reflected in the updated version of the MetroExpress, 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 Modern variant of the Sadowsky MetroExpress 24 features a neck made of high-grade roasted maple, a pair of soapbox humbuckers, the Sadowsky two-band boost-only preamp, premium hardware, and a cool, clean 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 updated version of the Sadowsky MetroExpress 24 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 is made from morado (a wood also known as pau ferro) and fitted with 24 easily playable nickel-silver frets, for the high-register versatility that modern styles demand. The MetroExpress 24 Modern Morado has a relatively flat fingerboard, 39mm nut width, and 19mm string spacing, ensuring effortless playability for all techniques. At the heart of this Modern variant is its pair of soapbox humbuckers, in the modern bridge/middle configuration; this setup works in perfect harmony with the renowned Sadowsky two-band boost-only preamp. The high-quality chrome hardware is also manufactured in-house and includes a quick-release bridge, height-adjustable nut, and security locks.
The Sadowsky MetroExpress 24 Modern is the ideal bass for players who prefer a classic body but don't want to compromise on modern hardware, effortless playability, and musical flexibility. Its soapbar humbuckers deliver a broad palette of well-defined and very present tones. As such, the genres this instrument is best suited to include Jazz, Fusion, and R&B, although Metal is also very much an option – ultimately, any style where the bassline doesn't just need to be felt, but plays a crucial musical role. The active Sadowsky onboard preamp also plays its part in shaping the whole range of modern sounds this bass is capable of. Given its specs, build quality, and versatility, it seems fair to describe the MetroExpress 24 as an affordable option. It's certainly a solid step up for any bassist who's upgrading from their first instrument, who knows exactly what kind of sound they want, and is looking for something they can reliably play when recording in the studio or at home.
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! The soapbar at the bridge delivers the very contemporary crunchy mids and all-round definition, with the pickup in the modern middle position in charge of the focused low end. Together, they give the MetroExpress 24 Modern a powerful, penetrating sound that can make itself heard in any mix.