The Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hybrid PJ 4 BK is a true all-rounder, offering versatility in a sleek, refined package. With its P-style neck pickup and hum-free J-style bridge pickup – the combination which gives the Hybrid its name – it covers everything from warm low-end grooves to articulate slap and lead tones. The okoume body, paired with a roasted maple neck and fingerboard, delivers balanced resonance and a snappy response. The active 2-band EQ with push/pull bypass makes switching between modern, more sculpted tones and a vintage, passive timbre quick and easy. Solid hardware like lightweight tuners, the Just-A-Nut III nut, and a quick-release bridge round out the setup. Finished in heavy-hitting Solid Black, the MetroExpress 21 Hybrid PJ 4 BK brings understated flair and classic looks to the stage – and to get there, it ships with a matching gigbag.
Equipped with its 21 nickel-silver frets, a 12" fingerboard radius and a 34" scale length, this bass plays comfortably – whether it's fingerstyle or with a pick; the 19mm string spacing gives players plenty of room for more intricate techniques. The active electronics offer controls for volume, balance, treble, and bass, and the push/pull switch means bassists can bypass the onboard preamp for a fully passive setup. The Just-A-Nut III nut keeps string alignment spot-on, while the quick-release bridge makes string changes a breeze; the lightweight tuners and security locks ensure reliability, and the quick-access battery compartment means swaps are fast and fuss-free – ideal for long tours where the bass is in use day in, day out.
The Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hybrid PJ 4 BK is aimed at players looking for a flexible, modern instrument that can get any job done in the studio or on stage – while still representing serious value for money. Anyone after a wide tonal range in a compact setup will appreciate the Hybrid's P/J pickup combo, with its smooth blend of rounded low-end and crisp articulation. Beginners should be aware that more tonal flexibility can mean a bit more to get used to, especially when switching between active and passive modes. For more experienced players, this model is a really solid bit of kit: Light enough for long gigs, tough enough for everyday use, and technically refined enough to hold its own even in the demanding setups.
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.
In the studio, the Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hybrid PJ 4 BK delivers clear, precise, and balanced bass tones – thanks in large part to its versatile P/J pickup combo and the option to run the pickups in either active or passive mode. The P-style neck pickup brings deep, rounded bottom end, while the J-style bridge pickup adds definition and attack, making it a great fit for busy mixes. In band projects, the Hybrid will hold its own across pretty much any genre – Funk, Pop, Jazz, Rock – whether it's supposed to just sit in the mix or step out front for a solo. On stage, the Sadwosky shines with a punchy tone that offers genuine presence even at moderate volumes. Paired with quality preamps, DI boxes or classic valve stacks, it can really let loose, unleashing its full potential and versatile musicality.