Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (1)
$4,255.00
Amazon
$4,255.00
zZounds
$3,580.00
Thomann
$1,150.00 $1,139.00 $11.00 · All time low

Average Price: $3,307

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Sadowsky 5 String modern". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Sadowsky 5 String Modern bass guitar is a masterful blend of craftsmanship and innovation, designed for the discerning bassist. Built with a sleek, undersized J-style body crafted from Okoume, this instrument offers a lightweight playing experience without compromising on durability or resonance. The bolt-on neck and fingerboard, both constructed from roasted maple, ensure a stable and smooth playing surface with a 12-inch radius that caters to fast and precise finger movements.

At its core, the Sadowsky 5 String Modern showcases a pair of Sadowsky Soapbar pickups, perfectly positioned at the middle and bridge for a dynamic tonal range that delivers thunderous lows, crisp mids, and airy highs. These pickups are complemented by active Sadowsky 2-way electronics, providing versatile control over your sound with volume, balance, treble, and bass adjustments. The push/pull function allows for preamp bypass, catering to both active and passive tone preferences.

Additional features like the Sadowsky Just-A-Nut III and light open-gear machine heads enhance tuning stability and playability. The bridge, equipped with quick-release capabilities, makes string changes a breeze, while the Sadowsky Quick Access Compartment ensures effortless maintenance. With its array of top-shelf components and meticulous German craftsmanship, the Sadowsky 5 String Modern stands as a testament to innovative design and high-performance artistry.

Key Features:

  • Body: Okoume
  • Neck and Fingerboard: Roasted maple
  • Fingerboard radius: 12"
  • Scale: 34"
  • Nut: Sadowsky Just-A-Nut III
  • 24 nickel silver frets
  • Pickups: 2 Sadowsky Soapbars
  • Active Sadowsky 2-way electronics
  • Controls: Volume, balance, treble, bass with push/pull preamp bypass
  • Sadowsky bridge with quick string release
  • Sadowsky Light machine heads with open gears
  • Includes Sadowsky PortaBag and accessories

Product specs

Available since August 2024
Colour Silver
Soundboard Okoume
Neck Maple
Fretboard Maple
Frets 24
Scale Long Scale
Pickup System HH
Elektronic Aktive, Passive
Incl. Case No
Incl. Gigbag Yes

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-5 Modern MA SS?

The Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-5 Modern features a comfortable maple neck designed for fast playability, making it suitable for a wide range of playing styles from intricate fingerwork to aggressive slapping.

What kind of tones can I expect from the HH pickup configuration on this bass?

The HH pickup configuration on the Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-5 Modern delivers a versatile range of tones, from deep, punchy lows to crisp, articulate highs, ideal for genres like rock, jazz, and funk.

Is the Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-5 Modern suitable for beginners or advanced players?

With its high-quality build and versatile sound, the Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-5 Modern is well-suited for both advanced players seeking professional-grade performance and motivated beginners looking for a long-term investment.

Does this bass guitar come with a case or gigbag?

The Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-5 Modern does not include a case, but it does come with a gigbag for convenient transport and protection.

How does the active/passive electronic system benefit the Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-5 Modern?

The active/passive electronic system on the Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-5 Modern offers flexibility, allowing players to switch between a punchy, powerful active tone and a more traditional, warm passive sound.

What materials are used in the construction of the Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-5 Modern?

The Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-5 Modern features an okoume soundboard, a maple neck, and a maple fretboard, providing a balanced tonal quality with clarity and sustain.

Edson Borges

Edson Borges

Sadowsky 5-24 Modern Metroline 2023 (Made in Germany) - B string and slap test

Video thumbnail for Sadowsky 5-24 Modern Metroline 2023 (Made in Germany) - B string and slap test by Edson Borges

Sadowsky 5-24 Modern Metroline 2023 (Made in Germany) - B string and slap test

Edson Borges

Edson Borges

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sadowsky 5 String modern.

Comparisons

  • The Sadowsky offers wider nut and string spacing at the bridge compared to the narrower, tighter setup of the Music Man StingRay 5.

    Source
  • Sadowsky basses have been compared to "Fender on steroids," offering more features like different pickup types and 24-fret necks.

    Source

User experience

  • Sadowsky basses are praised for their performance both live and in studio settings, making them a versatile choice for serious musicians.

    Source
  • An owner noted that the Sadowsky basses can feel "soft," requiring a gentler playing style compared to more robust models like Music Man StingRays.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some owners report that the knobs on Sadowsky basses turn too easily, altering settings with the slightest brush.

    Source
  • Older MetroExpress models may feel like mid-range Chinese-made instruments, comparable to $500 Squier basses, despite a higher price tag.

    Source
  • Older MetroExpress models have a neck shape that feels unfinished, particularly towards the higher frets, a detail reportedly fixed in newer iterations.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners praise the neck stability, noting that only a seasonal truss rod tweak is needed, despite changing climates.

    Source
  • Some MetroExpress models exhibit a pronounced loud spot on the C note of the A string, noticeable during recording sessions.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Sadowsky preamp is highlighted as a "secret sauce" offering powerful, clean sound that enhances tonal versatility.

    Source
  • The MetroExpress line lacks a "vintage tone control," making the bass inherently bright without an added tone knob for managing brightness.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The chambered body design makes Sadowsky basses exceptionally lightweight, contributing to comfort during long playing sessions.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Adding a tone knob to the MetroExpress can cost around $100, offering increased control over the bass's brightness.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ryota Kohama uses Sadowsky 5 String modern

Ryota Kohama

Bassist

One Ok Rock

...
Verified via Photo

In a recent Instagram photo, Ryota Kohama is seen playing a Sadowsky 5 String Modern bass guitar during a live performance.

See how Paulo Jr. uses Sadowsky 5 String modern

Paulo Jr.

Bassist

Sepultura

...
Verified via YouTube

Throughout this video, Paulo can be seen recording tracks on a Sadowsky 5 String Modern.

See how Yuchi uses Sadowsky 5 String modern

Yuchi

Bassist

...
Verified via ベース・マガジン |

Yuchi uses a Sadowsky NYC 5 String Modern bass, as confirmed by an article in ベース・マガジン by author hy.

Album Usage

The Sadowsky 5 String modern has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Sadowsky 5 String modern, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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