Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,063
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Sadowsky Jazz Bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Discover the Sadowsky Jazz Bass, a harmonious fusion of vintage elegance and modern innovation that makes it an essential instrument for any bassist. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned musicians, this bass guitar is designed to deliver a resonant and versatile performance. The okoume body, paired with a bolt-on roasted maple neck, provides a solid and dynamic tonal foundation. With its smooth natural oil finish, you’ll enjoy fluid movements across the fretboard, enabling those quick, intricate runs that define your unique sound.
Equipped with two passive shielded J-style pickups, this bass offers a classic thump and growl that cuts through any mix without the annoying hum. The 2-way active preamp enhances its sonic flexibility, featuring volume, reverse blend, bass, and treble controls. For further customization, the push-pull pot on the bass knob lets you toggle between active and passive modes.
The Sadowsky Jazz Bass is not just about sound; it's about delivering a complete performance experience. The proprietary Just-A-Nut allows for easy adjustments, ensuring your setup is always optimal. Meanwhile, the ultra-reliable tuning machines, quick-release bridge system, and stress-free locking strap system provide stability and ease of use, so you can focus entirely on your music.
Key Features:
- Okoume body with classic contour curves
- Bolt-on roasted maple neck with natural oil finish
- Roasted maple fingerboard with a 12-inch radius
- 34-inch scale length with 21 nickel-silver frets
- 2 passive shielded single-coil J pickups
- Onboard 2-band preamp with active/passive toggle
- Just-A-Nut for easy adjustments
- Ultra-reliable tuning machines and quick-release bridge system
- Stress-free locking strap system
- Vintage-styled pickguard and chrome hardware
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | Sadowsky Doublecut |
| Body Material | Okoume |
| Body Finish | High Polish |
| Neck Material | Roasted Maple |
| Neck Shape | Standard |
| Neck Joint | Bolt-on |
| Radius | 12" |
| Fingerboard Material | Roasted Maple |
| Number of Frets | 21, Nickel Silver |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Nut Material | Tedur |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Sadowsky Quick Release |
| Tuners | Sadowsky tuners |
| Neck Pickup | Sadowsky Passive Shielded Single Coil J |
| Bridge Pickup | Sadowsky Passive Shielded Single Coil J |
| Controls | 1 x volume, 1 x reverse blend, 1 x bass, 1 x treble |
| Strings | Sadowsky OEM |
| Case/Gig Bag | Gig Bag |
FAQs
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What kind of tone can I expect from the Sadowsky Jazz Bass pickups?
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The Sadowsky Jazz Bass features passive shielded single-coil pickups that deliver a classic J-Bass tone, known for its clarity and punch. This makes it suitable for a wide range of genres, from jazz to rock and funk.
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Is the Sadowsky Jazz Bass suitable for beginners?
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While the Sadowsky Jazz Bass is a high-quality instrument favored by professionals, its comfortable neck profile and playability make it accessible for dedicated beginners who are serious about their bass playing.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Sadowsky Jazz Bass?
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This bass features an Okoume body with a high polish finish and a roasted maple neck and fingerboard, providing a balanced tone with a smooth feel.
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How does the Sadowsky Quick Release bridge benefit the player?
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The Sadowsky Quick Release bridge allows for easy string changes and better tuning stability, which is ideal for both studio sessions and live performances.
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Does the Sadowsky Jazz Bass come with a case or gig bag?
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Yes, the Sadowsky Jazz Bass comes with a gig bag, providing protection and convenience for transport.
Videos
Music Force Official
Sadowsky MetroLine 21-Fret Vintage J Bass Demo - 'Bristlemouth' by Bassist ‘김청운’ (Chungwoon Kim)
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sadowsky Jazz Bass.
Comparisons
Features and functionality
Value and pricing
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Original Sadowsky Metro series with soapbar pickups were priced around $2400 in 2008, increasing to $3200, highlighting significant price inflation.
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Use cases and applications
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Sadowskys were prominent in 90s fusion/smooth jazz and R&B gospel genres but are now less favored in those styles in favor of more vintage tones.
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Build quality
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The Metro Express line, made in China, lacks the classic Sadowsky VTC preamps but offers excellent craftsmanship and lightweight chambered bodies.
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Setup and maintenance
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Owners frequently mention only needing seasonal truss rod tweaks, indicating stable necks that require minimal adjustments.
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Mods and upgrades
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Users have successfully paired Sadowsky preamps with DiMarzio Ultra Jazz hum-cancelling pickups for enhanced tonal versatility and noise reduction.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Walter Becker is pictured with a Sadowsky Jazz Bass, featuring a maple fretboard and a distinctive paint job, in a user-uploaded photo by Sandrine Lee. The bass appears to be in excellent condition, with a perfectly straight neck, suggesting it plays beautifully.
I was introduced to Roger Sadowsky when I arrived in New York to begin my tenure with Miles Davis. He did some repairs on my '66 Fender Jazz Bass. Soon after, I purchased my first Sadowsky J-style bass. Whenever I plugged in my Sadowsky the studio engineer or front-of-the-house mixer would say, "Great sounding bass!" That's why Roger is the man!
In the video (e.g. 2:34) you can see Teppei Kawasak playing a red Sadowsky Jazz Bass.
Lex Feltham is pictured using a Sadowsky Jazz Bass in a user-uploaded photo on Gemtracks.
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 Jazz Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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