Pricing and availability

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

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.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

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

What kind of tone can I expect from the Sadowsky Jazz Bass pickups?

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.

Is the Sadowsky Jazz Bass suitable for beginners?

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.

What materials are used in the construction of the Sadowsky Jazz Bass?

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.

How does the Sadowsky Quick Release bridge benefit the player?

The Sadowsky Quick Release bridge allows for easy string changes and better tuning stability, which is ideal for both studio sessions and live performances.

Does the Sadowsky Jazz Bass come with a case or gig bag?

Yes, the Sadowsky Jazz Bass comes with a gig bag, providing protection and convenience for transport.

Music Force Official

Music Force Official

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-Fret Vintage J Bass Demo - 'Bristlemouth' by Bassist ‘김청운’ (Chungwoon Kim)

Video thumbnail for Sadowsky MetroLine 21-Fret Vintage J Bass Demo - 'Bristlemouth' by Bassist ‘김청운’ (Chungwoon Kim) by Music Force Official

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-Fret Vintage J Bass Demo - 'Bristlemouth' by Bassist ‘김청운’ (Chungwoon Kim)

Music Force Official

Music Force Official

Video thumbnail for Sadowsky UV70 Metroline Jazz Bass | All You Need to Know | Tone Demo and Review by Tyler Spicer

Sadowsky UV70 Metroline Jazz Bass | All You Need to Know | Tone Demo and Review

Tyler Spicer

Tyler Spicer

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

  • The G&L JB is mentioned as a better alternative to Fender Jazz Basses, offering more options without climbing high up the market.

    Source
  • Sadowsky basses are often likened to high-quality Fenders with additional features like different pickup types and 24-fret necks.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Sadowsky is noted for its ability to cut through mixes sharply, a feature appreciated in studio environments.

    Source
  • Sadowsky basses are praised for having a "Fender on steroids" sound due to their powerful and clean preamps.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Original Sadowsky Metro series with soapbar pickups were priced around $2400 in 2008, increasing to $3200, highlighting significant price inflation.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • 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.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Metro Express line, made in China, lacks the classic Sadowsky VTC preamps but offers excellent craftsmanship and lightweight chambered bodies.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners frequently mention only needing seasonal truss rod tweaks, indicating stable necks that require minimal adjustments.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users have successfully paired Sadowsky preamps with DiMarzio Ultra Jazz hum-cancelling pickups for enhanced tonal versatility and noise reduction.

    Source

User experience

  • Some players find the knobs on Sadowsky basses too loose, affecting settings with light touches.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Walter Becker uses Sadowsky Jazz Bass

Walter Becker

Guitarist, Bassist

Steely Dan

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Darryl Jones uses Sadowsky Jazz Bass

Darryl Jones

Bassist

The Rolling Stones

...
Verified via reverb.com

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!

See how Futoshi Uehara uses Sadowsky Jazz Bass

Futoshi Uehara

Singer, Bassist

Maximum the Hormone

...
Verified via Photo

He uses a black Sadowsky jazz in this photo. Estimated around 2009-2011

See how Brian Yale uses Sadowsky Jazz Bass

Brian Yale

Bassist

Matchbox Twenty

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Brian Yale can be seen with a Sadowsky Jazz Bass.

See how Teppei Kawasak uses Sadowsky Jazz Bass

Teppei Kawasak

Bassist

Mario Kart 8 Band

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video (e.g. 2:34) you can see Teppei Kawasak playing a red Sadowsky Jazz Bass.

See how Jason Scheff uses Sadowsky Jazz Bass

Jason Scheff

Singer, Bassist

Chicago

...
Verified via Customshop

Listed among users who use Sadowsky guitars

See how Lex Feltham uses Sadowsky Jazz Bass

Lex Feltham

Bassist, Composer

Frenzal Rhomb

...
Verified via Photo

Lex Feltham is pictured using a Sadowsky Jazz Bass in a user-uploaded photo on Gemtracks.

See how Jannick Top uses Sadowsky Jazz Bass

Jannick Top

Bassist, Composer

Eurythmics

...
Verified via Free

According to this article, Jannick Top plays Sadowsky basses.

F

Freddy Herrera

Bassist

Everclear

...
Verified via YouTube

Freddy Herrera plays a Sadowsky Jazz Bass during The Exies' performance in Columbus, Ohio, as seen in a YouTube video by Jason Perlman.

See how Seth Govan uses Sadowsky Jazz Bass

Seth Govan

Bassist

...
Verified via Facebook
Color/Finish: Natural

In a Facebook post from bassist Seth Govan, a Sadowsky 20-Fret Jazz bass with natural finish can be seen. The headstock and body shape verify that this is a Sadowsky bass.

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.

Community setups

Show yours
Z

zakzak

Gear IQ 90

More Sadowsky Electric Basses

Accessories & Related Items

Similar

Gear Guides