Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $1,024
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Sadowsky Metro Express JJ 5". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Sadowsky Metro Express JJ 5 is designed for bassists who crave the perfect blend of vintage charm and modern reliability. This 5-string electric bass guitar delivers a rich, resonant tone courtesy of its okoume body and roasted maple neck, ensuring every note is both powerful and precise. The maple fingerboard offers a smooth playing experience, with a comfortable 12-inch radius and 21 nickel-silver frets that cater to both rapid runs and soulful grooves.
At the heart of the Metro Express JJ 5 are its passive shielded J-style pickups, which provide the classic thump and growl that J bass enthusiasts adore. These hum-canceling pickups are complemented by an active 2-band preamp, allowing for seamless transitions between punchy brightness and deep, mellow lows. With volume, blend, bass, and treble controls, and a push-pull active/passive switch, this bass offers unparalleled flexibility and control over your sound.
The Sadowsky Metro Express JJ 5 is not just about sound; it's about ease and precision. The Sadowsky Just-A-Nut III makes adjustments a breeze, while the quick-release bridge system simplifies string changes. With light open-gear tuning machines and S-style security locks, this bass ensures tuning stability and peace of mind during performances. Chrome hardware and a vintage-styled pickguard add a touch of elegance to this robust instrument, making it as visually striking as it is sonically powerful.
Key Features:
- Okoume body with roasted maple neck
- Maple fingerboard with 12-inch radius and 21 nickel-silver frets
- Passive shielded J-style pickups with active 2-band preamp
- Volume, blend, bass, and treble controls with push-pull active/passive switch
- Sadowsky Just-A-Nut III and quick-release bridge system
- Light open-gear tuning machines and chrome hardware
- Vintage-styled pickguard and S-style security locks
Product specs
| Brand | Sadowsky |
| Model | MetroExpress Vintage J/J Bass 5-String with Maple Fretboard, MetroExpress Vintage J/J Bass 5-String with Pau Ferro Fretboard |
| Finish | Candy Apple Red, Ocean Blue, Olympic White, Sage Green Metallic, Solid Black, Tobacco Burst |
| Year | 2023 - 2025 |
| Made In | China |
| Categories | 5- and 6-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars |
| Active / Passive Pickups | Passive Pickups |
| Active Preamp | Active Preamp |
| Body Shape | J-Style |
| Color Family | Black, Blue, Brown, Green, Red, White |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Maple, Pau Ferro |
| Fretboard Radius | 12" |
| Frets | Narrow Tall |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 21 |
| Number of Strings | 5-String |
| Pickup Configuration | SS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque, Plain |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile of the Sadowsky Metro Express JJ 5 bass?
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The Sadowsky Metro Express JJ 5 features a J-Style neck profile, which is known for its comfortable playability and fast action, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced players.
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What type of music is the Sadowsky Metro Express JJ 5 best suited for?
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With its J/J pickup configuration and active preamp, the Sadowsky Metro Express JJ 5 excels in genres like jazz, funk, and rock, offering a wide range of tonal versatility.
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How does the Sadowsky Metro Express JJ 5 handle live performances?
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The Sadowsky Metro Express JJ 5 is designed for live performance with its lightweight construction and reliable electronics, ensuring consistent sound quality and comfort on stage.
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Does the Sadowsky Metro Express JJ 5 come with a case or gig bag?
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The Sadowsky Metro Express JJ 5 typically comes with a gig bag, providing basic protection for transport and storage.
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What are the differences between the maple and pau ferro fretboards on the Sadowsky Metro Express JJ 5?
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The maple fretboard offers a bright, snappy tone, while the pau ferro option provides a warmer, mellower sound, allowing players to choose based on their tonal preference.
Videos
Sadowsky
2023 Update | The Sadowsky MetroExpress 21-fret J/J 5-String Bass | Full Demo w. Andy Irvine
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sadowsky Metro Express JJ 5.
Build quality
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Initial models had alignment issues; newer versions are reportedly improved but skepticism remains.
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The neck on the older MetroExpress feels unfinished, and its shape changes noticeably toward higher frets, impacting playability.
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Newer models are praised for improved neck and fret feel, with some owners rating them higher than Mexican-made Fenders.
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Features and functionality
Comparisons
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Sadowsky preamp favored over Sire's Heritage 3; however, Sadowsky lacks mid-range frequency control.
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Value and pricing
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Sadowsky typically costs $100-200 more than Sire, affecting budget for potential upgrades.
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Setup and maintenance
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Some instruments exhibit an unusually loud C note on the A string, which becomes apparent during recording sessions.
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Mods and upgrades
User experience
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Despite being priced around $1000, the bass gives the impression of a $500 Chinese-made instrument, though it delivers a specific sound and neck feel desired by some players.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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