Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (1)
$1,185.00
Amazon
$1,185.00
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$1,062.95 New
$649.45 Used
Thomann
$1,039.00

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

What is the neck profile of the Sadowsky Metro Express JJ 5 bass?

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.

What type of music is the Sadowsky Metro Express JJ 5 best suited for?

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.

How does the Sadowsky Metro Express JJ 5 handle live performances?

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.

Does the Sadowsky Metro Express JJ 5 come with a case or gig bag?

The Sadowsky Metro Express JJ 5 typically comes with a gig bag, providing basic protection for transport and storage.

What are the differences between the maple and pau ferro fretboards on the Sadowsky Metro Express JJ 5?

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.

Sadowsky

Sadowsky

2023 Update | The Sadowsky MetroExpress 21-fret J/J 5-String Bass | Full Demo w. Andy Irvine

Video thumbnail for 2023 Update | The Sadowsky MetroExpress 21-fret J/J 5-String Bass | Full Demo w. Andy Irvine by Sadowsky

2023 Update | The Sadowsky MetroExpress 21-fret J/J 5-String Bass | Full Demo w. Andy Irvine

Sadowsky

Sadowsky

Video thumbnail for NEW Sadowsky MetroExpress J/J 5 by Indiana Music Garage

NEW Sadowsky MetroExpress J/J 5

Indiana Music Garage

Indiana Music Garage

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

  • Initial models had alignment issues; newer versions are reportedly improved but skepticism remains.

    Source
  • The neck on the older MetroExpress feels unfinished, and its shape changes noticeably toward higher frets, impacting playability.

    Source
  • Newer models are praised for improved neck and fret feel, with some owners rating them higher than Mexican-made Fenders.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Concerns exist over the lack of passive tone control on the Sadowsky, impacting tonal versatility.

    Source
  • The newer Sadowsky MetroExpress models are noted for their exceptionally bright tone, which some players appreciate for its presence in a mix.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Sadowsky preamp favored over Sire's Heritage 3; however, Sadowsky lacks mid-range frequency control.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Sadowsky typically costs $100-200 more than Sire, affecting budget for potential upgrades.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some instruments exhibit an unusually loud C note on the A string, which becomes apparent during recording sessions.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have added a vintage tone control mod for about $100 to manage the bass's inherent brightness.

    Source
  • Installing a Sadowsky vintage tone control is a common modification to tame the bass's inherent brightness.

    Source

User experience

  • 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.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The bright tonal character of the Sadowsky MetroExpress is favored by players who prefer to dial down brightness rather than struggle to add it.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Fami uses Sadowsky Metro Express JJ 5

Fami

Singer, Bassist

Lovebites

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Blacktop

She has a 5-string Sadowsky 22-fret Metro Express bass, if it's custom or standard I don't know.

Genre Usage

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

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