Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
$1,210.00
Amazon
$1,210.00
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$1,065.92 New
$651.27 Used
Thomann
$1,022.00 $1,019.00 $3.00 · All time low

Average Price: $1,031

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ 5-string Bass Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

For bassists who crave both vintage flair and modern functionality, the Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ 5-string Bass Guitar is the perfect blend of elegance and performance. Crafted with an okoume body, this bass delivers a resonant tonal foundation, while its roasted maple neck ensures you can glide effortlessly across its 21 nickel-silver frets. The morado fingerboard, with a comfortable 12-inch radius, complements its 34-inch scale, making it a delight for fast-paced play.

Under the hood, you'll find two passive hum-canceling J-style pickups that offer the classic growl and thump, free from unwanted noise. The onboard active Sadowsky 2-band preamp allows for extensive tonal shaping, with easy-to-use controls for volume, balance, treble, and bass. A push-pull function lets you bypass the preamp, adding versatility to your sound palette.

Practicality isn't overlooked—Sadowsky's Just-A-Nut III and quick-release bridge ensure smooth setup adjustments, while ultra-reliable tuning machines and S-security locks keep your performance stable. Chrome hardware and a tortoise pickguard round off this stunning instrument, ready to make its mark on any stage.

Key Features:

  • Okoume body with classic contour design
  • Bolt-on roasted maple neck with natural oil finish
  • Morado fingerboard with a 12-inch radius
  • 21 nickel-silver frets along a 34-inch scale
  • Passive hum-canceling Sadowsky J-style pickups
  • Active Sadowsky 2-band preamp with bypass function
  • Just-A-Nut III for easy adjustments
  • Sadowsky quick string release bridge
  • Includes Sadowsky PortaBag and accessories

Product specs

Number of Strings 5
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape MetroExpress Vintage JJ
Body Material Okoume
Body Finish High Polish
Neck Material Roasted Maple
Neck Shape Standard
Neck Joint Bolt-on
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Material Morado (Pau Ferro)
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Number of Frets 21, Nickel Silver
Scale Length 34"
Nut Material Tedur
Bridge/Tailpiece Sadowsky Quick Release
Tuners Sadowsky tuners, 20:1
Neck Pickup Sadowsky hum-cancelling J style Single-coil
Bridge Pickup Sadowsky hum-cancelling J style Single-coil
Controls 1 x volume, 1 x balance, 1 x treble, 1 x bass (push/pull preamp bypass)
Strings Sadowsky OEM, .045-.105
Case/Gig Bag Softshell Case

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the body of the Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ 5-string Bass Guitar?

The body of the Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ 5-string Bass Guitar is made from Okoume, which is known for its lightweight properties and balanced tonal qualities.

How would you describe the neck profile of this Sadowsky bass guitar?

The neck of the Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ 5-string Bass Guitar has a standard shape with a roasted maple construction, offering smooth playability and stability.

What kind of pickups are installed in the Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ 5-string Bass Guitar?

This bass guitar features Sadowsky hum-cancelling J style single-coil pickups, which provide a clear and punchy sound with reduced noise, ideal for various music genres.

Is the Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ 5-string Bass suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its high-quality build, hum-cancelling pickups, and versatile sound controls, the Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ 5-string Bass is well-suited for live gigs and studio sessions.

Does this bass guitar come with a case or gig bag?

The Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ 5-string Bass Guitar comes with a softshell case, providing protection and easy transportation for the instrument.

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Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ 5-string Bass Guitar.

Build quality

  • Owners report cheap-feeling hardware with satisfactory but not stellar fretwork, aligning with other basses in the under $1000 range.

    Source
  • The neck's unfinished feel and unusual shape near higher frets were noted issues in the older version, addressed in the newer model.

    Source
  • The bass's feel is likened to a $500 Squier due to its Chinese manufacturing, despite the higher price point.

    Source
  • The newer Sadowsky MetroExpress models are described as having a great neck and fret feel, comparable to or better than a Mexican Fender.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users compare the Sadowsky MetroExpress favorably to the Marcus Miller V7 Vintage, noting significant improvements in feel and sound.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • It's suggested that premium basses are marked up over 40%, and negotiating prices can substantially reduce costs.

    Source

User experience

  • The MetroExpress is praised for being lightweight with no obvious cosmetic flaws, enhancing playability over extended sessions.

    Source
  • Lightweight tuners and a comfortable body enhance playability, particularly appreciated by those seeking specific neck shape and string spacing.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The bass lacks a tone knob, which is critical for managing its inherent brightness; this feature is standard on other Sadowsky lines but not the MetroExpress.

    Source
  • The bass is noted for being extremely bright, leading some players to install a Sadowsky vintage tone control for better sound management.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A popular modification is adding a tone knob to control brightness, costing approximately $100.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The C note on the A string is significantly louder, noticeable in recording sessions but not in rehearsals.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how SERINA uses Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ 5-string Bass Guitar

SERINA

Bassist

TRiDENT

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Black

SERINA is confirmed to use a custom Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ 5-string Bass Guitar, as evidenced by a photograph posted on her Instagram account by serina_bassist on February 27, 2026. The bass features a jazz bass pickup configuration, lacks the traditional metal control plate found on other Sadowsky models, and has a custom knob layout, a black tortoiseshell pickguard, and a maple fingerboard. This particular instrument is also visible in multiple music videos and live performances throughout the band's discography.

Genre Usage

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

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