Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
$1,110.00
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$1,065.92 New
$651.27 Used
Thomann
$899.00 $888.00 $11.00 · All time low

Average Price: $923

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

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

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Description

Elevate your playing with the Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ Bass Guitar, a harmonious blend of vintage aesthetics and modern innovation. Crafted for discerning bassists, this instrument features an okoume body that offers a resonant tonal foundation. The bolt-on roasted maple neck, with its smooth natural oil finish, provides unparalleled playability, making lightning-fast runs a breeze. The roasted maple fingerboard, boasting a 12-inch radius and 21 nickel-silver frets, ensures comfort and precision across its 34-inch scale length.

What sets this bass apart is its Sadowsky 2-way active preamp, which delivers rich, articulate sound and remarkable versatility. Paired with two passive, hum-canceling J-style pickups, this bass offers a classic thump and growl, free from unwanted noise. The intuitive control layout allows for seamless switching between active and passive modes, empowering you to tailor your sound with ease.

Further enhancing its performance, the MetroExpress Vintage JJ includes the proprietary Just-A-Nut, making adjustments effortlessly precise. The quick-release bridge system and ultra-reliable tuning machines ensure that you're always in control of your tone and tuning stability. Completing the package are chrome hardware, stress-free S-Style security locks, and a vintage-styled pickguard, adding both elegance and functionality to this stunning instrument.

Key Features:

  • Okoume body with classic contours
  • Bolt-on roasted maple neck with natural oil finish
  • Roasted maple fingerboard with 12-inch radius
  • 21 nickel-silver frets on a 34-inch scale length
  • Sadowsky passive J-style pickups for vintage sound
  • Sadowsky 2-way active preamp with bypass feature
  • Just-A-Nut for easy adjustments
  • Quick-release bridge and light machine heads
  • S-Style security locks and chrome hardware
  • Vintage-styled pickguard included

Product specs

Number of Strings 4
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 Roasted Maple
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 kind of tone can I expect from the Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ Bass Guitar?

The Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ Bass Guitar offers a warm, punchy tone with excellent clarity, thanks to its hum-cancelling J style single-coil pickups. It's versatile enough for jazz, funk, and rock music.

Is the Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ Bass Guitar suitable for beginners?

While the Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ Bass Guitar is designed with professional features, its playability and comfortable neck make it accessible for beginners who are serious about their playing.

What is the neck profile like on the Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ Bass Guitar?

The Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ Bass Guitar features a standard neck shape made from roasted maple, providing a smooth playing experience with a comfortable grip.

How does the preamp bypass function work on the Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ Bass Guitar?

The preamp bypass function allows you to switch between active and passive modes by using the push/pull control on the bass knob, offering flexibility in tone shaping.

What is the body material of the Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ Bass Guitar and how does it affect the sound?

The body of the Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ Bass Guitar is made from Okoume, which contributes to a balanced tone with a strong midrange presence and lightweight feel.

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

The BEST 5-String Jazz Bass In Its Price Range // Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ Bass

Video thumbnail for The BEST 5-String Jazz Bass In Its Price Range // Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ Bass by The Bass Channel

The BEST 5-String Jazz Bass In Its Price Range // Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ Bass

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

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 Bass Guitar.

Features and functionality

  • The Sadowsky MetroExpress lacks a tone knob, unlike other Sadowsky models, requiring external modification to control brightness.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some older models have a neck shape issue near higher frets, reportedly fixed in newer runs.

    Source
  • Some owners report alignment issues with strings and neck, and pickups not being solidly fixed.

    Source
  • Knob falling off and patchy wiring have been noted as quality control issues in the first run.

    Source
  • It's been noted that first-generation Metro Express models had severe alignment issues causing uneven string output and G string slippage when fretting notes.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners have noted a particularly loud C note on the A string, impacting recording sessions.

    Source
  • A user reported disappointment with build quality, including misaligned strings and neck, and loose pickups.

    Source
  • Some users prefer the Sadowsky preamp over the Heritage 3, indicating a subjective but notable difference in tonal preference.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Adding a vintage tone control knob is recommended, with a typical mod cost around $100.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Sire basses are often considered better than the Chinese-made Sadowsky MetroExpress models by some users.

    Source
  • The Sadowsky Metro Express is likely lighter in weight than the Sire V8, appealing to those seeking a less burdensome instrument.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Sire V8 is approximately $100-200 cheaper than the Sadowsky Metro Express, allowing for potential electronics upgrades within the same budget.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how ∴560∵ uses Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ Bass Guitar

∴560∵

Bassist

Wienners

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Metallic Green

In a Twitter post by ∴560∵, the artist showcases his custom Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ Bass Guitar. Unlike the standard model, which features four control knobs, ∴560∵'s version is equipped with a custom Sadowsky Onboard Bass Preamp featuring three knobs.

Genre Usage

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

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