Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $1,090

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

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

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Description

The Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage M 5-string Bass Guitar is the perfect fusion of vintage aesthetics and modern innovation, designed for musicians who crave both style and substance. This bass is crafted with an okoume body, celebrated for its lightweight feel and resonant sound, providing a solid tonal foundation. The roasted maple neck and fingerboard add a touch of snap and presence, ensuring a smooth playability that bassists will appreciate. With 21 nickel-silver frets, this instrument offers comfort and precision across the board.

Equipped with a passive Sadowsky Quad Coil Alnico V humbucker, this bass delivers a punchy and dynamic sound, customizable through the 3-way toggle switch that allows for serial, parallel, or single-coil configurations. The active Sadowsky 2-way electronics, featuring a unique push/pull function for preamp bypass, offer extensive tonal flexibility to suit various musical styles. The Sadowsky Just-A-Nut III provides optimal string height and intonation, enhancing playability and ensuring your sound is always on point.

For the gigging musician, the Sadowsky Quick Access Compartment and bridge with quick-release strings make maintenance effortless. With chrome hardware and a transparent pickguard, the MetroExpress Vintage M is not just a powerhouse of performance but also a striking visual statement on stage.

Key Features:

  • Body: Okoume
  • Roasted maple neck and fingerboard
  • 21 nickel-silver frets
  • Passive Sadowsky Quad Coil Alnico V humbucker
  • Active Sadowsky 2-way electronics with push/pull preamp bypass
  • 3-way toggle switch for humbucker configuration
  • Sadowsky Quick Access Compartment
  • Sadowsky bridge with quick string release
  • Sadowsky Just-A-Nut III
  • Chrome hardware and transparent pickguard
  • Includes Sadowsky PortaBag, Fretboard Protector, and hex key set

Product specs

Number of Strings 5
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape MetroExpress Vintage M
Body Material Okoume
Body Finish Gloss
Neck Material Roasted Maple
Neck Joint Bolt-on
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Material Maple
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Number of Frets 21
Scale Length 34"
Scale Length Type Standard-scale
Nut Width 1.75"
Nut Material Just a Nut III
Bridge/Tailpiece Sadowsky Bridge
Tuners Sadowsky Light
Bridge Pickup Sadowsky Passive Humbucker
Controls 1 x volume, 1 x treble, 1 x bass
Switching 3-way toggle switch
Strings .045-.135
Case/Gig Bag Gig Bag

FAQs

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

The body of the Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage M 5-string Bass Guitar is made from Okoume, which is known for its lightweight properties and resonant tone, making it ideal for comfortable playing and great sound.

Is the neck of the Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage M 5-string Bass Guitar suitable for fast playing?

Yes, the neck is made of roasted maple with a 12" radius, offering a smooth and comfortable playing experience that is well-suited for fast playing styles.

What kind of pickups does the Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage M 5-string Bass Guitar feature?

This bass guitar features a Sadowsky Passive Humbucker pickup, which provides a rich, full tone suitable for a variety of music genres.

How does the Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage M 5-string Bass Guitar handle different music styles?

With its versatile Sadowsky Passive Humbucker pickup and a 3-way toggle switch, this bass can deliver a wide range of tones, making it suitable for genres from jazz to rock.

Does the Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage M 5-string Bass Guitar come with a case?

Yes, the Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage M 5-string Bass Guitar comes with a gig bag for easy transport and protection.

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

  • Installing a vintage tone control mod, typically around $100, is recommended to manage brightness.

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  • Some owners replace the stock J pickup with Nordstrand noiseless pickups for quieter recording sessions, highlighting the stock pickup's noise issues.

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Features and functionality

  • The MetroExpress lacks noiseless J pickups, with the stock J being prone to noise, particularly noticeable in recording settings.

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  • Lacks a tone knob, which is crucial for controlling the brightness inherent in the bass.

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  • Lightweight body and tuners are appreciated, though some basses can still be unexpectedly heavy.

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Build quality

  • Some MetroExpress units have a burr on the bridge, but replacement parts are readily provided by Warwick upon request.

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  • The bass has a distinctly Chinese build quality, comparable to a $500 Squier, despite its $1000 price tag.

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  • The neck feels unfinished, with a peculiar shape towards higher frets, which was improved in newer models.

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  • Some basses have neck-heavy balance, affecting playability.

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Comparisons

  • Japanese brands like Bacchus, Moon, and Atelier Z offer Jazz-style bass alternatives with high-quality builds, often matching the Sadowsky in feel but at different price points.

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  • G&L Jazz Tribute basses, despite their weight, are praised for sound and playability, rivaling instruments over $5k, and are often recommended over the Sadowsky MetroExpress.

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  • Sire V7 is preferred over Sadowsky at the original price point due to perceived better quality and value.

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User experience

  • The Sadowsky MetroExpress boost-only preamp design is polarizing; some users appreciate it, while others find it limiting without cut options.

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  • While the bass may feel like a budget instrument, it offers the exact sound, neck shape, and string spacing some players seek.

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  • Owners experienced significant quality control issues, like misplaced P pickups and noisy bridge pickups during treble adjustments.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The truss rod may break during adjustment, with reports of it spinning endlessly.

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  • Some units have excessively loud notes, like a C on the A string, which can be problematic during recording.

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Value and pricing

  • At discounted prices (as low as €299), users find the basses to offer great value despite issues.

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