Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $3,661
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Sadowsky Will Lee 4 string model". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Experience unparalleled tone and craftsmanship with the Sadowsky Will Lee 4-string model, a bass guitar that merges classic appeal with modern innovation. Born from the collaboration between Sadowsky and renowned bassist Will Lee, this instrument is designed to push the boundaries of sound and playability. Its custom Will Lee preamp is a standout feature, offering an on/off mid-boost and selectable frequencies to tailor your sound with precision, making it ideal for both studio sessions and live performances.
The body, crafted from super-resonant American swamp ash, provides a rich tonal foundation, while the bolt-on maple neck ensures durability and comfort. The 12-inch-radius maple fretboard, fitted with 22 nickel-silver frets, offers smooth playability and unparalleled precision, making it perfect for intricate bass lines. The Sadowsky J-style pickups deliver a thunderous yet articulate sound, ensuring your bass lines cut through the mix with clarity and power.
Built in Germany, this bass is not only a testament to exceptional craftsmanship but also a lightweight solution for musicians seeking comfort during extended play. The Sadowsky Will Lee model is equipped with high-quality hardware, including a bridge with quick string release and light open-gear tuning machines, ensuring reliability in any setting. Whether you're a touring musician or a studio enthusiast, this bass guitar is engineered to meet the demands of any playing scenario.
Key Features:
- Scale: 34" with bolt-on construction
- Body: American swamp ash
- Neck/Fretboard: Maple with 12" radius
- 22 nickel-silver frets
- Passive Sadowsky J-style pickups
- Custom Will Lee preamp with mid-boost
- Volume, balance, Vintage Tone Control, and stacked treble/bass controls
- Push/Pull function for preamp bypass
- Sadowsky Light tuning heads and bridge with quick string release
- Comes with a Sadowsky Portabag gig bag and certificate of authenticity
- Made in Germany
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | Sadowsky Doublecut |
| Body Material | Swamp Ash |
| Body Finish | Transparent Satin |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Neck Shape | Standard |
| Neck Joint | Bolt-on |
| Radius | 12" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Dots |
| Number of Frets | 22, Nickel Silver |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Nut Material | White Plastic |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Sadowsky Quick Release |
| Tuners | Sadowsky |
| Neck Pickup | Sadowsky J Single-coil |
| Bridge Pickup | Sadowsky J Single-coil |
| Controls | 1 x volume, 1 x reverse blend, 1 x tone, 1 x 2-band EQ, 2 x internal trim pots |
| Switching | 1 x mini-switch (mid boost) |
| Strings | Sadowsky Blue Label Stainless Steel |
| Case/Gig Bag | Gig Bag |
FAQs
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What kind of tone can I expect from the Sadowsky Will Lee 4-string bass?
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The Sadowsky Will Lee 4-string bass delivers a clear, punchy tone with its J single-coil pickups, suitable for a variety of genres from jazz to rock. The 2-band EQ and mid boost switch offer versatile tonal shaping options.
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Is the Sadowsky Will Lee 4-string bass suitable for slap bass techniques?
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Yes, the Sadowsky Will Lee 4-string bass is well-suited for slap bass techniques. The 12" radius and swamp ash body provide a comfortable playing experience with a bright, responsive sound ideal for slapping.
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What is the neck profile like on the Sadowsky Will Lee 4-string bass?
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The neck of the Sadowsky Will Lee 4-string bass features a standard shape with a comfortable 12" radius, offering smooth playability for both fast fingerstyle and complex chordal work.
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Does the Sadowsky Will Lee 4-string bass come with a case or gig bag?
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Yes, the Sadowsky Will Lee 4-string bass comes with a gig bag, providing protection and convenience for transport to gigs and rehearsals.
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How is the tuning stability of the Sadowsky Will Lee 4-string bass?
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The Sadowsky Will Lee 4-string bass features high-quality Sadowsky tuners, ensuring reliable tuning stability even during extended playing sessions.
Videos
Premier Guitar
Summer NAMM '14 - Sadowsky Will Lee 4-string, P:J 5-string, Hybrid P:J 4-string Demos
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sadowsky Will Lee 4 string model.
User experience
Features and functionality
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MetroExpress models lack the "Vintage Tone Control" feature found in higher-end Sadowsky basses, which may impact tonal versatility.
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The Sadowsky preamp allows for easy mid-cut adjustments, effectively cutting through dual Marshall guitar stacks with minimal effort.
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The Sadowsky preamp is highly regarded for its powerful, clean output and is described as the "secret sauce" that sets these basses apart.
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Comparisons
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A MetroExpress owner compared its quality to Glarry and Squier models, suggesting similar build issues and tonal brightness that may not justify its higher price.
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Users switching from Spector to Sadowsky find it easier to dial in desired tones on Sadowsky basses, highlighting their versatility.
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Sadowsky basses are described as "Fender on steroids," offering enhanced features like varied pickup configurations and superior preamps compared to standard Fenders.
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Use cases and applications
Build quality
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Some Sadowsky MetroExpress owners criticize the lightweight tuning keys for sticking, describing them as feeling akin to sub-$100 bass hardware.
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Sadowsky basses are praised for their lightweight design and balance, with a notable chambered construction in some models that reduces weight significantly.
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Setup and maintenance
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A user reported needing to shim the neck pocket of a Sadowsky MetroExpress to correct off-center string alignment, illustrating potential setup challenges.
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Owners appreciate the minimal seasonal adjustments required, often only needing a quarter turn on the truss rod during seasonal changes.
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Mods and upgrades
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Owners have successfully modded Ibanez Mikro 5-string basses with Nordstrand J Blade pickups for a wooly tone, highlighting how versatile pickup swaps can be for tone customization.
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It's noted that Sadowsky basses can be upgraded with stacked-coil pickups to reduce noise, maintaining a clean signal.
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