I purchased one of these basses on November 16 on-line. I'm having the same noise problems that are heard in this video. My bass is the white PJ MetroExpress. The bass is nicely made, but the noise issues are very frustrating. Less expensive basses do not have these noise problems. I would have paid more to have the VTC installed, and make the bass strictly passive. Mine is also going back to Nashville (Warrick Sadowsky MetroExpress HQ). Keep you all posted.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Kevin! Mine was sent there as well. Roger reached out personally to let me know that he's addressing these issues. Haven't heard anything else yet, but thank you for your comment!

@kevinmcdonald5922

3 жыл бұрын

PS...I was never told I was getting a replacement. The Sadowsky Rep wanted their staff to look at it, and see what the issue is. I referred them to this video, as my bass is sounding the same. Doesn't matter what amp used, Mesa, Aguilar, Ampeg, EBS, ..........this bass is way too noisy.

@kevinmcdonald5922

3 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster Thank you! I have back-up now! :)

@kevinmcdonald5922

3 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster PS: 10-15 years ago I owned a Metro Sadowsky, and a NY Sadowsky with the VTC. I under stand those basses are allot more $$ then this line, but never had the noise like the Metro Express.

@rmccain99

3 жыл бұрын

China needs to understand that there are somethings that you just can not fudge.

I just received my new Metro Express 5 string jazz bass. I have the same horrible noise problems as everyone noticed. Being an electronics geek I had to look in to the problem and stared poking around inside the electronics compartment. I noticed that if I touched the blue or green wire going from the treble control to the input of the preamp the noise would increase. It looked like the problem was at the input of the preamp. I went to my electronics parts bin and found a .01uf bypass capacitor. The type used in most circuits to suppress (bypass) RF signals to ground. I placed it between the blue wire (lug) and ground (lug) on the bass control. Amazingly this fixed the problem and now I have a very quite Metro Express. One thing that is notable. Sadowsky already has a bypass capacitor between the blue wire and ground. So adding my capacitor placed it in parallel to the stock one. The fact that adding my capacitor fixed the problem tells me that either the stock capacitor was defective or it was not large enough to suppress the noise. Also, adding only .01uf on the treble control will not roll off audio frequencies.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Damn, that's a bummer! Glad you fixed your issue. You can buy the drop in preamps with the VTC from Warwick, they're expensive but expertly wired (vs the stock ME basses). I just dropped one into my Sire V7 and am very impressed thus far.

I don't think I've ever clicked "like" on youtube videos until yours... it's just so fun

this sounds so nice, cant wait to hear it with no buzz. getting a tone like that for 899 seems like a steal

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ricardo! Hoping the replacement doesn't have this issue!

I've recently purchased the Verdine White Metro Express out of China, and have owned Japan Metro's and later, Metroline models. The Verdine White feels and plays as good as the more expensive models., and with a good setup to an owners preference, they play beautifully. Despite your comments the tone sounded quite good in your video. I agree that your unit must have grounding issues, but my bass was dead quiet, even with the single coils. I also installed a Vintage tone control, and stacked bass treble, and it now sounds exactly like the higher end models. With no ability to reduce the treble, even with it set flat, or bypassing the pre, it still doesn't allow to reduce the tone down for a vintage or muted sound. Thus installing the VTC is highly recommended on these RSD units. But pop in a VTC, and maybe a hipshot string tree, and it'd be hard to tell the difference between a metro express, and a German made Metroline. except maybe the headstock logo....

@LowEndLobster

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience! Sounds like they're starting to sort out the QC issues that were plaguing the first runs. Great to hear!

Great stuff. Thank you for sharing. Have a super awesome week lobster. Cheers

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

You too Tommy!

LEL-Review,as good as ever! Thanx for telling the truth about all these basses.For me youre the best Reviewer off all.! Ps.: love youre cat!🤩I'm also a bassist & catlover🙃... Greetzs from Austria,and keep on!..🤟

I've been waiting for this one Lobman😆

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you :)

@jean-paulmare3338

3 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster have you perhaps solved that terrible noise issue?

great review and im very happy that i can finally afford a sodowsky bass

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Claus :)

This bass sounds awesome Nice review 💪💪💙 I don't know if it's only my impression, but I feel like when you're playing slap with both pickups on it reminds me the sound of Victor Wooten 😍

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you :)

need to snag me one of these. Great playing and content!

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Carlos!

I had a Metro from Japan, the build quality was insanely good. It played and sound killer. Should never have sold it.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mark! I've heard nothing but good things about the MIJ Metro basses. Hope to try one on the channel at some point

Damn, that sounds really good.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jack! Yeah I dig the tone, hoping the replacement (JJ not PJ this time) will have the nice tone without the not-so-nice noise!

Dude, nice - this has to be one of the first and best videos of the MIC MetroExpress. On the positive side, I thought the bass sounded good. Apart from that though, at that price point it did not seem like it would be worth it, especially with the gear Sire is putting out there :( For folks that want a Sadowsky, it would probably make more sense to look for a used MIJ Sadowsky.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Taconeko! Cool seeing you on the bass hang yesterday! You make excellent point. I'm getting a replacement bass, this time a J/J... and might compare to a Sire V7 4 string ;).

Thank you for doing the Sadowsky metro express review. I’m thinking about buying a 5 string.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Shawn!

I was planning on saving up for the $949 fiver but it looks like I’ll be spending my money elsewhere. Thanks for the great work all the time, Lobster. Still looking forward to the full review and demo!

@fretnation

3 жыл бұрын

Lets talk! kzread.info/dash/bejne/qYpo2NuOdMuzhpM.html

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jaxon! Hoping the replacement is better :)

@richardmilligan1410

3 жыл бұрын

Look at the Fret Nation reviews for the 4 and 5 strings. No noise at all. Saw a demo from another store too. No noise.

@jaxonvictoria4345

3 жыл бұрын

@@richardmilligan1410 I actually just got my first fiver, I went with the Ibanez EHB1005MS.

@richardmilligan1410

3 жыл бұрын

@@jaxonvictoria4345 very good. Hope it serves you well for many years.

Thanks for posting

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Paul!

@paultraynorbsc627

3 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster liverpool UK

I picked up a 5 string MetroExpress last week and it does seem that there are QC issues with these. I attempted to remove the control knobs so I could get the plastic of the control plate and, even with the knob screws completely removed, couldn't get two of the knobs free. Felt like they were glued on as well. More concerningly I attempted to back off the truss-rod as more relief was needed and just couldn't get it to where it needed to be. The rod felt like it was at the end of resistance and I didn't want to try and turn it further so back it goes.

I like it very much!

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Do you get a true subtle balance adjustment of the 2 PUPs with the balance knob, or is it all on/all off of each PUP with a center detent for both on?

I had to take a moment after that Bernie & Phyl's ad. Childhood flashed before mine eyes.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

:D I'm surprised at how many people picked up on that hahaha

@scarab944

3 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster For better or worse, it's something that never leaves your innate being. BAWK HAWNDA on the Automile. Come on down! Ugh, see what I mean?

froge approves

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

You heard it here first, folks! ;P Thank you my friend

Wow, the tone is ..stellar. Did you discover /solved the noise problem?

Looking forward to the follow up review. Can't decide on a schecter model T, charvel or metro express

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Brian! Here it is- kzread.info/dash/bejne/Y2mLpalwk73ahpc.html

Man SO GLAD you didnt just say OK on our trade and let me know there HAS to be an issue with this particular bass ....WHEW!!!..like i said probably made this one on a Friday eve at quitting time...hahahahah J/K ...But for the price....well lets just HOPE the replacement that they are sending to rectify the issue with this one does EXACTLY that and rectifies it for you and this line of Sadowsky basses!!!!!!!!!

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks man! Hopeful for a resolution as well!

For $900 the fret work and Preamp should be top notch

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed!

I tried the 5 string version and i felt that string spacing was more narrow compared to a Fender Jazz (or Sire V7).Any idea? Thanks !

Any plans to do an updated review on these? Was wondering if you noticed the glowing review from the latest Bassplayer magazine. Enjoy your channel very much. Thanks.

@LowEndLobster

2 жыл бұрын

I did a review of one, and will probably revisit the bass at some point this year

Doesn't seem to stack up against the sire pj and the yamaha bb735a

It seems like a lot of passive basses with active preamps that you test tend to be on the noisy side which leads me to wonder if maybe it's a ground issue with your electricity in that room, or maybe your cable/amp? Or of course they could just be that noisy, lol and the horn on your amp is turned up enough to really emphasize it?

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Hey Seth! You're right for some basses earlier on in the channel. When I moved my studio/office down to my basement, the electricals down here were a bit noisy. I did however snag a power conditioner a couple of months ago, and that seems to resolve a lot of the noise issues for certain instruments. EQ on the amp is at 12 o'clock across the board, and I checked with multiple cables. I think this particular example may have been defective. Hoping for the replacement to be better!

Well at least you start out with the most important part of Sadowsky ownership, the box.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

LOL Thanks Eric!

I bet the ground wire is not attached; that is just too much noise for something to not be wrong. Bass sounds killer; really like the tone very much.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Keith! I hope that's the case. I'm getting a replacement one and will be doing another unboxing and full review on that :)

I just checked out another review of a Sadowsky Express Jazz bass and it seemed pretty quiet so I expect that you will find something amiss under the hood when you check it out. That brings up obvious quality control issues if not actual electronics issues.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Keith! Didn't see anything, but there is def something wrong. Hoping the incoming replacement is better!

I'm just NOW looking @ this. I was looking @ getting a 5 string fretless version, but I'll wait. It's kinda sad. Roger has always made great basses and guitars. He even set up my bass back in '82 when he was a repairman/luthier at Medley Music back in Bryn Mayr Pa. Warwick needs tp step their game up and correct those issues. We're talking about a man's reputation here. I want to have a "Sadowsky" bass in my collection; even if it's a metroline. But IT'S GOTTA BE TOPS! Anyone agree?

@LowEndLobster

2 жыл бұрын

I will be revisiting this. This was a year and a half ago during the initial (and atrocious) launch. A good amount of time has passed and I want to see if they made good on the promises of improvements.

@etpslick100

2 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster Oh Ok. Cool. Let’s hope they’ll improved. Too many Jazz basses out here sounds BETTER than the Sadowsky and “cheaper;” and realistically IT SOULDN’T BE, imho.😕🎶👍🏾

It is now one month ago, did Sadowsky already fix the problem?

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

I ended up transferring the cost of the bass to another purchase, essentially returning it. But I did send this to Roger. I'm going to wait for the next batch to see if things have improved. I would not get the first batch right now.

what is that gorgeous bass in the upper left of the frame? been gassing for a minute seeing it in your videos

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

That's my Status Graphite Electro II Fretless, a rare bird. I did a vid on it a while back (first 5 claw review, this thing is GREAT). Def gonna do a follow up at some point since it's been a while.

What different between germany metroline and china metro express? *in case of sound and material

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Great question Golf! I'm not sure what the electronics differences is (minus the issues that I experienced with my chinese model), but the Chinese one uses an Okoume body, has cheaper neck construction, and cheaper materials overall. Big price difference with these coming in around $899 USD to the $3k of the MIG ones.

Good tones😎 Noise bad ☹️ Edit: The RSD that Jason @fretnation did a demo with didn’t have a noise issue like this one.

@fretnation

3 жыл бұрын

Our video had no signal processing. Was direct. There is some faint noise when not playing that is audible. It is barely audible while playing. If a compressor was being used with a lot of makeup gain it would increase the noise floor noise. What I do notice in this video is the buzzing is barely audible while playing as the noise floor is being pushed down. There seems to be a ton of compression on this signal.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ozzie! Hoping the replacement is better, the noise here is definitely not normal

Did you sort of the hum. Shielding ?

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Great question, Paul! I'm actually getting a replacement instrument from the vendor Fret Nation. I think this one might have something wrong with it. I took a quick peek inside and didn't see anything glaring.

Lobster Would you Please review Some MTD Kingstons. Kingston Super 5 s, , ZX 5 s, Ssratoga Deluxe etc ( Made in China) But Used by Many Many Gigging Bassist Like your reviews. Would like to see how they stack up in Comparisons. Keep up the excellent work sir. God Bless!

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Kalvin! Yes, going to be checking out some at some point. I did a quick look at an older Kingston (single H and passive), but some of the new ones have caught my eye :).

Looks- awesome. Headstock logo- too bad. That’s the part that looks cheap. Sound- wow. High end snap with buttery creamy sophistication. For that price I’m not entirely surprised but I doubt it’s that noisy by design. Through in a high end pre or make it passive with shielding and it’s a seriously awesome workhorse. Slap sounded really high fi with the PJ.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Rick! Hoping the replacement is better. This thing does not have any shielding whatsoever. I think going passive and having a bit better QC would have done wonders here. Outside of the noise, there are a lot of glaring omissions (NO BATTERY DOOR OR COMPARTMENT WTF) that make this a hard sell at $900.

@richardmilligan1410

3 жыл бұрын

There's Fret Nation videos where there's no noise. Several videos actually.

Did you buy this from thomann? if you didnt can you give me a link cuz i wanna buy this bass WITH the gig bag

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

No, I bought it through Fret Nation.

The Nordstrand designed pickups made all of the difference in the Ibanez SR655. Seems like they're doing the same in this bass. The neck looks like brand new, unseasoned wood though. My 2017 Rockbass Corvette $$ was Chinese made and lasted only 1 year. The truss rod broke the first time I adjusted it. Trust issues? Lol

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed, those CND pickups are spectacular. The SR is a much more complete package than this right now though. Really underwhelmed, but we shall see if that holds true with the replacement bass!

Im assuming the bass has normal controls in passive? Is it a pickup blend knob or 2 volumes?

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately passive mode is just a preamp bypass. Controls are V/Blend/Bass/Treb (or treb/bass, don't remember... sent this one direct to Roger to evaluate)

@alfieharries

3 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster ah ok, would the passive mode still work if the batteries died?

Great tone but the buzzing is very disappointing! I'd rather have a Sire P7 5. Have you compared the Sadowsky to the Sire?

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Keith! So the replacement one I'm getting is actually going to be a JJ, and we'll be doing a head to head comparison with a Sire V7 4 string of similar spec that I just got as well :)

Lobster, good video. what do you think about this bass ( RSD) in relation to the Sire V5 or V7/V3? Thanks I love your reviews :)

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Hey Vitor! Thank you :). That's a great question. I'm actually getting a replacement Sadowsky MetroExpress that'll be a JJ... and I just so happen to have a Sire V7 coming in as well :). We'll do an in depth comparison soon.

@vitobass23

3 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster Thanks :)

@MartinTurnerBassist

2 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster I too look forward to that. I am looking for a new 5-string PJ. But that noise is a concern.....

Might be worth upgrading to the VTC, which I understand is a solderless drop-in replacement?

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Already ordered one. This bass was sent back to Roger... but I have plans for that preamp ;)

@asingardenof

3 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster the 5-string version of this is on my radar but the VTC will follow close behind, initially for the tonal versatility but now hopefully to solve this noise issue

I have Glarry Jbass that feels great and doesn't have Rogers name on it! and trust me it sound just as great, and it didn't burn a hole in my pocket! But its also from China!

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Omax! Yeah man, Roger done flubbed here. I don't think these new MetroExpress basses will be around for long unless they really step up the quality and QC.

@omax1023

3 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster My Glarry doesn't have active sound board, but it does hum the same! Hot pickups maybe? Something interesting I noticed, if you adjust both volumes a quarter degree apart from either pot, they cancel or mute the hum! Or if you place them parallel also! However the tone pot will increase the hum greatly if you divide the value +/- past a quarter value? Great review over all, the subject matter is on point, keeping it real is important over all! Its a beautiful bass without question, but the guts need to be on par as well!!! Bang for the buck, as we say!

Interesting review, Lobster! Based on this video alone, I’d have to say I don’t see much to impress me about this bass. I guess the jury is still out.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Indeed, I understand Roger is working on addressing the issues

@samlelowitch

3 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster Do you find that the neck on the RSD MetroExpress is a bit wider than on other basses? It looks wide in the video to me. It sure is nice that it has the rotary truss rod heel adjustment. I like that feature!

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

@@samlelowitch Yeah it felt a little fuller, I haven't had it for several weeks (transferred the cost to another bass, waiting on the next batch of Sadowsky RSDs) so I can't remember any specifics.

$900 is 3x what I am will to spend on one of these. I'll just put a passive P-Bass Pickup in my Jazz Bass. I can get a pickguard blank square to cutout a new P/J pickguard.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Yepppppp. I got a second PJ too that was just as bad. These are such a dumpster fire.

Is it possible to get a tagima on the channel?

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

I have two coming in tomorrow :)

This review scares me from buying one. Damn! On to look for something else.

nice demo! it's active or passive or both?

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

It has a preamp bypass, but no passive tone control. 2 band active preamp.

I am confused how this is a Sadowsky yet has some sort of copywrite issue? Can you explain that issue? Why couldnt the headstock have the Sadowsky name on it if its a Sadowsky bass even if its from China. Glad you were getting it replaced or refunded (not sure what happened with the return for you). Dead E string, useless preamp and noise with ok fret work and I would return that for sure and move on. $800 is alot of money when compared to L-2000 or some of the Sterling line. Thank you for the video!

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mike! I believe there was some Chinese trademark law BS that happened where another company swooped in and grabbed the trademark before Roger even considered doing something in China with Warwick. Honestly, I would have produced these in Indonesia or Korea IMO but I don't know the specifics of the deal Roger has with Warwick. Roger did reach out personally to apologize and to let me know that the second batch will have the items I mentioned fixed. I was definitely not the only one who got a major dud like this bass. I did end up getting a refund and purchased another bass instead, but I will happily buy one from the second batch to review whenever they're available.

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say these Chinese-made express basses will be cut if the quality can't be improved. I just don't think Roger would stand for putting his name on such a product. Quite frankly, given the status of Sadowsky instruments it might just make more sense to have Warwick make the higher-end metro basses in Germany and leave this price point to other builders. I'm actually surprised they didn't go with a factory in Indonesia for these, there have been some pretty good instruments coming out of there the past several years.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks gt! Me too. When Roger called me, he was pissed that a bass like this would make its way through QC. I'll be following up with him directly soon to get some additional info on a revision.

@omax1023

3 жыл бұрын

The build quality is good, however the internals are questionable here!

@blountlays

2 жыл бұрын

Warwick doesn’t make their own entry basses in Germany.

That's way too much noise and issues at that price level. Mighty power is essentially the same price.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, the MP is a vastly superior instrument. We'll see how round two looks with the replacement!

The Lobster is Cooking.

Or like you mentioned the lights and other things plugged into the same plug circuit.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mark!

Oh also man, could you tell me what the neck dive is like on this?

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

I'll be sure to mention that on the full review! I actually sent this back to Roger directly (he reached out) and will be getting a replacement at some point.

@alfieharries

3 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster nice, will keep my eye out for it. Otherwise, lovin the vids, keep them comin

Hey man. Did Roger get you a replacement, or did you get one at all?

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

I ended up returning it and getting the spector (vid dropped today). Will definitely be snagging another Sadowksy from the second batch- I wouldn't go near the first.

@jemaines

3 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster Appreciate that. Would you say mostly electronics was the reason?

I would go with a BassMods preamp.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Interesting, I've honestly not checked out much of their stuff but I really should

Very bright and modern, all hifi, no character, or personality, all preamp. But it's an option.

Did I see and hear a furniture commercial? You mentioned that you haven't spent much time setting it up, just how much time should you have to spend setting up an 800 dollar bass? I see Reverb in the future!

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Hahaha yes ;P. Honestly, every bass I get I do a little setup on. I'll leverage Dom if I'm overwhelmed, but for an instrument like this I usually adjust the neck and action a bit - just usually before I shoot the vid. I did specifically request Jason not give it the Fret Nation touch, as I want my experience to be indicative not of a Fret Nation customer but of someone who would purchase this from anywhere. Jason @ Fret Nation ROCKS, killer service and a great selection of instruments - can't say enough nice things about this dude.

@Bass.Player

3 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster Just a note; many channels have experienced a decline in subscribers for using in video commercials....

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

@@Bass.Player I make mine skippable :).. at least they should be. No decline here (yet)!

@Bass.Player

3 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster You have just started this channel not long ago and you base is still climbing plus this is the first commercial I have seen on this channel. Merch is usually what comes next...

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

@@Bass.Player Swag is coming my friend... Swag is coming ;)

There’s no way that’s normal . There simply HAS to be something wrong with that bass. Looking forward to the resolution.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Replacement coming soon complete with another unboxing vid and full review of that one :)

A quiet preamp is not hard to do at this price level. Ibanez, SBMM, Sire, and others do it regularly. I suspect this issue will sorted out with the next generation of RSD basses. Besides the preamp, it looks like a very nice bass in the $1K category.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Joe! I'm hoping this is just a one-off fluke. Replacement bass incoming, JJ this time, and we'll be comparing it to one of the competition as well :)

Boutique bass manufacturers are attempting to make affordable instruments, some have been successful with their overseas connections. Was under the impression Warwick's German factory was producing Sadowsky Metro basses. The Japanese made really good Metro basses wonder what happen?

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ralph! These are a notch below the MIG/MIJ Metro basses. I think they cut too many corners here. I'm hoping that I'll have a better experience with the replacement coming soon :)

It’ll be interesting to find out what you discover under the hood. The tones sounded a bit meh to my ears.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Rev! Getting a replacement, hopefully that one will fare better. We'll be doing a comparison with one of the competition as well ;).

Probably a smart move by Warwick to buy the production rights to this bass. The Sadowsky name is pristine, and looks like in this case, it allows you to put lipstick on a pig, and pass it off as a Playboy model. I'm sure there is a fat margin on these basses as a result. I suppose I would take another look, but the fact that this was even allowed to leave the factory with that buzzing is a cause for alarm regarding the quality control.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Roger Sadowsky actually reached out to me personally and it looks like they're doing what they can to rectify the issue both with the current batches and ones still in production. He was saying that the travel restrictions (and COVID in general) have made it impossible to do the in-person checks both in China and their QC spot in Nashville. I'm hoping that the first release bugs get worked out!

I don’t buy the Sadowsky copyright issue. Surely there isn’t any problem for basses being produced with the same Sadowsky on them for distribution outside of China? I think Roger S is waiting to see what the production models are actually like before either condoning them or distancing himself from the RSD models.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

If that is the case, I think he's going to want to distance himself from these based on what I saw with this one. Hoping my replacement is a bit better or these will be quite the letdown, we'll see next week :)

sounds good,i think my Sire sounds as good or better stock…. but I’m dropping a sadowsky VTC preamp in it like you did... lol

Had the same bass in JJ for one day. Preamp way too hot. No hum with mine but bad hiss with treble at %50. And in active mode if you backed the volume down about a quarter it got noisy a bit. Yes the preamp will just amplify any issues. Especially a preamp that hot. I just sent it back today. Too bad. I really thought Sadowsky had a $900 bass nailed.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Richard! I think many of us were hopeful that we'd get a solid affordable import bass with sadowsky electronics. Doesn't seem to be the case yet, though I understand that some revisions are on the way in response to the issues.

@richardmilligan1410

3 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster really? I'd better hold off on getting that Sunburst Geddy Lee then lol. Actually I was tempted to buy an actual Sadowsky preamp and drop it in. There was a used one on Reverb for about $200 but I decided against it.

I think if making 'budget' versions costs this in much quality then companies should just stick to the premium models🤔

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jermaine! I agree, they definitely cut way too much on this bass both literally and figuratively for it to be worth it. Jackson minion is the same length, 20 bucks less, has two pickups, standard hardware... we'll be seeing one very soon ;)

@Brad5161

3 жыл бұрын

Considering there are $200 basses that are quiet...

R U coming through a direct box?

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Nope, going into my Orange Crush 50 BXT combo amp (used for all my vids, not my main amp), and the line out for that is going into my Focusrite.

@rmccain99

3 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster You could use a little more gain on that Focusrite.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

@@rmccain99 Thanks! It's a balancing act because a hair too much and it overdrives the signal. I appreciate the suggestion :)

Has it been sorted now ?

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Still not. I returned the instrument and am waiting for the second production batch. Others have had similar experiences to me, and it's a real shame that these instruments were released in such a state!

@paulsayer426

3 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster Mr Sadowsky will not be pleased !

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

@@paulsayer426 I spoke with him on the phone when this happened and he was not pleased! He was very apologetic and seems committed to rectifying the situation, however it will take a lot to redeem these instruments after such a botched launch. IMO these basses are DOA and I'm not sure we'll see them continue.

There should be a pretty substantial drop in level going from Active to Passive with this bass. The J pickup is single coil so some noise is to be expected when solo. No doubt there is some noise there, but when you are playing it is very faint. When you stop it gets very loud. It appears there is a ton of compression in your signal and a lot of makeup gain which is boosting the noise floor when you are not playing. Can you please go over your signal chain and also the settings in your "mix."

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Slapinfunk! The noise wasn't just in the signal chain, it was coming out of my amp too. I'm plugged direct into my amp, and have about 50 or so different basses here and this was by far the noisiest - hoping it was just an issue with this particular example. Signal chain is very simple, going from bass -> amp (orange crush 50 BXT w/ line out)-> focusrite 4i4. I have a 1981 Ibanez Roadster RS824 which is known to be quite noisy, and even that pales in comparison to the Sadowsky here. Maybe the amp has a bit of compression built in? It's a pretty simple interface.

You've reviewed cheaper basses that had much less or no noise. Even if everything were flawless on that bass the boost only preamp with no passive tone control would be a deal breaker for me. I find myself cutting treble a whole lot more often than boosting, and having that on the bass itself is just way too handy. I'd rather they just eliminate the preamp, add a passive tone control and put the money they'd save into a better setup.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Michael! This is true. Roger stepped in, they're going to look at what went wrong with this bass and are making some changes to the next batch to improve things. My replacement sample should still be from a similar batch, but I'll be checking another one out once the changes fully propagate.

@michaelkeefer4293

3 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster That's awesome that Roger stepped in! Looking forward to the follow up video. 👍

Bernie and Phyl's reference!

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Nineties-00's New England Furniture Chain Commercials

@jeremygalvin7726

3 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster I used to live in South Shore MA and we had one. :)

Send it to Shada Cah cah Johnny long to put a monster Pre amp in it at the hoboe depot!

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

SHADA KA KA! XD

@Solelova67

3 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster lol. Thank you for correcting my English with SPEACH! ( Trading Places)

RSD? But what about NSD and MTD??? Investigate all the Ds lol

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Hahaha gotta catch em all

Dang heart breaking

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Yep! Hopefully we don't go 0 for 2 with the replacement.

Sounds to me like this preamp was rushed, not grounded and not wired correctly something that would never happen at Roger's shop. Roger is known for his QC, and for his higly respectable preamps. This one definitely didn't get the proper inspection before shipping it out. Hopefully they can send you a replacement preamp to swap this faulty one. I would definitely contact them asap.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! indeed something was definitely up. Roger reached out to me personally to ensure that the issues I encountered are being addressed both on the production line and at the QC shop. I'm actually sending this one straight to Sadowsky to investigate. Very impressed with Roger's reaction, very swift and direct. He knows the Sadowsky name means something to bassists, and I believe he'll do what he can to correct things as much as possible.

@biga173rdify

3 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster Wow that's great, and from the man himself. Now that's customer service.

@biga173rdify

3 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster Any updates on when the new bass will arrive?

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

@@biga173rdify I have heard no word yet. I know mine just got to Roger today (slow shipping around holiday season). I'll be doing a follow up vid as soon as I have some info at least, don't worry :)

@biga173rdify

3 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster Awesome!

I thought this was going to be one of the MIJ Sadowskys. Glad it's not given the noise. Disappointed so far, given the price.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks John! Agreed, going to save my full verdict for the replacement.

I need another go at these, I was not at all impressed with the one I played

@jaxonvictoria4345

3 жыл бұрын

Why? How was the one you played?

@rl-ub9hx

3 жыл бұрын

@@jaxonvictoria4345 it was like $3k used... and it just felt like a bass... sounded like... a bass. I played some squires, fenders, MMs, jacksons, and esps along with it and it didn't feel or sound as good as any of them at any price range. Now it was only one, and the only one I've ever seen. The store manager pulled it out of the back for me to play and check out as he knows I have a tendency to make pretty large purchases on impulse. And there just wasn't anything unique about it. Nothing to even remotely warrant a 3k dollar used price.

@jaxonvictoria4345

3 жыл бұрын

@@rl-ub9hx I completely understand what you mean. I’ve always believed that a $100 bass and a $1000 bass will have a night-and-day difference, but the difference between a $1000 and $3000 bass is mostly the little details that may or may not be necessary in the improvement of the sound, tone, and feel of the instrument. A bass is a bass. I recently purged my collection of high end Fenders and now I have two: a Squier and a Sterling by Music Man and I’m just as happy if not happier.

@fretnation

3 жыл бұрын

@@rl-ub9hx That is definitely not the same bass. If it was 3K used it was not one of the new RSD MetroExpress basses made in China that just came out last week :D

@rl-ub9hx

3 жыл бұрын

@@fretnation I'm aware, and if it were to play like the one Ingot my hands on I would consider it an option as I feel the one I did play was no better than the $500-1000 basses I sampled at the same time. I would love to get a hold of another and see if that one just happened to suck? Either way, my first impression was lack luster.

Thx for that. I wanted to buyt it but now.......🤣

No Sadowsky logo on the headstock......sorry that's horrible. Can't believe someone else has the copyright over the Sadowsky name. And the noise in active mode is just not normal. I'd be pretty disappointed with that. That's just so not a Sadowsky. Thanks for your honest review.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Belman! Roger is taking this very seriously, and called me to let me know he's investigating the issue with these. Roger and his team haven't been able to have the oversight that they'd like on this project due to travel restrictions and whatnot which is a bummer, and the launch models definitely suffered for it. Patiently waiting for my replacement and I'll be giving it another go :)

The proper plural of Express is "Expri"! :D

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

XD

It 100% sounds like a Sadowsky.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I haven't played one in a loooooooooong time, so I don't have much of a reference point.

@russellzauner

3 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster then borrow an old one lol

@russellzauner

3 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster hell yeah, compare old and new sadowsky although with some brands that would be dancing with the desire that led to the giant musicman array of competitive analysis (as we used to call it). I feel like if I had the flow to do it (it would be a bit of an endeavor, but people would probably want to buy every last one) I could do a month of content on many lesser known as well as vanished/acquired/resurfaced brands every time I found a new thing like Dame or Daisy Rock...I should start matrixing in twitch bot and content accounts before I cross the critical mass threshold of my patience with the universe. I have cams in storage literally for online chronicling...UGH

Something is wrong with the wiring. I would pay that much for it passive.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Yup, something was very wrong here! Sent this to Roger

No matter how it feels or sounds, the headstock logo would bug the hell out of me. I would only be able to think "I have a fake Sadowsky".

@LowEndLobster

2 жыл бұрын

Yep, that was one of the biggest aspects that they botched was the branding.

@jackshittle

2 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster 👍

It looks like they are having A LOT of quality control issues there...

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Indeed! I was not the only one with this experience. I just got two new RSDs yesterday that are from the second batch. I will be doing a double unboxing (shooting later today hopefully), kind of nervous hahaha. Hoping that the second batch is better.

Ah, i see you went to the LTTstore.com

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

I did ;P... I didn't take the plunge on the undies yet.

Ah the mint smokes that thing. More money for cat food too lol

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Wes! Yeah the minty project is something else, I love that thing. I'm hoping I fare better with the replacement bass coming soon :)

If this continues to be a flop, I don’t think Roger Sadowsky and his team will continue to pursue getting the naming rights of ‘Sadowsky’ in China.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jaxon! I agree, though I will save my full verdict until I get my replacement. Hopefully it's quieter than this one here.

@jaxonvictoria4345

3 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster if they do get the Sadowsky name then this’ll be a collectors item of sorts. Pretty cool.

vs Sire P7 ??? Opinions, Lobster ? Thanks ! - mb94952

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Great question Michael! Sire all the way here. Much better build quality (though the Sadowksy hardware is VERY nice, the pickups, preamp, and overall build quality are sub-par IMO)

@michaelb.42112

3 жыл бұрын

@@LowEndLobster Thanks man. After I saw this I looked at a few other vids out of curiosity, not b/c I'm looking. I think I like the Sire better, overall, from what I've heard. Plus after you saying much better build quality, etc.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

@@michaelb.42112 Don't get me wrong, the Sire has its own issues. I don't like the hardware that they use, or the number of (and quality of) knobs on the control plate for a J is a bit overkill. Funny enough, my Favorite fretted J is my modded V7 vintage with Sadowsky preamp and I have a set of DiMarzio Area J's coming to finish it off :)

😦

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

:)

Since when did China start worrying about trade marks? They rip everything off over there haha. I'll hold off my opinion till you set it up properly, which is only fair, as the $800 dollar mark has some very stiff competition. It does look nice tho.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Paul! I just snagged a Sire V7 as well which is one of the big shots in the sub-$1k active J category. The replacement Sadowsky will be a JJ as well, so we'll see which one is best!

Normally- I am not a label or cosmetic guy- but the stupid headstock labeling puts me off. Don't know why but it does.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

I hear you. One of the many things that made the release feel rushed.

Is this a "low end" sadowski? Gig bag? You had to give it a setup? Humming? Hmmmmmm.

@fretnation

3 жыл бұрын

Same bag is included with the new Made in Germany MetroLine basses. It is a pretty nice bag!

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Fret Nation is accurate, it is a VERY nice bag.

You shouldn't have to do a set up, it should be done at the factory ,the noises crazy it should have been inspected before shipping maybe that's why you got it cheap this is Chinese quality control all over BUT Sadowski needs to get his shit sorted out, he has a bad name all ready in Asia, his prices are ridiculously to high, concidering they come out of Cort Factory for $120+tax and they are being sold in China as being made in Germany and to think these people make aircraft! But your honesty lobster is valued highly, give it him back lol

I must admit, I'm VERY disappointed about the noise. I've been waiting for the 5 string version of this bass for a LONG time.

@LowEndLobster

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jeffrey, me too