Sadowsky RSD Metro Express 4 JJ - There's something missing here.. - LowEndLobster Review 

You should have way more subscribers. You are doing a much better job than a lot of other bass-related channels on YT.

Time to re-review these with the new versions!!!

Your honesty is so appreciated.

For anyone interested: as of late 2023, these have dropped price in the EU (Thomann) to 500 quid. I suspect they want rid of them due to the newer 23 models being released. Nice info and great video as always anyway, Lob.

What if I want a PJ, and I mix the PUs, will I have hum?

When I first learned of plans for a (then Japanese) Metro Express line, I was really excited about the possibility of acquiring a high-quality but affordable Sadowsky Verdine White bass. I fully expected that the Metro Express line would require some quality sacrifices to bring it in at a lower price point, but I was encouraged by Roger's pledge that the new line would offer the highest quality instruments at that price point. It's disappointing that these Chinese instruments have proven to be deficient, not just on the first try, but on the second as well. I'm glad you've been willing to speak the truth about these instruments. I think Roger has built such a fine reputation that his company is kind of a sacred cow in some bass circles, and that's not helpful for potential buyers.

Sadly for $900+ you can get a much better, non-Chinese made bass that doesn't have goofy headstock decals. Sad as I think would be a real market for a 900-1500$ import Sadowski.

I've had a chance to try most of the new models. From the Chinowsky Metro Express to the German Metroline costing around US$4300. The Chinowsky 5 string J really surprised me. For the price, it feels and plays better than most Fender & Sterling 5s I've tried. The low B on it is fantastic for something so affordable. Yes the pickups are noisy on their own, but I haven't found them to be noisier than other single coils. When used together there is no hum! Including when pushing the preamp to its limits. GREAT preamp btw. Very useable. I prefer active mode on this bass. A GREAT BASS - I hope you get to review it at some point :-) The 4 string Chinowskies on the other hand are pretty average and retail for more than Mexican fenders here. The German Metroline feels beautiful but I would pick something else for the price. Ridiculously expensive. One last thing - every Chinowsky that came out of the box needed a serious truss rod adjustment... Maybe it's the climate change? Or they just don't bother with setups..

Man, I WANTED to like the RSD basses. Almost pulled the trigger on one. I recently copped a $450 mint condition Fender Player Jazz Bass (that now retails at $750) from the TalkBass forums and that was an absolute steal. I can’t imagine paying upwards of $899 for this.

Allow me to join the chorus of those who appreciate your reviews. It seems like most of the "reviews" of basses on RU-vid are either created by stores or manufacturers trying to sell you the bass, overly exuberant fans of a particular brand or poorly informed players who fail to answer obvious questions about the bass being reviewed. It really means a lot to have access to such intelligent, unbiased and fair reviews, created by a good bass player with good production values, no less! Keep doin' that thing you do!

You are an educator, not just a reviewer. Sunday is now complete. Time for bed.

Really wish Sire would use that bridge design! I thought that bass sounded pretty good, but noisy as f@#$. Didn't even sound like it was grounded. For nine hundred bucks, seems like the Sadowski name is a big driver of the price. I really don't care for brands exploiting their name like that. Seems to cheapen the brand. Anyway, good review. Seems like there are really better options for that money.

Donny Benèt ❤️❤️❤️👏👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

If I was Sadowsky, I would have teamed up with FujiGen instead....Sire and Ibanez totally smoke this....even Harley Benton are better than that

Great review. Honestly sounds like a Squire jazz with an Audere pre-amp would be as good.

Yeah - I think the trick that bass can do is bass boost on the bridge pickup to get bassy thwacky thump so you get lots of low end but with huge attack. I mean, it'd be a fantstic funk live bass. It does appeal to me but only second hand at a great price so I could take a 70s configured instrument and really customise it to my requirements. Thanks for a great review...

Thanks Lobster! A great review as always. I have never been all that impressed with the Chinese built Warwick basses, and if Roger Sadowsky is set on using that factory - he will need to twist a few arms with Warwick a bit IMO to get the build quality up. Besides, the lack of tone control is a deal breaker as far as I'm concerned. You could get a used Squire Classic Vibe jazz bass and drop in a John East preamp for a lot less than you'd pay for one of these. Personally - I could build one from scratch and have all USA made parts for less. But, I would think that future runs will be better. At least one can hope. Cheers for now!

I want to love the RSD basses but it seems they aren't really up to scratch yet. I'm loving my Sire V7 4-string (though I am definitely looking at replacing the tuners), and have been eyeing up the 5-string RSD for my next purchase, but I'm slowly coming to the conclusion that either a 5-string V7 or saving up for an MIJ MetroExpress would be a better use of my money.

You are the only source of info I know of that tells things as they are...the good, the bad, and the ugly. Thanks for that!! I never was much of a Sadowsky fan, always seemed like an overpriced Fender clone.

Hmm. Not bad; but not great! For a Sadowsky; I was expecting more as far as Tone is concerned. It’s weird; I’m a bassist, but like Sadowsky strat guitars MORE than their Basses. I played a Sadowsky 24 fret Tokyo model and like that BETTER than their USA model. You go figure! The bass is not bad, but can use a passive tone control on it. For the money, should’ve had the Passive tone on there. Thanks for the review!😌🎶👍🏾

I appreciate your honesty here. Anyone in the market would be keen to know these details

Hi lobster! Do you plan checking out the 2023 updated models?

I really want to like a Sadowsky. (I'm a NYer.) The MiJ bases were hot. This one, meh. Man...

I came for the sadowsky review, but left intrigued about that surf green job in front of the silverburst jack cassady in the rack to your right - what is that? I need it.

The colour is nice. Still no Sadowsky logo on the headstock :-( Thanks for the review!

As always very thorough. Shame these are not of the standard expected with the name. Have yiu come across MARUSZCZYK basses. Seem to be coming popular in Germany and UK. Hand made in Poland. Stay safe keep rocking. Stu

I was really impressed with the Sadowski's tone overall. What a shame it has so many faults and there's no way I'd buy one as it stands. Thanks for an excellent review, Lobster.

Some early Metro Expresses are on Reverb for $459. Might be worth buying one and then upgrading the pickups and preamp...

Your review is spot on! I love the tone and playability of this bass but one of the issues is the fret edges. It makes it feel like a kinda’ cheap bass but it does have its strong points too! Great review sir!

Seems like Sadowsky sold out just to make more money. That is so sad. Thanks for your honest review.

They should have just made it passive with quiet pickups.

Let me tell you something... Sadowsky is a geniuos. He knows what jazz lovers likes to listen from.

Great review, as always! I have this bass in a 5 string and my biggest issue are the fret edges, they could have done a much better job of smoothing them out! Overall, great tone and playability, but I should have held out, saved a little more money and gotten an American made Sadowsky.

🦞, Has Warwick added the just-a-nut on this model yet?

I’m tryna concentrate on the video but the guy on the shirt won’t let me 😩

Lobster you do a great job reviewing bass gear and we all appreciate your honest and candid opinions! Please keep up the good work!

Thats why im following this channel, i appreciate your honesty, good job

Ugh... that "Grandma's 70s Sunday driver" paint!!! Yuck! Sounds okay though. No money will be leaving my wallet anytime soon for a Sadowsky of any kind. I'd save for a Valenti, if I were a J bass guy. Thanks again for a great review.

Hi Lobster, another good and honest review. This bass is just ok. The rear pickup is in the ’60s position. 👍🏾🙏🏿

Great vid but it's pronounced "Worrick" not "Woorwick". Like the famous town near me. 👍

Now that it has been a year since this video was posted, are there any updates on this line? Still made in China? Does this line still exist? Curious minds want to know but from the source we can all depend on; Lobster.

Nice review, man. I can't live without a tone control! I'm a bass player that actually uses it on all my basses. As you pointed out, Sadowsky does make some beautiful basses like the ones made in LIC Queens, NYC; This seems a bit expensive for what it is. One can Rock a Fender Japan that will be stellar or a Squier, LTD, and other makes for the inexpensive route, you know what I'm saying?🥂

It says a lot when the hardware made by other manufacturers is better than the product that comes with it.

Cool bass! 😍 I tried this bass a few months ago and it sounded great but it doesn't have that 70s jazz bass tone, so I ended up buying the Sire V7 vintage 2nd generation 😅 Nice review as always 💙

Considering you can get a few American made basses for the price, this is a hard pass. Shame tho, I was hoping they would have stepped up the QC since last time.

Huge respect for that Donny Benet T-shirt!

Your cat sinchronic ending take the the all clip green strange jazz bass lmao miaou 🐈😅😅😅😅😉

Hey Lobster, would love to see you review a G&L JB-2. G&L always impresses me with their build quality.

It's a great bass. I got 2 of them. They are perfect in any way. This review is bullshit!

I do have a Shadowy bass preamp SP B1 A great pedal

Loving the “mad bass scientist” look. Hoping the beautiful Afro is coming back.... It’s a beautiful bass from this end, except the ugly headstock and logo. I really like the colors and the maple neck/fretboard. They seem a bit expensive when considering the FGN is available and a little easier to get, at least from what I can see. Maybe I’m wrong and I have no idea what I’m talking about. I haven’t played either, but from what I’ve seen, I think I know which I’d rather buy. Great real video. Thank you for sharing. Cheers Btw. Thank you for your honesty

PJ or JJ is better? I'm still considering....

i kinda like this more over the new Fender Player Plus. If it had noiseless pups and a tone control, it would've been perfect, I love the tone.

Would you recommend the Charvel over the Sadowsky?

Lobster, you should see if you can get your hands on a 2023 model. The improvements look interesting, especially for the price. Maybe they have fixed the QC issues.

Love the Donny Bennet shirt! And as always, great work!

Roger should ask Cortex make him the cheap version of Sadowsky bass, because Cort already has very shine poor man version Sadowsky MV bass since 2017 ~ GB74JJ. Hope you able make a comparison between Cort GB74JJ side by side with this China made Sadowsky in further review. Tq

I always love your honesty on reviews. That help us a lot. Thanks again.

It’s looks alright and sounds ok(ish) but for the price there asking. No way. Working with Warwick is the biggest mistake Roger made. The Chinese Warwick’s are really bad and even the German made basses aren’t that amazing ( for that what they are asking price). Warwick doesn’t have a good name here in Germany. They care more for profit then making a somewhat decent product. Cheers Lobster from Germany

It definitely sounds like a Sadowsky, though.

I'm no Expert, but I thought I read somewhere that single coil J pickups work better with pedals.. But like I said I'm no expert and I could have read that wrong. I have a PJ configuration on my bass, i just turn down the J pickup, also turn down tone control seems to get rid of that nasty hesss. Sorry I forgot that the Sadowsky bass doesn't have a Tone Control Bummer ~ NEXT..

Thanks!!! Hey that shirt looks familiar. What album is that?

My recommendation would be to forget this thing and get a FGN Mighty Jazz instead.

Hablas demasiado eso se vuelve incómodo en los videos y hace q uno no los vea, ve al grano y ya , tendrás mas seguidores

Ty very much for the update Lobster

The way Talkbass talks about Sadowskys, you'd think they were made by God himself. Glad to see an honest review!

Great sound for finger style Sandowsky bass not so for slap bass it loses its bottom.

Nice shirt! I see you are a man of culture and experience 😏

Great review. Although it sounds good, for the price and what you get I don’t see or hear anything to rival my Fenders an Squier Classic Vibes. A message to anyone interested, my Squier CV 5 string with Ernie Ball Slinky’s sounds a lot like this Sadowsky in passive mode. I got rid of all my active basses. It does seem like a good slap bass however.

Have you ever reviewed a Squire VM Jazz Bass 5. That Bass and a Sadowsy Preamp might be a Beast Bass. Just Saying!

That shirt...Dr Phil apparently also couldn't get a haircut lately. Nice statement!

I love your Dr. Phil T-Shirt. Tight!

Good bass, but not great 😒 Really had high hopes for this series, but for the money there is much better out there. Can't help thinking the metro express line will be discontinued sooner than planned. Charvel for me😁

Man they missed the mark for me on this one, but perhaps I'm more of a p bass guy anyways, still the lack of tone control? Why?

yet another bass that looks nice and sounds ok. Great and honest review as always dude.

These need the Sadowsky hc jazz pups. They're specifically made to be complimented by the preamp and are probably the only humcancelling J sets I actually think sound good (even if they do need a preamp to do so).

But,... I WANT the P/J set up. I'm hoping SIRE or HARLEY BENTON (C'mon Thomann!!!) comes out with a $200-$300 passive Jazz w/ a PJ pickup set. I'm a buyer!!!! Yes,... I looked at the METROEXPRESS 5 string Jazz PJ, and it was worth 1/3 of the $900 price they were asking(not even 1/2). Nice hardware, and electronics, but noisy, and cheap in a way. And No SADOWSKY LOGO on the headstock either, so it ain't a Sadowsky.... IMO. Im OK with passive, my amp/rig does the rest. My Harley Benton PJ-75VW is a P-body with PJ WILKENSON passive pickups and it's wicked! I just want the same thing in a Jazz Body.

That color makes me green with envy.

Hello, I really love your reviews. I am looking to purchase a sub 1000.00 Jazz bass. I was considering, the Sadowsky ME, Fender Player series, vintera series. I am not brand loyal and would love any recommendation(s) from you. I am also considering saving a few more pennies for a cu stom Bass (N1) made by Marco Cortes. As you probably know, they start at around 1,200.00 and are hand made and include a hard case.

Sorry for the incovenience, having sire v7, is the bass metroexpress up to par or is it not worth the purchase? thanks for you time.

No good for recording you have to EQ a lot and then you loose the growl

I like your videos, but Donny Benét shirt got the like upon spotting. lol

Boost only preamps work best in basses that have a really nice fundamental tone, which I think this bass has. Ideally, a boost only preamp never needs more than minimal boost. It’s funny that you disliked the Squier Contemporary Jazz HH because it is boost only with a passive tone control, just like traditional Sadowsky’s. I can definitely use the tone to tame the harshness of the treble boost. It sounds like you did not like the fret edges on this bass. That is entirely unacceptable when there $500 basses with good fret edges.

It really has this Sadowsky tone.

Ty for making my decision easy, staying away from these

Excellent review as always Lobster. It's your boldness to clearly state your mind without beautifications of any kind that keep me coming.... and your calm, meticulous and thoughtful approach in general :) My greatest gripe with J-style basses is balance when sitting. The body shape -namely the positioning of the "thigh trough" makes the bass very neck-heavy when sitting and it becomes a problem if you need to free-up your right arm to play fast up-and-down the strings, for fast funky/dance stuff.

I never use tone control on active basses and rarely on passive. On passive I adjust the neck or bridge volume controls to get my desired tone and it never sounds muffled.

Donnie Bennet is the guy!!

In the mean time,... I am buying a GLARRY 5 string Jazz for $130 and modifying it with a Precision Pickup and pickguard. Gonna be nice for a fraction of the cost!!!!

I recently purchased this bass and have been very happy with it. I’m curious about the VTC retrofit kit you mention early in the video. Is that an option that can still be installed? Or will something else be lost in the process?

Thanks for that detailed review. That must've been a lot of work. This bass, because of the name, must be like buying a cheap Cadillac. You might as well buy a loaded Chevy for the price. Getting out of the vintage look and just focusing on price. You could pickup an Ibanez SR805 and kick some serious butt with that. Although it doesn't have an active/passive switch. It does have a 3 way mid range boost.

That color does not help it in any way ... it sounds good though.

I believe i would just buy a fender in that price range. To much money to just turn around and upgrade. I agree with you lobster they should have just included as stock for the model. Fender player jazz sounds just as good and is a little cheaper in price. Love your honesty on evey review and that you r so thorough. Love ya lobster! Tony franklin 2021 brother. Cant wait.

sire v7 and sadowsky metro express which one is best?

Hi! Love your channel! Question maybe you can answer. I have the P/J Metro Express and bought the Sadowsky Onboard Preamp with Vintage tone control as you suggested and when I put the pickup blend in the middle, it sounds thin and perhaps out of phase. When it is full J pickup or full P pickup it sounds nice and full. Does that have to do with it being two different pickup types? Thanks in advance for any information you may be able to provide.

The Japanese association was much!!!! Better!

Let’s gooooo

5:24 The position of the bridge seems to be too close to the neck. The bottom string saddle is tightened beyond the center. That’s a deal breaker. When I looked at the German Metroline, it wasn't.

when you will test Maruszczyk basses?

Could you make a comparison between the Sandberg Electra tt4 and the metro express?