Few names in the music industry are as synonymous with high-quality J-style and P-style basses as Roger Sadowsky, whose unparalleled expertise is now reflected in the updated version of the MetroExpress 21, a bass that serves as an entry-level model for the Sadowsky lineup. This is quite simply a thoroughly modern bass in terms of everything from its sound to its versatility and playability, and it successfully combines the classic Sadowsky look with a range of contemporary features. In other words, it bridges the gap between vintage aesthetics and modern musicianship. This left-handed, five-string version of the Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 features a neck made of high-grade roasted maple, a newly developed JJ pickup config, the Sadowsky two-band boost-only preamp, premium hardware, and a hard-hitting Solid Black finish, to name but a few key features. The instrument ships with Sadowsky's high-quality PortaBag, the Sadowsky Fretboard Protector, and a set of hex keys.
The updated version of the Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 now features a neck made from roasted maple; roasting not only gives the wood its rich caramel hue, but also significantly improves its resistance to climatic fluctuations. The body is crafted from okoume, while the fingerboard is also made of roasted maple (for a smooth playfeel and snappy response); it's fitted with 21 head-wearing nickel-silver frets. The MetroExpress 21 five-string has a relatively flat fingerboard, 47.5mm nut width, and 18mm string spacing, ensuring effortless playability for left-handers, whether their style is traditional or more modern techniques. At the heart of this Vintage variant is its classic pickup configuration: A pair of single-coil J-style pickups at the bridge and neck, which work in perfect harmony with the renowned Sadowsky two-band boost-only preamp. The high-quality chrome hardware is manufactured in-house and includes a quick-release bridge, height-adjustable nut, and security locks.
The Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Vintage JJ5 LH is the ideal bass for left-handed players who prefer a classic look but don't want to compromise on top-quality hardware, effortless playability, and musical flexibility. Thanks to its pair of J-style pickups, the Vintage variant delivers a broad range of authentic J-style sounds, the standard in countless classic genres. The active Sadowsky onboard preamp can dial in the more modern, punchy sounds, but the instrument's astonishing versatility becomes clear when switching to passive mode, allowing bassists to unlock the full spectrum of authentic tones the Vintage has in its locker. Given its specs, build quality, and versatility, it seems more than fair to describe the MetroExpress 21 as an affordable option. It's an ideal instrument for all ambitious bassists with an eye for quality who are looking to make the next step up and get on stage, with a price–performance ratio that's unheard of in an exotic like a left-handed five-string.
For over 40 years, professional musicians have associated the name Sadowsky with high-end bass guitars, electric guitars, and archtop Jazz guitars. In the late 1970s, Roger Sadowsky opened his own workshop, where he started out repairing and modifying instruments from other brands. In the '80s, he began to develop bass guitars that represented his own unique vision: Soon, the name Sadowsky had a worldwide reputation for quality, thanks in part to prominent clients like Marcus Miller and Will Lee. Roger's legendary inventions include the on-board preamp for bass guitars, which helped create such extraordinary demand for Sadowsky instruments that he eventually made the decision to start producing the Metro line of basses in Japan. In 2019, the German bass specialist Warwick assumed manufacturing responsibilities for the Metro series, ensuring the name Sadowsky will continue to be synonymous with high-quality instruments for years to come.
Sadowsky basses have long been the go-to instruments for professional bassists in both live and studio settings: Indeed, at every stage of the development of his instruments, Roger Sadowsky collaborates closely with the New York scene's top bassists. One result of this dialogue is the legendary Sadowsky two-band preamp, which gives players precise control over their tone – no matter how underwhelming the club's backline might be! Designed with the demands of working bassists in mind, the noiseless J-style pickups on this model deliver clean, reliable performance: A tight midrange and definition across the board is what the single coil at the bridge was built for; a bottom end with power and drive, complementing the low B string in particular, is the job of the J-style at the neck. Together, they offer a powerful and yet articulate sound that's ready for anything life as a lefty might have in store.