Sadowsky MetroExpress 21‑Fret Hybrid PJ Bass | Overview

Sadowsky basses are famend for his or her playability and tonal flexibility, and the 21 Fret Hybrid PJ Bass brings these legendary options into a contemporary, pro-level bundle. With a mix of traditional Precision and Jazz pickups, a modern Olympic White end, and premium {hardware}, it is made for severe bassists who need all of it. Nick Jennison lays down the low finish and shares his verdict.



Made in Germany with a chambered American pink alder physique and maple neck/Morado (Pau Ferro) board, this 21-fret P/J carries Sadowsky’s P-style neck and J-style bridge pickups, energetic electronics with true bypass and Classic Tone Management, gentle open-gear tuners and the Fast String Launch bridge—goal weight underneath 8.9 lb (4.0 kg). Nick Jennison evaluations.

Whereas Sadowsky basses have constructed a status amongst top-tier execs for his or her craftsmanship and unmistakable sound, the Metro Categorical 21 Fret Hybrid PJ takes that high-end pedigree and makes it refreshingly accessible. This is not only a watered-down model—made in China with Warwick’s oversight and Roger Sadowsky’s stamp of approval, it manages to deliver real Sadowsky high quality to a value level that is far simpler on the pockets.

Instantly, the roasted maple neck and fretboard stand out—not simply visually, however in how easy and cozy they really feel. The trendy J-style neck carve is quick and alluring, with a satin end that encourages you to play for hours. The fretwork is significantly spectacular: superbly topped and rounded, with no sharp edges wherever, and delicate pearloid markers for a sophisticated look. Light-weight open-gear tuners preserve tuning steady and assist steadiness the bass, and the nut is completely minimize—particulars you would not at all times count on at this value.

The Okoume physique, completed in an eye catching champagne sparkle, retains issues light-weight however nonetheless delivers loads of resonance and maintain. It is a much less widespread alternative for a J-style bass, however one Sadowsky makes use of even on its customized fashions, and it really works properly right here.

Electronics-wise, the hybrid PJ pickup setup—break up P within the center, noiseless J on the bridge—offers you all the pliability you’d count on. Whether or not you are after deep, thumping lows, articulate fingerstyle readability, or one thing punchy and aggressive with a choose, it is all in there. The onboard preamp offers a beneficiant enhance to each bass and treble, and there is quite a lot of vary to dial in. If you wish to go passive, simply pull up the bass management and the preamp is out of the circuit. My solely actual want is for a passive tone knob, particularly for that traditional P-bass roll-off, however the general sound palette is broad sufficient that I hardly ever missed it.

In follow, this bass is as versatile as they arrive. Solo the J pickup for these Jaco-style runs, swap to the P for fats rock or punk strains, or mix them for simply the right combination of punch and readability. It takes to slap, fingerstyle, choose, and even drop-tuning with ease, and by no means sounds skinny or muddy. Out of the field, the setup is on level—low motion, nice intonation, and straightforward playability all the way in which as much as the twenty first fret. Adjusting the neck is easy too, because of the helpful Music Man-style truss rod wheel.

Actually, the one clue to its value is the discreet “Made in China” stamp on the again of the headstock. In each different respect—appears to be like, really feel, and particularly sound—this might cross for a way more costly instrument. For those who handed it to somebody blindfolded, they’d be hard-pressed to identify the distinction.

For those who’re in search of a really versatile bass that delivers actual Sadowsky high quality with out the boutique price ticket, the Metro Categorical 21 Fret Hybrid PJ is a standout alternative. It is equally at dwelling within the studio, on stage, or simply in your front room, and for a lot of gamers, it may simply be the one bass you ever want. Extremely beneficial.

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