For decades, Sadowsky instruments were manufactured in small batches by Mr. Sadowsky and his highly trained team based in Long Island, New York. However, in 2020, Sadowsky announced a new and exclusive partnership with Warwick Basses. This new agreement sees increased production and a more comprehensive array of offerings than ever, including the introductory MetroExpress series and the professional-level MetroLine series. All Sadowsky basses not made in the USA are crafted under the direct supervision of Warwick Basses, another brand known around the bass community for their incredible commitment to excellence.
Sadowsky basses are seen on the most prominent stages in the world. Plenty of high-level professionals and gigging musicians have ditched their classic California-made basses to switch to Sadowsky for tonal versatility and low weight. In fact, most of the brand’s basses weigh less than nine pounds! With a Sadowsky bass slung over your shoulder, you’ll have the tonal versatility and comfortable playability to handle any playing situation, whether you’re under the lights at a local venue or center stage at a stadium.
MetroExpress series basses are built and licensed by Warwick Basses. These basses have roasted maple necks with an exceptionally comfortable profile. Under the hood, you get updated electronics for a stunning sound. Warwick’s master luthiers build MetroExpress basses from the finest materials and put each through a rigid quality assurance program before leaving the factory.
Roger Sadowsky personally met with Nicolas Wilfer, the CEO of Warwick Basses, before inking their partnership in 2020. He even inspected raw tonewoods with Nicolas during his trip to Warwick’s Germany-based workshop! All Sadowsky’s MetroLine basses feature hand-selected tonewoods based upon their quality and weight. Plus, the body woods are chambered to help relieve weight.
Each Sadowsky bass comes loaded with Sadowsky passive pickups and active electronics. The company’s MetroExpress basses come with a master volume knob, a pickup balance knob, and the original Sadowsky preamp. The preamp features a 2-band EQ that offers +18dB of boost for both the bass and treble range, plus a push-pull knob for preamp bypass. Meanwhile, MetroLine basses feature the latest Sadowsky preamp design. Aside from the master volume and pickup balance knobs, this preamp has a push-pull to engage the Vintage Tone Control function. You also get bass and treble knobs with +18dB of boost each. Whichever Sadowsky bass you choose, you’ll enjoy amazing tones with extremely low self-noise.
Beginning in 2020, Sadowsky has offered a limited run of basses each year. These basses are built with exotic tonewoods and carry other features that aren’t available on other Sadowsky instruments. Sadowsky tells Sweetwater that both MetroLine and MasterBuilt LTD runs are available each year, with each being signed and individualized.
