What is the body material of the Sadowsky MetroExpress Hybrid?

The body is constructed from lightweight okoume, which provides a balanced resonance while keeping the overall weight of the 5-string instrument manageable.

Does this bass have a maple or morado fingerboard?

This specific model features a morado fingerboard, offering a durable and smooth surface for the player's fretting hand.

What are the benefits of a roasted maple neck?

Roasted maple undergoes a thermal treatment that removes moisture and impurities. This makes the neck more stable and less prone to warping or shifting due to environmental changes.

What pickups are used in this model?

The bass uses a P/J pickup configuration, meaning it has a split-coil pickup in the neck position and a single-coil style pickup at the bridge, both designed for hum-free operation.

Is the electronics system active or passive?

The bass features an active 2-band boost preamp. However, it also includes a preamp bypass setting for those who prefer a traditional passive sound.

What does the 2-band boost control?

The 2-band preamp allows the player to independently boost the treble and bass frequencies, providing significant flexibility for shaping the tone.

How many strings does this Sadowsky MetroExpress have?

This is a 5-string model, providing an extended lower range compared to standard 4-string basses.

What type of bridge is installed on the Hybrid P/J 21?

It features a Sadowsky quick-release bridge, which allows the strings to be slotted in easily, making string changes significantly faster.

What is the scale length of this instrument?

This is a long-scale bass, which typically corresponds to a 34-inch distance between the nut and the bridge saddles.

What is the finish of this specific bass?

The bass is finished in Tobacco Sunburst Transparent High Polish, which allows the wood grain to show through the dark burst aesthetic.

Can the bass produce a hum-free sound?

Yes, the pickup design is engineered for hum-free articulation, ensuring a clear signal even when using the bridge pickup or boosting the treble via the preamp.

What is the approximate price of the Sadowsky MetroExpress Hybrid P/J 21?

The typical price range for this model is approximately GBP 974, though this can vary slightly by retailer.

Gear article

Sadowsky MetroExpress Hybrid P/J 21 5-String Bass

The Sadowsky MetroExpress Hybrid P/J 21 is a professional-grade 5-string electric bass guitar featuring a lightweight okoume body and a roasted maple neck. Designed for versatility, it combines a P/J pickup configuration with an active 2-band preamp to deliver a wide tonal range suitable for modern performance environments.

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Overview

The MetroExpress Hybrid P/J 21 is a 5-string bass designed to offer the hallmark Sadowsky sound and playability at a focused price point. It features a transparent Tobacco Sunburst High Polish finish that highlights the wood grain. The instrument is built with an okoume body, chosen for its light weight, making it highly suitable for long rehearsals and live performances where player fatigue is a concern.

Neck and Fingerboard Construction

This model utilises a roasted maple neck, a process that increases wood stability and resilience against changes in temperature and humidity. The neck is paired with a morado fingerboard, providing a smooth playing surface across its 21 frets. As a 5-string instrument, it offers an extended low-end range while maintaining a comfortable long-scale feel.

Electronics and Hardware

The core of the bass's versatility lies in its P/J pickup pairing. The precision-style (P) neck pickup provides focused, punchy lows, while the jazz-style (J) bridge pickup adds clear, hum-free articulation.

Key hardware features include: - Active 2-band Preamp: Allows for independent boosting of treble and bass frequencies to adapt to different room acoustics. - Preamp Bypass: Enables a passive operation mode for a more traditional, vintage response. - Quick-release Bridge: Facilitates faster string changes compared to traditional through-bridge designs.

Sound Profile

The Sadowsky MetroExpress Hybrid delivers a character defined by clarity and tonal flexibility. The P/J pickup configuration allow players to move between tight, aggressive lines and rounded, warm grooves. The active electronics provide additional headroom and ‘sparkle,’ while the hum-free design ensures the signal remains clean even in high-gain or electronically noisy environments.

Target Audience and Comparison

This bass is primarily aimed at working musicians who require a reliable, multi-functional tool for various genres. While traditional 4-string models are often sufficient for standard rock and blues, the 5-string Hybrid P/J is better suited for modern jazz, gospel, and session work where the low B-string is essential. It stands out in its price bracket for incorporating premium features like roasted maple and a dedicated active preamp usually found on higher-end custom instruments.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the body material of the Sadowsky MetroExpress Hybrid?: The body is constructed from lightweight okoume, which provides a balanced resonance while keeping the overall weight of the 5-string instrument manageable.
Does this bass have a maple or morado fingerboard?: This specific model features a morado fingerboard, offering a durable and smooth surface for the player's fretting hand.
What are the benefits of a roasted maple neck?: Roasted maple undergoes a thermal treatment that removes moisture and impurities. This makes the neck more stable and less prone to warping or shifting due to environmental changes.
What pickups are used in this model?: The bass uses a P/J pickup configuration, meaning it has a split-coil pickup in the neck position and a single-coil style pickup at the bridge, both designed for hum-free operation.
Is the electronics system active or passive?: The bass features an active 2-band boost preamp. However, it also includes a preamp bypass setting for those who prefer a traditional passive sound.
What does the 2-band boost control?: The 2-band preamp allows the player to independently boost the treble and bass frequencies, providing significant flexibility for shaping the tone.
How many strings does this Sadowsky MetroExpress have?: This is a 5-string model, providing an extended lower range compared to standard 4-string basses.
What type of bridge is installed on the Hybrid P/J 21?: It features a Sadowsky quick-release bridge, which allows the strings to be slotted in easily, making string changes significantly faster.
What is the scale length of this instrument?: This is a long-scale bass, which typically corresponds to a 34-inch distance between the nut and the bridge saddles.
What is the finish of this specific bass?: The bass is finished in Tobacco Sunburst Transparent High Polish, which allows the wood grain to show through the dark burst aesthetic.
Can the bass produce a hum-free sound?: Yes, the pickup design is engineered for hum-free articulation, ensuring a clear signal even when using the bridge pickup or boosting the treble via the preamp.
What is the approximate price of the Sadowsky MetroExpress Hybrid P/J 21?: The typical price range for this model is approximately GBP 974, though this can vary slightly by retailer.