Please contact a Sadowsky dealer or distributor in the country nearest to your location.

Click here to see a list of dealers.

German-made Sadowsky basses, as well as Sadowsky pedals, pickups, bags and strings, are available through our dealer network. Alternatively, you can order from our webshop at the recommended retail price (MSRP).

Roger Sadowsky's workshop in New York City is still open for enquiries. He and his team still make a limited number of basses and guitars.

Sadowsky does not publish any second-hand prices for products that are either current or no longer in production.

Warranty conditions may vary from country to country. Please contact your local Sadowsky dealer for more information.

Please contact the Sadowsky dealer where you purchased your equipment. They will help you with your warranty request.

If you cannot find an outdated product on our website please contact us.

Sadowsky offers many left-hand instruments within the different series and models. Please use the filters that you find on each product's page to see the available left-hand basses for that model.

Sadowsky offers many fretless instruments including left-hand, and with or without lines. Please use the filters that you find on each product's page to see the available fretless instruments for that model.

If your Sadowsky instrument was made in Germany, you can look up information about it using the serial number.

Click here to look up your serial number.

Sadowsky MetroExpress basses that are made in China have serial numbers that begin with either SME or SMX and continue with a letter and a series of numbers (e.g. A 012345-22) and the words "Made in China" written underneath the serial number.

Production of Japanese-made MetroExpress basse stopped in September of 2020 and have a 5-digit serial number that begins with the letters ME followed by three or four numbers.

Roger still runs and manages his NYC Custom Shop.

Sadowsky Guitars Ltd. has a licensing and distribution partnership with Warwick GmbH. While Sadowsky Guitars will continue to run the Sadowsky NYC Custom Shop, Warwick will make and distribute the MetroExpress, MetroLine, MasterBuilt and their own Sadowsky Custom Shop instruments. Warwick will also distribute Sadowsky strings and accessories.

Please contact your local Sadowsky dealer for information about Sadowsky Custom Shop pricing.

You can order a Sadowsky Custom Shop bass through your local Sadowsky dealer.

If you want to order a NYC Custom Shop instrument, please visit www.sadowsky.com

Unfortunately we cannot use 3rd party parts that are not on our custom options list.

Even the Sadowsky Custom Shop has some restrictions. We cannot change the basic design of the body, neck or headstock. A standard model Sadowsky bass that is only available with bolt-on neck cannot be ordered with a neck-through construction.

This can vary depending on the model of the instrument. Please check the Detailed Specs on the webpage for specific specific instrument you are interested in.

The fingerboard radius on Sadowsky 4-, 5- and 6-string basses is 12" (305 mm).

Sadowsky MetroExpress basses come strung with Sadowsky Silver Label Strings (stainless for fretted and nickel for fretless). Sadowsky MetroLine, MasterBuilt and Custom Shop come strung with Sadowsky Blue Label Strings (stainless for fretted and nickel for fretless). For the string gauges, please check the Main Features on the instrument’s webpage.

For information about string spacing please check the Detailed Specs on the webpage for the specific instrument you are interested in.

String height is a personal preference. However, we set the string height at the workshop so as to be comfortable for most musicians.

Please contact your local Sadowsky dealer for any questions regarding repairs or a professional set-up. Depending on the type of repair, your instrument may need to be sent to our workshop in Germany.

You can achieve the Sadowsky Tone using a Sadowsky bass preamp pedal, which feature the same electronics that have been built into Sadowsky basses for over 30 years.

Sadowsky active electronics require a standard 9-volt battery.

If your battery is dead, then the bass will play only in passive mode. The Volume, Blend and VTC will continue to work in passive mode.

No. Sadowsky preamps and electronics are designed for use with a standard 9-volt battery. Operating it with 18 volts is not recommended as this could destroy the circuit.

Circuit diagrams and technical drawings can be found on the page for your model of Sadowsky bass.

If you install strings of a different gauge on your bass, you may need to make some adjustments to the setup.

The blend pot on all Sadowsky basses works in the opposite direction compared to most other basses. This comes from Roger Sadowsky's own playing experience. For all MetroExpress basses and MetroLine / MasterBuilt basses with pickup leads soldered to the blend pot: you can change the direction by swapping the hot pickup wires soldered to the blend pot. In 2025 a change was made to MetroLine and MasterBuilt basses to offer blend pots with solderless terminals that allows you to change the direction of the pot by simply moving the hot pickup wire from one terminal to the other. This is explained in detail in this Youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya2r5NuiBf4

Sadowsky MetroLine / MasterBuilt pickups use the same magnets and are wound to the exact same specs as Sadowsky NYC pickups. Roger Sadowsky has personally tested and approved each model.

If you want to install active EMG pickups in your Sadowsky bass or any bass with a Sadowsky Preamp, you must change the Volume Pot to a 25K potentiometer.

The Will Lee Preamp is not available as an upgrade for other bass models. It is only available as a direct replacement part for Will Lee and Single Cut models that are made in Germany. Proof of ownership, in the form of the serial number and copy of the original invoice, is required in order to purchase a Will Lee Preamp.

If you do not own a German-made Will Lee or Single Cut bass, our new Mid-Boost Preamp, which is fixed at 500 Hz, is the perfect alternative. You can buy them here:

With Control Plate: shop.warwick.de/en/pickups-accessories-parts-bass-electronicssadowsky-onboard-bass-preamp-with-mid-boost-4-knob-system-with-control-plate

With Control Plate, Left-hand: shop.warwick.de/en/pickups-accessories-parts-bass-electronicssadowsky-onboard-bass-preamp-with-mid-boost-4-knob-system-with-control-plate-lefthand

No Control Plate: shop.warwick.de/en/pickups-accessories-parts-bass-electronicssadowsky-onboard-bass-preamp-with-mid-boost-4-knob-system-no-control-plate

No Control Plate, Left-hand: shop.warwick.de/en/pickups-accessories-parts-bass-electronicssadowsky-onboard-bass-preamp-with-mid-boost-4-knob-system-no-control-plate-lefthand

If you own or have ordered a Sadowsky MetroExpress bass and are considering upgrades, here's everything you need to know about pickups, bridges, tuners, electronics, and more to get the most out of your instrument.

No. While both share the same design, they are made in different factories. MetroExpress pickups, made in China, deliver excellent performance but are slightly less refined. MetroLine pickups, made in Korea, offer enhanced sound quality, better magnets, superior construction and soft-touch covers.

MetroLine pickups will fit MetroExpress basses without modification, making them a direct drop-in upgrade. View Sadowsky Pickups

Yes. The MetroExpress bridge is die-cast, while the MetroLine bridge is solid brass for better

resonance and sustain. The MetroLine bridge (19 mm spacing) can be installed on a MetroExpress

without any modification.

View Sadowsky Bridges and Body Parts

Both MetroExpress and MetroLine models use the same machine head tuners. Some players upgrade to Hipshot Ultralite tuners for reduced weight and better balance. Sadowsky will soon be releasing their own lighter-weight tuners.

See the available tuners

Yes! The Sadowsky preamp with Vintage Tone Control (VTC) is one of the most popular upgrades. It allows you to roll off highs for a vintage tone while keeping clarity and punch. See the Sadowsky Onboard Bass Preamp (4-Knob System with VTC)

Yes! Swapping pickguards is a common way to personalize your MetroExpress. Sadowsky offers a wide range of styles and colors. View Sadowsky Pickguards

With upgrades like MetroLine pickups, a brass bridge, the VTC preamp, lightweight tuners, and customizable pickguards, your MetroExpress can be tailored to your own personal preferences while delivering the legendary Sadowsky tone and feel.

For more information or assistance with upgrades, contact our support team!

Sadowsky offers you the option of having your repairs done by us directly at our workshop. Unfortunately, we can only offer direct service under certain conditions. Please contact us for more info.

Unfortunately we are not able to modify existing instruments. If you prefer, you can order a custom made Sadowsky bass through your local Sadowsky dealer.

Please contact us using the contact form on our website.

Please contact us using the contact form on our website.

The major differences between a German-made Sadowsky MetroLine bass and a Chinese-made Sadowsky MetroExpress bass lies in craftsmanship, materials, electronics, and components. The MetroLine, built in Germany, features superior craftsmanship with premium woods, refined finishes, and precise construction, ensuring top-tier playability and resonance. In contrast, the MetroExpress, produced in China, is designed to be more affordable while still delivering the signature Sadowsky tone and feel.

One key distinction is the wood selection. MetroLine instruments use tonewoods that are air-dried for 3 to 5 years, enhancing resonance and stability, while MetroExpress basses rely on kiln-dried tonewoods, which speeds up production but does not offer the same tonal refinement. The pickups in both models share the same design, but MetroLine pickups come from a different factory, are of higher quality and feature a soft-touch surface for a better feel when playing.

The hardware also differs, with MetroLine basses featuring a solid brass bridge, which improves sustain and resonance, whereas MetroExpress basses have a die-cast bridge, which is lighter but does not offer the same tonal characteristics. However, the tuners used in both models are currently the same. The fretwork on MetroLine basses is made from a higher-grade material, ensuring smooth playability and long-term durability, whereas MetroExpress frets, while still high quality, are not as refined.

Another significant difference is the electronics. The MetroLine comes equipped with the legendary Sadowsky preamp with VTC (Vintage Tone Control), allowing for more tonal versatility and the ability to roll off high frequencies for a warmer, more vintage sound. The MetroExpress models do not have this feature, limiting their tonal shaping options compared to the MetroLine.

Additionally, MetroLine basses have two carbon fiber reinforcement rods running through the neck, which increases neck stability and helps prevent warping over time. The MetroExpress does not have these reinforcement rods. Another key feature of the MetroLine is the chambered body, which enhances acoustic resonance and provides weight relief, making it more comfortable to play. The MetroExpress models have solid bodies, as do a few MetroLine models, which makes them slightly heavier and less acoustically resonant.

One more important difference is the string spacing. MetroLine basses come with 20 mm spacing on 4-string models and 19 mm on 5-string models, except for the Vintage M & M/J-Style basses, which have slightly different spacing. In contrast, MetroExpress basses feature 19 mm spacing on 4-string models and 18 mm on 5-string models. This results in a slightly tighter feel on the 5-string MetroExpress models compared to the MetroLine.

In terms of positioning, the MetroLine is a premium instrument, offering a higher-quality Sadowsky experience with superior construction and components. The MetroExpress is a more affordable option, designed to make Sadowsky basses accessible to a wider audience without compromising too much on tone and playability. While both models deliver the Sadowsky sound, the MetroLine provides a more refined and higher-end playing experience.

The Differences Between German-Made Sadowsky MetroLine and MasterBuilt / Custom Shop Basses
Sadowsky MetroLine and MasterBuilt / Custom Shop basses are all handcrafted in Germany to the highest standards. The differences between these basses are found in the craftsmanship, the choice of materials and components, and in the customization options. The MasterBuilt / Custom Shop series represent the pinnacle of Sadowsky craftsmanship, offering fully customizable, boutique-level instruments, while the MetroLine series provides premium-quality basses with standard configurations at a more accessible price point.

The wood selection is one area that sets these instruments apart. MasterBuilt / Custom Shop basses use hand-selected, premium-grade woods, often with highly figured tops (e.g. quilted or flamed maple), all of which are chosen individually for their beautiful figure. Additionally, the wood used to make a MasterBuilt / Custom Shop instrument undergoes an even more extensive drying and aging process, ensuring unmatched resonance and stability. While MetroLine basses use tonewoods of excellent quality that are air-dried for between three and five years, the selection is standardized rather than individually curated by hand.

Both models share the legendary Sadowsky preamp with VTC (Vintage Tone Control), offering exceptional tonal versatility. MasterBuilt / Custom Shop basses can include custom electronic options, such as special pickup configurations or additional switching options. MetroLine basses feature standard Sadowsky electronics without additional customization options.

In terms of neck construction, both MetroLine and MasterBuilt / Custom Shop basses have dual carbon fiber reinforcements running through the neck for increased stability.  MasterBuilt / Custom Shop necks are made from quarter-sawn roasted maple as standard, providing improved resonance and resistance to environmental changes. MetroLine necks use standard maple or regular roasted maple, depending on the model. While both models use nickel silver frets with invisible fret technology, the MetroLine basses have only slightly rounded frets, whereas the MasterBuilt / Custom Shop basses feature hand-rounded ball-end frets for ultimate playing comfort.

Body construction also differs. MetroLine basses are built mostly from three-piece bodies, while MasterBuilt / Custom Shop basses feature two-piece bodies.  One-piece bodies are available from the Custom Shop upon request. Both series have chambered bodies, but the MasterBuilt / Custom Shop models undergo an even stricter weight control process, making them lighter than MetroLine basses.

The electronics compartment is another distinction. MetroLine basses come with the Sadowsky Quick Access electronics cover which makes battery changes easier and requires no tools. In contrast, MasterBuilt / Custom Shop basses feature wooden electronics covers that are matched to the body wood and finish, providing a more refined, boutique aesthetic.

Hardware is premium across both lines, with solid brass bridges and the same high-quality tuners.
Finally, string spacing is identical between the two series: 20 mm for 4-string models and 19 mm for 5-string models, except for the Vintage M and M/J models, which have a narrower neck width and string spacing.

Another major difference can be seen in the accessories included with each Sadowsky bass. MetroLine basses come with the Sadowsky PortaBag, which is a high-quality professional gig bag designed for working musicians. In contrast, MasterBuilt / Custom Shop basses include a genuine leather gig bag and a leather user kit, adding an extra level of luxury, exclusivity and protection.

The most notable difference is in customization options. MasterBuilt / Custom Shop basses are fully customizable, allowing players to choose from a wide variety of different woods, finishes, hardware, and electronics, making each instrument unique. Whereas MetroLine basses are offered as pre-configured models, without factory customization options, maintaining consistently high-quality at a more accessible price.

In summary, MetroLine basses are high-end, professional instruments, offering premium quality and performance, while MasterBuilt / Custom Shop basses represent the ultimate in craftsmanship, luxury, and customization, designed for players seeking a bespoke Sadowsky experience. Both lines deliver the iconic Sadowsky tone but cater to different requirements - MetroLine for those seeking a premium, ready-to-play instrument and MasterBuilt / Custom Shop for those desiring a one-of-a-kind custom masterpiece.

You can order official Sadowsky spare parts from your local Sadowsky dealer or through our Webshop.

The Sadowsky Super P pickup was developed to address the difference in locations between 70’s Fender® J basses and most other decades. In the 1970's Fender® moved the bridge pickup to be completely under the cover for aesthetic reasons.

Tonally, the result of this is that the 70’s location (.4” / 10.1 mm closer to the bridge) has a bit more midrange.

Over the years, people have tried to put two J pickups, next to each other, in the bridge position, but it is not possible to reproduce the correct pole piece locations in this manner.

Since we have always offered our J-Style basses with either 60’s or 70’s bridge pickup locations, I asked our friends at Nordstrand to design a pickup for us with two coils in the correct locations. The best they could do was to space them .5” / 12.7 mm apart, which for me, was close enough. The result is our Super J pickup which, with a mini toggle switch, can get the 60’s coil, the 70’s coil, or both coils on together.

The Super J is available on most Sadowsky Germany Custom Shop basses.

While the Super P/J pickups allow for access to many traditional sounds, they also allow for new unique tonal combinations that many players have discovered like Reverse P / 70’s J.

For many years, people have modded their P bass by reversing the coils so that the treble coil was closer to the neck and the bass coil was closer to the bridge.

We slide the bass coil down to the treble side and slide the treble coil up to the bass side. This puts the treble coil in the same location as a neck J bass pickup and results in a better combination sound between the neck and bridge pickup, especially for funk and popping the G string. The bass coil is now closer to the bridge, resulting in a tighter E or B string.

To achieve a switchable pickup for normal or reverse P settings, we again approached our friends at Nordstrand and the result is our Super P pickup.

When we combine the Super P and Super J, we use matching housings for both pickups.

The Super P pickup is available on most Sadowsky Germany Custom Shop basses. 

While the Super P/J pickups allow for access to many traditional sounds, they also allow for new unique tonal combinations that many players have discovered like Reverse P / 70’s J.

Normally, the serial number is printed, engraved or laser-etched into the back of the headstock, just above the machine heads.

An example of a Sadowsky serial number would be: "SML F 003051-23". The first three letters indicated the line of basses (SMX, SML, SMB or SCS). The single letter indicates the month of manufacture (e.g. F = July). The six digits in the middle are an internal number. The last two digits after the dash indicate the year of manufacture (e.g. 23 = 2023).

Please refer to the Sadowsky manual that came with your bass for all pertinent information. If you cannot find your manual, please consult the Manuals tab on the page that corresponds to your model of Sadowsky bass.

The Just-A-Nut III allows you to adjust the height of your strings at the nut using two Allen screws or raise or lower the nut. The Just-A-Nut III is made of Tedur, a fibreglass reinforced polymer that offers outstanding properties in vibration transmission (proven in laboratory testing) as well as extraordinary resistant to breakage and wear. It is the perfect solution for a modern nut.

A new Sadowsky MetroExpress bass comes with:

• Sadowsky PortaBag Express (SAC BAG BASS PORTA)
• A Sadowsky Fretboard Protector
• Hex key tools

A new Sadowsky MetroLine bass comes with:

• Sadowsky PortaBag Express (SAC BAG BASS PORTA)
• Sadowsky Fretboard Protector
• Hex key tools
• Individual Certificate of Authenticity

A new Sadowsky MasterBuilt / Custom Shop bass comes with:

• Sadowsky Professional Road Bag (SAC BAG BASS PROF)
• Individual Certificate of Authenticity
• Hex key tools
• Sadowsky Fretboard Protector

Both gig bags are designed to keep your instrument safe and comfortable to transport, but they differ in materials, features, and level of protection.

Sadowsky PortaBag Express – Electric Bass Gig Bag

• Made of durable, water-resistant nylon fabric
• 30 mm padding with soft velveteen lining
• Detachable neck support and additional body padding in the lid
• One large and one small zip pocket, each with interior compartments
• Three handles (side, front, back) with padded side handle for comfort
• Two detachable padded backpack straps with metal carabiners
• Internal dimensions: 1168 x 381 x 70 mm (46" x 15" x 2.75")
• Weight: 2.2 kg (4.85 lbs)

Sadowsky Professional Road Bag – Electric Bass Gig Bag

• Made of durable, water-resistant Nylon 840D Oxford fabric
• 30 mm padding with plush lining
• Detachable neck support, extra padding on the lower strap button, and additional body padding in the lid
• One large zip pocket with two compartments, plus one small zip pocket with interior compartment
• Three handles (side, front, back) with padded side handle for comfort
• Two detachable padded backpack straps with metal carabiners
• Internal dimensions: 1206 x 381 x 70 mm (47.5" x 15" x 2.75")
• Weight: 4.1 kg (9.04 lbs)

In Summary

The PortaBag Express is a lightweight, practical gig bag ideal for everyday use while the Professional Road Bag offers more robust materials, extra padding features, and additional storage - making it the better choice for touring and maximum instrument protection.

Currently, all Sadowsky MetroExpress and MetroLine basses are shipped with the PortaBag Express gig bag.

Please contact us with your question!

W-Music Distribution, based in Markneukirchen, currently employs 60 dedicated staff. The company has established itself as a major player in the music industry and offers a wide range of products, from musical instruments to accessories.

In an industry that is constantly changing, W-Music Distribution remains flexible and adaptable, which is supported by its skilled team. The company emphasises continuous training and development to ensure that employees are always up to date with the latest trends and technologies. This enables W-Music Distribution to not only offer its customers excellent products, but also to remain an attractive employer in the region.