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Operating Manual for all
Sadowsky MetroExpress Models
ENGLISH
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Content
Introduction..................................................................................................................... 3
Instrument Components ...........................................................................................4
Headstock ..................................................................................................................4
Changing the strings and tuning the instrument ............................................................................5
Just-A-Nut ..................................................................................................................................6
Neck & Fingerboard ...................................................................................................6
Adjusting the truss rod ................................................................................................................6
Strings .......................................................................................................................................7
Body.................................................................................................................................. 8
Bridge ........................................................................................................................................8
Adjusting the string height and string action ...........................................................................8
Adjusting the intonation ........................................................................................................9
Adjusting the pickups ....................................................................................................................9
Electronics variations ............................................................................................................... 10
Features ............................................................................................................................ 10
Specications..................................................................................................................... 11
Electronics compartment and battery change ................................................................................. 11
Installing and using the Security Locks ........................................................................................... 12
Maintenance & Care .................................................................................................12
Satin Finish .............................................................................................................................. 12
High Polish Finish ..................................................................................................................... 13
Neck care ................................................................................................................................. 13
Fingerboard care ....................................................................................................................... 13
Warranty & Service ..................................................................................................14
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Introduction
Dear Customer,
Thank you for purchasing a Sadowsky MetroExpress bass guitar. For 40 years I have raised the bar on a traditional
design and made it one of the most sought-after basses in the world.
I spent my early years working for all the top professional players in and passing through New York City and
learned rsthand what worked and did not work in the studio and in live performances. I was one of the
rst to introduce players to active tone circuits which enhanced the bassist‘s ability to „cut through the mix“.
The Sadowsky FET transistor preamp is still considered the best for a true „plug and play“ experience.
Today, I am very excited about my partnership with Warwick. They have the nest factory and wood inventory
I have ever seen, anywhere in the world. Their carbon neutral technology will enable Sadowsky basses to be
available to players worldwide, at a price point for every budget.
The satisfaction of my players is what makes my day, every day of the year. Enjoy your new Sadowsky bass!
Best regards,
Roger Sadowsky
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Instrument Components
6
7
3
1
2
4
1
Strap button
2
Bridge
3
Saddles
4
Output jack
5
Volume and Tone control knobs
6
Body
7
Pickup (bridge position)
8
Pickup (neck position)
8
9
5
11
10
9
Magnetic polepieces
10
Pickguard
11
Truss rod access
Strap button
12
13
Fret markers
14
Fret marker (12th fret)
15
Neck
16
Fingerboard
12
21
15
17
14
13
16
17
Fret
18
Just-A-Nut (nut)
19
String post
String retainer
20
21
Tuning machine
22
Headstock
19
18
20
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Headstock
All Sadowsky basses come standard with high-quality precision tuning machines (24:1 gear ratio). Sadowsky
tuning machines have open gear heads. Lubrication of the worm gear is not necessary for normal use. Should
the tuning mechanism be unusually dicult to turn, a small amount of petroleum jelly or grease can be applied
with the tip of a tooth pick. Please use petroleum jelly or grease very sparingly and take care not to contaminate
the headstock or other parts of the instrument.
The string retainer on the headstock guides the strings at the correct angle to their string posts and provides
for precise string alignment. For the best possible tuning stability, perfect sustain and to prevent unwanted
buzzing or rattling of the strings in the slots of the Just-A-Nut (nut), please make sure that all strings run
through the correct retainer slots every time you change strings.
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Changing the strings and tuning the instrument
For a perfect sound and the best possible playing experience, we recommend changing the strings on your
instrument periodically. The way you change the strings and wind them around the string posts has a signicant
impact on the tuning stability and the string tension. Make sure you follow the directions below exactly. You
can obtain replacement strings for your bass from your Sadowsky dealer.
Pull the string through the holes provided in the bridge towards the
pickups. Make sure that the ball end is seated securely in the recess
and place the string in the saddle groove.
The string posts have a hole in the center of the slot. Insert the end of
the string into the hole and bend the string in the slot. This prevents
the shortened string from protruding sideways from the string slot
and at the same time stabilizes the winding and improves the tuning
stability.
3-4 windings on the post are ideal for easy tuning and tuning
stability. Make sure the windings do not overlap and run down from
the top of the post.
Pull the string past the string post. Keep the strings long enough to
allow at least three windings around the post and use a string cutter
to cut the string approximately three tuners beyond the one the
string will be inserted (approx. 14 cm / 5.5").
Use the tuning machine to tighten the string to the correct pitch. Use
your other hand to hold the loose string in the correct position until
the required tension is achieved.
To make sure the string is rmly seated and is properly wrapped
around the post, you should lightly pull on the strings when you tune.
Grab the middle of the string and pull it up to tighten the winding.
Then re-tune.
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Just-A-Nut
Since 2020, the innovative Just-A-Nut III design has become the standard nut for all Sadowsky MetroExpress
basses. The Just-A-Nut III can be adjusted in height and is suitable for all fretted and fretless instruments. Use
the supplied 0.9 mm Allen key to adjust the height of the strings on the nut according to your preferences.
As a tip for a good setup, we recommend pressing down the string on the third fret. Now check the distance
between the rst fret and the string. This distance should be between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm (.004" – .012"), which
is roughly the thickness of a business card.
Neck & Fingerboard
As with all components made of wood, temperature and humidity have a major impact on the neck and the
ngerboard of your instrument. The wood can expand or contract depending on external circumstances and
this may aect the string height and playability of the instrument over time. In order to be able to play your
Sadowsky bass in the best possible way at all times, we recommend that you routinely check the setup several
times a year and make corrections if necessary.
Note: All factory settings mentioned in this manual serve as guidelines only and do not represent xed rules.
The string action can be set and changed according to your personal preferences. Please keep in mind however, that
strings that are set up too high will be harder to play, while strings that are set too low may cause unwanted noises,
depending on the playing style.
Adjusting the truss rod
The string tension exerts a permanent pulling force on the neck. To counteract this pulling force, your Sadowsky
MetroExpress Bass is equipped with an adjustable truss rod. The neck is perfectly adjusted when it has a slight
bow forward (up-bow). At the 7th fret, the distance between the top of the fret and the lowest string should
be approx. 0.4 mm (/"), depending on the setup and the desired string action. If you get more fret buzz in the
rst position than you would like, loosen the truss rod a little more.
To check whether you need to readjust the truss rod, you should always evaluate the current relief on the
instrument rst. The bass must be properly tuned for precise measurements. Then put a capo on the rst fret
and press the lowest string down on the last fret. Then use a feeler gauge to measure the distance between
the fret and the underside of the string at the 7th fret. If you need to adjust the truss rod, start by loosening
the strings to take the tension o the neck. The instrument must of course be tuned again before you take the
next measurement.
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Use the supplied trussrod tool to turn the spoke
wheel in the desired direction. If the neck is too concave (too much up-bow), turn the nut to the right
(clockwise, looking from the body to the neck). This
will correct the bow backwards. If the neck is too
convex (too much back-bow), turn the nut to the
left (counterclockwise, looking from the body to the
neck). This will correct the bow forward. You should
make adjustments in small steps only (1/4 to 1/2 turn
per day).
If the truss rod can only be adjusted using great force, if the neck needs to be readjusted very frequently, or if
you are not condent enough to adjust it yourself, we strongly recommend that the adjustment is carried out
by a professional guitar technician or at your Sadowsky dealer.
Tight truss rod with back-bow in the neck (convex), low string action.
Loose truss rod with up-bow in the neck (concave), high string action.
Strings
All Sadowsky MetroExpress instruments come with stainless steel bass strings.
4-string models (045-105 Set): .045“, .065“, .085“, .105“
5-string models (045-130 Set): .045“, .065“, .085“, .105“, .130“
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Body
Sadowsky MetroExpress basses are available in dierent versions with dierent pickups, body designs, electronics
layouts and pickguard congurations. However, some basic features for setup, ne-tuning and tone control are
identical for all models and knowledge of these features ensures that you can enjoy playing a perfectly set up
instrument for a long time.
Bridge
The Sadowsky bridge enables you to move the individual saddles in order to adapt the instrument as best as
possible to your preferences. The ngerboard radius can be compensated for example, the overall height of
the strings can be adjusted or the intonation can be corrected. First of all, your bass should always be in tune
to make precise measurements possible.
1
2
343
4
1
String height adjustment screws
2
Intonation screws
3
Recesses for ball-ends
4
Quick-release opening
Adjusting the string height and string action
You can adjust the saddle height by using the 1.5 mm Allen key and turning the adjustment screws (1)
clockwise or counterclockwise. You will achieve the perfect setup if the strings follow the ngerboard radius.
Press down on the strings on the rst fret and use a ruler to measure the space between the bottom of the
strings and the top of the 12th fret.
Low string action
G string: 1.59 mm (.062")
B string: 2.38 mm (.094")
Medium string action
G string: 1.98 mm (.078")
B string: 2.78 mm (.109")
High string action
G string: 2.38 mm (.094")
B string: 3.17 mm (.125")
We recommend experimenting a little with the height setup until you have found a setting that suits you
perfectly. If you play the bass with a relatively light attack, the strings can be positioned little lower. If you play
the bass harder, it is recommended to set the string action a little higher in order to avoid buzzing at the frets.
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Adjusting the intonation
You can adjust the intonation screws (2) with a #1 Phillips screwdriver. Hold the bass in a normal playing position
and with the bass plugged into a tuner, tune the entire bass. Starting with the lowest string, retune to either the
open string or the 12th fret harmonic and then press the string at the 12th fret using normal playing pressure.
If the fretted note is at, turn the screw counterclockwise to shorten the length of the string until both notes
play in tune. After the adjustment of the saddle, double check that the open string is still in tune and repeat
the process for each string. By changing the actively oscillating string length between the Just-A-Nut and
the saddle (bridge), you can precisely compensate for the scale of the instrument. Besides ambient climatic
conditions, the wear of the strings, string changes and changes in the neck relief also have a direct inuence
on the intonation. We therefore recommend that you check the intonation of your Sadowsky MetroExpress
bass periodically and correct it if necessary.
Note: A bass guitar with incorrectly set intonation will always sound out of tune across the entire neck. A correct
setup is therefore essential for your instrument. If you are not confident to perform the periodic checks and
adjustments yourself, we strongly recommend that the setup is carried out by a professional guitar technician or
at your Sadowsky dealer.
Adjusting the pickups
A proper setup of the pickup height is imperative for a perfect sound. Pickups that are set too low reduce
the output power; pickups that are set too high could aect the pitch with their magnetic eld. In the worst
case the strings could hit the polepieces and cause unwanted noises. Adjustments to the string height should
therefore always be combined with a verication of the pickup height in order to achieve the best possible
results. Press down on the two outer strings on the last fret and use a ruler to measure the distance between
the bottom of the string and the top of the corresponding polepieces. For pickups without open polepieces,
measure to the top of the pickup cover. The ideal height of the pickup may vary slightly depending on the
string gauge and type of pickup. The height can be adjusted with a Phillips screwdriver.
The factory set-up uses the following spacing:
B or E string: 3.17 mm (.125")
G string: 2.38 mm (.094")
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Electronics variations
The unique Sadowsky bass electronics are one of the many reasons why the instruments are among the most
sought-after basses in the world. All Sadowsky MetroExpress basses use the same electronic circuit.
Lautstärke (Volume)
Pan (Balance)
Bass Boost (P/P)
Treble Boost
Four controls in a straight arrangement with a preamp bypass
using the push/pull feature of the Bass Boost control.
Features
The preamp is powered by a 9V battery and activated as soon as the instrument cable is plugged in. The average
life of a battery in this circuit is 6 to 12 months. The battery is discharged as soon as a cable is plugged into the output socket. To extend the battery life, the instrument cable should always be disconnected from the bass when the
instrument is not in use. Switching to bypass does not extend the battery life. The bass and treble controls can only
boost – there is no boost when you turn the controls all the way to the left. Don‘t use full treble and bass boost right
away; start on the far left and then boost treble and bass as desired. Turn the balance (pan) control counterclockwise
to select the pickup in the neck position and clockwise to select the pickup in the bridge position.
Note: Since there is no ‚right‘ or ‚wrong‘ direction for the adjustment of the balance control and tastes are dierent,
you can swap the pickup connections on the balance control. All that needs to be done is switching the two pickup
inputs on the potentiometer. This way you can select the pickup in the bridge position by turning the control counterclockwise and the pickup in the neck position by turning it clockwise. For this modication you will need a soldering
iron and solder. If you are unfamiliar with soldering or not condent to perform the modications yourself, we
strongly recommend that the job is carried out by a professional guitar technician or at your Sadowsky dealer.
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Neck Pickup Bridge Pickup
Hot Output
Hot Output
Balance
Switch the indicated connections on the balance control in order to
reverse the balance adjustment
Pickup selection using the factory setting of the balance control.
Bridge pickup selected
Neck pickup selected
Specications:
Frequency range: 5 Hz - 50 kHz
Bass control: + 18 dB boost at 40 Hz
Treble control: + 18 dB boost at 4 kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.18% at 1 kHz
Note: Further information and the complete circuit diagrams for Sadowsky bass electronics can be found at
www.sadowskybass.de
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Electronics compartment and battery change
The electronics compartment of your Sadowsky MetroExpress Bass can be opened with a screwdriver. Remove
all screws from the cover and carefully lift the cover o. The battery is connected to the circuit with a cable.
If you want to change the battery, simply unplug the old battery and plug in the new battery.
Installing and using the Security Locks
Remove the washer and the nut from the lock. Then put the lock
through the hole in the strap. Make sure that the lock is on the inside
and the thread is on the outside of the strap.
Screw the nut tightly onto the thread. To be on the safe side, tighten
the nut with a suitable wrench.
Put the washer onto the thread from the outside of the strap.
Pull the head of the Security Lock to unlock the safety catch and slide
the lock over the strap button (strap pin). Please make sure that the
lock engages securely. You will hear a conrming click.
Note: The rm seat of the Security Locks should be checked periodically. If necessary, re-tighten the fastening screw
on the strap button and the nut on the strap. If the hole in your strap is too tight or if the strap itself is too thick,
we strongly recommend that adjustment and setup be performed by a professional guitar technician or at your
Sadowsky dealer.
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Maintenance & Care
Satin Finish
Sadowsky MetroExpress basses with a Satin Finish (matte) come with a transparent or solid nished surface.
This closed nish does not require any special care. However, depending on how dirty it is, it should be
cleaned with a slightly damp cloth or one of the many suitable spray cleaners available from specialist dealers.
Do not use any cleaners that are designed to remove scratches, as this will be too abrasive for a satin nish and
will make it shine.
High Polish Finish
The high gloss appearance and feel of your Sadowsky MetroExpress bass is achieved by using a High Polish Finish.
The wood is completely enclosed under this nish, the surface is mirror-smooth and without any noticeable wood
structure. As with the Satin Finish, care is limited to visual aspects. You can carry out a thorough cleaning with a
damp cloth or a suitable spray cleaner or use a polish that highlights the full shine of the nish and is able to remove
minor scratches and signs of wear.
Neck care
Instruments with a Lacquer-Finish on the neck can be cleaned with a damp cloth and treated with suitable
spray cleaners or polished.
Fingerboard care
All Morado ngerboards of the Sadowsky MetroExpress instruments are unvarnished and need a little care
every now and then to prevent them from becoming brittle or dull. Maintain and protect the ngerboard with
care products specially made for this purpose. These can be obtained from specialist retailers. For best results,
please observe the manufacturer‘s specications for suitable care and cleaning agents. Maple ngerboards
can be wiped clean with a dry cloth as they are coated with a layer of varnish.
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Warranty & Service
This product is subject to the statutory warranty period. In the event of a warranty claim, please contact your
dealer rst.
We hope you enjoy your new Sadowsky instrument. Should you have any further questions about your instrument, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Note: The manufacturer reserves the right to change the specications without notice.
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Warwick GmbH & Co Music Equipment KG
Gewerbepark 46 · D-08258 Markneukirchen
www.sadowskybass.de | info@sadowskybass.de | www.w-distribution.de
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