Sadowsky NYC vs Metro Range

[molan]

I've recently bought an NYC having lusted after a Sadowsky for many years and when one came up in almost my perfect colour choice I felt like I just had to have it.

Interestingly I've noticed that there sometimes isn't a massive difference in price between the NYC & Metro ranges on the used market (well enough to buy an entire used Fender but not on a relative basis, lol).

From my limited knowledge the NYC's are obviously rarer and tend to have snazzier finishes but I just wondered what the differences were in real world playing terms, quality of fit & finish, usable tones etc. etc.

[dangee]

NYC's are generally lighter...by a bit. Sometimes the Metro's don't have VTC. The UV NYC's have some upgraded elements like Braz RW boards.

If your buying new and unless you wanted a fancy top, I'd go Metro every time...having owned 2 NYCs and one Metro.

[bassaussie]

I own 2 Sadowsky NYC basses, and owned a Metro for a period as well. One of my NYC basses is actually very similar to the one you bought, same colour and with the quilt top. Mine has black hardware and I also had the VTC installed when I bought it.

To be honest, there's not a lot in it with regards to sound and quality. I was blown away by how good the Metro bass was that I had, it was right up there with the NYC basses. I guess if I was pushed for an opinion, I'd say the NYC basses just have this little "something" that I can't quite put my finger on, but it's VERY little - it's like the Metro is 95% the bass that the NYC is.

The real difference comes down to the options - the NYC has all the different tops available, you can choose different pickup options, different radius' on the neck, different hardware options. Also, the NYC comes standard with the VTC, the necks have a graphite bar, and the bodies are chambered.

Look at it this way - I certainly wouldn't have any reservations about owning another Metro, the ones I've tried along with the one I owned were all great basses.

[7string]

Somewhere here on BC, someone recommended this interview with Roger Sadowsky [url="http://www.behindthenotes.com/index.php/Featured-Video/Features/Bass/Roger-Sadowsky/menu-id-17.html"]http://www.behindthenotes.com/index.php/Fe...menu-id-17.html[/url]

In it he discusses the Metro range vs. NYC. The Metro's have a limited amount of options, but are the same fit & finish as an NYC. Surprisingly, the NYC basses are chambered to keep the weight down and they have the option of exotic wood tops.

It's a great interview (about an hour) and I apologise for not name-checking the BC'er who brought the interview to everyone's attention in the first instance.

[b]bassaussie[/b]- You're a lucky guy to own 2 (!) Sadowsky NYC basses

Edited June 15, 2008 by 7string

[molan]

[quote name='7string' post='219386' date='Jun 15 2008, 07:41 PM']Somewhere here on BC, someone recommended this interview with Roger Sadowsky [url="http://www.behindthenotes.com/index.php/Featured-Video/Features/Bass/Roger-Sadowsky/menu-id-17.html"]http://www.behindthenotes.com/index.php/Fe...menu-id-17.html[/url]

In it he discusses the Metro range vs. NYC. The Metro's have a limited amount of options, but are the same fit & finish as an NYC. Surprisingly, the NYC basses are chambered to keep the weight down and they have the option of exotic wood tops.

It's a great interview (about an hour) and I apologise for not name-checking the BC'er who brought the interview to everyone's attention in the first instance.

[b]bassaussie[/b]- You're a lucky guy to own 2 (!) Sadowsky NYC basses [/quote]

Thanks for this - downloading right now!

[Josh]

[quote name='7string' post='219386' date='Jun 15 2008, 07:41 PM']Somewhere here on BC, someone recommended this interview with Roger Sadowsky [url="http://www.behindthenotes.com/index.php/Featured-Video/Features/Bass/Roger-Sadowsky/menu-id-17.html"]http://www.behindthenotes.com/index.php/Fe...menu-id-17.html[/url]

In it he discusses the Metro range vs. NYC. The Metro's have a limited amount of options, but are the same fit & finish as an NYC. Surprisingly, the NYC basses are chambered to keep the weight down and they have the option of exotic wood tops.

It's a great interview (about an hour) and I apologise for not name-checking the BC'er who brought the interview to everyone's attention in the first instance.

[b]bassaussie[/b]- You're a lucky guy to own 2 (!) Sadowsky NYC basses [/quote]


A Very interesting watch that, but I wish the player demoing the bass could've changed the strings and toned down the treble a bit, other than that I've always loved every other Sadowsky I've heard.

[bassaussie]

[quote name='7string' post='219386' date='Jun 15 2008, 07:41 PM']Somewhere here on BC, someone recommended this interview with Roger Sadowsky [url="http://www.behindthenotes.com/index.php/Featured-Video/Features/Bass/Roger-Sadowsky/menu-id-17.html"]http://www.behindthenotes.com/index.php/Fe...menu-id-17.html[/url]

In it he discusses the Metro range vs. NYC. The Metro's have a limited amount of options, but are the same fit & finish as an NYC. Surprisingly, the NYC basses are chambered to keep the weight down and they have the option of exotic wood tops.

It's a great interview (about an hour) and I apologise for not name-checking the BC'er who brought the interview to everyone's attention in the first instance.[/quote]

I was going to link to this myself, it's a great interview. It's a bit long, but well worth watching if you're into Sadowsky instruments.

[quote name='7string' post='219386' date='Jun 15 2008, 07:41 PM'][b]bassaussie[/b]- You're a lucky guy to own 2 (!) Sadowsky NYC basses [/quote]

I know!!! I swear, I look at some of the basses I have, and I really do feel very fortunate to have been able to own them. The Sadowsky instruments really are wonderful.