Lakland 55-60 / Sadowsky Metro Express.?

[bubinga5]

I was wondering if anyone has experience of either of these two 5 string jazz basses..  I have played neither but I'm looking at purchasing a £1000 or sub £1000 5 string jazz bass. 

I'm aware the Lakland would be a used buy and the Sadowsky would be a new purchase.

How are the new Sadowsky Metro Express's in regards to the neck shape, construction, pre amp etc compared to the Lakland?? ( I'm aware the Lakland is Passive).  In general what are your thoughts on either.? Or any other five string Jazz basses I should consider around this price range.? I'm considering Bacchus also but that would be an import..

 

Thankyou for any info..

[Raslee]

Sandberg 😊

[Acebassmusic]

Cort Elrick NSJ5 great basses that tend to get overlooked for some reason.

[Terry M.]

The Sadowsky can also be a used purchase if you end up down that route.

 

https://bassbros.co.uk/product/2024-sadowsky-metroexpress-21-vintage-jj-5-2/

[risingson]

Like you bubinga5 I’m keen to try out the Metro Express stuff. I’ve played virtually every other type of Sadowsky under the sun but I’m not inclined to spend the money on the big brothers so much anymore. I’d really quite like a M5-24. 
 

Lakland Skyline to my mind make some of the best Fender style basses pound for pound at that price point of anyone. The JO5s are tremendous instruments. I would say that they do have a slight feel of being not so special or custom made in build quality, something in the travel of the pots on the ones I’ve owned and played, but tone and playability is right up there which is where it matters for me.

[dub_junkie]

The 55-60 I had was a fantastic bass - I bought it from Paddy777 on here with an East J Retro preamp but once that was out the bass seemed better for it imo (limitations on the J Retro in passive mode being the main reason)

 

I doubt I've had a bass action that went any lower and played rattle free. (iirc either Plek'd at the factory or at set up/QC in Chicago - not sure which) It was a fantastic neck on the 55-60 - more traditional profile than the Sadowsky Metro Express 1st gens I had which were flatter at the back. The width on the Sadowsky 5 necks the further you go up always niggled me a bit as well. 

 

I like the Sadowsky tone for the amount of boost available but the lack of passive tone control became an issue for me as well. 

 

I cant speak about the gen 2 basses as I haven't owned one but I would wholeheartedly recommend a

55-60. They are lovely jazz basses imo. 

 

Also for what its worth I would say try a Cort NJS5. Beautifully balanced output and tone across the neck and really special basses for the money they go for. 

[bubinga5]

3 hours ago, risingson said:

Like you bubinga5 I’m keen to try out the Metro Express stuff. I’ve played virtually every other type of Sadowsky under the sun but I’m not inclined to spend the money on the big brothers so much anymore. I’d really quite like a M5-24. 
 

Lakland Skyline to my mind make some of the best Fender style basses pound for pound at that price point of anyone. The JO5s are tremendous instruments. I would say that they do have a slight feel of being not so special or custom made in build quality, something in the travel of the pots on the ones I’ve owned and played, but tone and playability is right up there which is where it matters for me.

It's the neck for me with Laklands. Just like the 5502s Just like Atelier 5 strings they are superb. I've been told the Sadowsky modern ME sound like a Ken Smith. Not sure that's true..

[bubinga5]

2 hours ago, dub_junkie said:

The 55-60 I had was a fantastic bass - I bought it from Paddy777 on here with an East J Retro preamp but once that was out the bass seemed better for it imo (limitations on the J Retro in passive mode being the main reason)

 

I doubt I've had a bass action that went any lower and played rattle free. (iirc either Plek'd at the factory or at set up/QC in Chicago - not sure which) It was a fantastic neck on the 55-60 - more traditional profile than the Sadowsky Metro Express 1st gens I had which were flatter at the back. The width on the Sadowsky 5 necks the further you go up always niggled me a bit as well. 

 

I like the Sadowsky tone for the amount of boost available but the lack of passive tone control became an issue for me as well. 

 

I cant speak about the gen 2 basses as I haven't owned one but I would wholeheartedly recommend a

55-60. They are lovely jazz basses imo. 

 

Also for what its worth I would say try a Cort NJS5. Beautifully balanced output and tone across the neck and really special basses for the money they go for. 

I'm pretty sold on a 5560 me thinks. Thanks for the info/experience. I would probably drop a J stone in one but I totally get it.. I love a passive J bass...  

[risingson]

22 hours ago, bubinga5 said:

It's the neck for me with Laklands. Just like the 5502s Just like Atelier 5 strings they are superb. I've been told the Sadowsky modern ME sound like a Ken Smith. Not sure that's true..

Heard similar but more Spector, a brand I’m not at all familiar with though so couldn’t compare. Think the Smith sound will be something to do with the soap bars and pickup placement.