AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Sadowsky 5-String Lefthanded Basses 2026
The top pick is Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint MJ5 RM LH BK ($1,225). Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 9 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
Top 9
Full detail for the 9 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width44.5 mm (1.75")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets21 frets
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
This Sadowsky MetroExp21 is a seriously versatile left-handed 5-string, blending vintage aesthetics with modern electronics. The roasted maple neck feels fantastic, and that J/Quad pickup combination gives you everything from smooth vintage tones to aggressive, modern growl. It's an excellent choice for the gigging musician wanting a premium-priced, adaptable bass.
Pros
- Okoume body delivers a resonant, balanced tonal foundation.
- Roasted maple neck & fretboard provide exceptional stability and feel.
- Sadowsky J/Quad Coil combo offers incredible tonal flexibility and clarity.
Cons
- Okoume can be somewhat plain aesthetically compared to other woods.
- Active electronics introduce potential for battery dependency and noise.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,225 now$1,225€1,099 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.5 mm (1.87")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This left-handed Sadowsky MetroExp21 is a seriously refined instrument. The vintage-inspired tones are beautifully versatile thanks to the active/passive switching, and the roasted maple neck makes it a joy to play. It's a premium-priced option perfect for the discerning bassist seeking a reliable, great-sounding workhorse.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck and fretboard offer exceptional stability and a smooth playing feel.
- Sadowsky’s stacked hum-free pickups deliver clarity and a balanced vintage tone.
- Active/passive switching provides tonal flexibility for various musical styles.
Cons
- Okoume body, while resonant, might be a bit too light for some players’ preference.
- The 12” radius fingerboard isn’t ideal for extreme bending or complex slapping techniques.
56AudioFu
Index↓ 8.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,192 · Aug 17$1,092 now$1,092€979 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.5 mm (1.87")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This Sadowsky MetroExp21 is a fantastic choice for the left-handed bassist wanting a versatile and well-built instrument. The hybrid pickup setup gives you a wide range of tones, from deep and growly to articulate and bright, while the roasted maple neck makes it a joy to play. It's a premium-priced bass, but the quality and playability justify the investment.
Pros
- Okoume body provides a balanced, resonant tone with excellent sustain.
- Roasted maple neck and fingerboard offer stability and a smooth, fast playing experience.
- Hybrid PJ pickup configuration delivers versatility from growly P-bass tones to brighter J-bass clarity.
Cons
- Okoume can be a bit plain aesthetically compared to more figured woods.
- Bolt-on neck, while reliable, might not appeal to players seeking a more integrated feel.
51AudioFu
Index↓ 8.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,192 · Aug 17$1,092 now$1,092€979 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.5 mm (1.87")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This lefty MetroExpress is a serious contender for players wanting a versatile, modern 5-string. The Sadowsky pickups and active EQ deliver a focused, powerful tone that cuts through a mix – perfect for funk, modern rock, or anything needing a tight, defined low-end. It's a great value for a bass with this level of quality and playability.
Pros
- Okoume body provides a balanced, resonant tone with excellent sustain.
- Roasted maple neck and fingerboard offer stability and a smooth, fast playing experience.
- Sadowsky Soapbar pickups deliver a punchy, articulate low-end with defined mids.
Cons
- Okoume can be a bit plain aesthetically compared to more figured woods.
- The bolt-on neck, while stable, lacks the inherent resonance of a set-neck design.
50AudioFu
Index↓ 6.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,281 · Aug 17$1,203 now$1,203€1,079 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.5 mm (1.87")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
This Sadowsky MetroExp21 is a seriously well-built bass, perfect for players wanting a versatile, modern feel with a vintage vibe. The hybrid pickup setup really shines for funk, rock, and even some heavier genres – it’s a real workhorse instrument that delivers a premium experience without the ultra-high-end price tag.
Pros
- Okoume body offers a balanced tone with excellent resonance and sustain.
- Roasted maple neck provides exceptional stability and a smooth, fast playing feel.
- Hybrid PJ pickup configuration delivers versatility from warm P-bass tones to brighter J-bass articulation.
Cons
- Morado fingerboard, while beautiful, can be slightly harder than rosewood for some players.
- Bolt-on neck construction, while reliable, might not offer the same sustain as a neck-through design.
49AudioFu
Index↓ 9.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,225 · Aug 17$1,114 now$1,114€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.5 mm (1.87")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
This MetroExpress is a fantastic entry point into the Sadowsky world, offering a lot of pro-level features at a more accessible price. The roasted maple neck and well-balanced pickups make it incredibly versatile, handling everything from funk to rock with ease. It's perfect for the gigging bassist who wants serious tone and playability without the high-end price tag.
Pros
- Okoume body delivers a warm, resonant tone with excellent sustain.
- Roasted maple neck provides exceptional stability and a smooth, fast feel.
- Sadowsky stacked hum-free pickups offer clarity and punch without noise.
Cons
- Okoume can be prone to dents and scratches with heavy use.
- The active preamp, while versatile, might not appeal to purists seeking a purely vintage tone.
49AudioFu
Index↓ 9.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,225 · Aug 17$1,114 now$1,114€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.5 mm (1.87")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
This Sadowsky MetroExp24 is a seriously well-built lefty bass. The active electronics and Sadowsky pickups deliver a modern, defined sound that cuts through a mix perfectly – ideal for players in funk, rock, or modern pop. It’s a premium-priced instrument, but the quality and playability are undeniable.
Pros
- Okoume body offers a balanced, resonant tone with excellent sustain.
- Roasted maple neck provides exceptional stability and a smooth, fast feel.
- Sadowsky Soapbar pickups deliver a punchy, articulate low-end with clarity.
Cons
- Morado fingerboard can be slightly harder than rosewood, impacting some players' feel.
- Bolt-on neck construction, while stable, lacks the resonance of a neck-through design.
49AudioFu
Index↓ 8.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,337 · Aug 17$1,225 now$1,225€1,099 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.5 mm (1.87")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
This MetroExpress is a seriously well-built lefty 5-string, offering a fantastic blend of vintage and modern tones. The hybrid pickup setup and active EQ give you a ton of versatility for funk, rock, and even some mellow jazz. It's a great choice for gigging musicians looking for a premium instrument without the ultra-high-end price tag.
Pros
- Okoume body offers a balanced, resonant tone with excellent sustain.
- Roasted maple neck provides stability and a smooth, fast playing experience.
- Hybrid pickup configuration delivers P-bass warmth with J-bass clarity.
Cons
- Okoume can be somewhat plain aesthetically compared to more figured woods.
- The bolt-on neck, while reliable, lacks the resonance of a set-neck design.
48AudioFu
Index↓ 7.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,203 · Aug 17$1,114 now$1,114€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width44.5 mm (1.75")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets21 frets
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
This Sadowsky MetroExpress is a fantastic entry point into the Sadowsky world, offering a lot of quality for the price. The active/passive switching gives you serious tonal flexibility, and the roasted maple neck makes it a joy to play. It’s a great choice for gigging musicians who want a versatile, well-built 5-string without the high-end price tag.
Pros
- Okoume body offers a balanced tone with excellent resonance and sustain.
- Roasted maple neck provides exceptional stability and a smooth, fast playing feel.
- Sadowsky Quad Coil pickup delivers a thick, articulate tone with plenty of punch.
Cons
- Okoume can be a bit plain aesthetically compared to more figured woods.
- Active electronics, while versatile, introduce a dependency on battery power.
47AudioFu
Index↑ 5.0%since Aug 17$1,114 · Aug 17$1,170 now$1,170€1,049 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
5-String Lefthanded Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 42 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,114 — half of all 5-String lefthanded basses here cost less.
median of 42 models · 5-string–5-string
most common · 36 models
median of 39 models · 44.5 mm (1.75")–47.5 mm (1.87")
median of 35 models · 864 mm (34.02")–866 mm (34.09")
How to choose the best 5-String lefthanded basses
Neck Profile
Sadowsky's 'C' shape is a sweet spot - not too thick, not too thin. It's comfortable for hours of gigging, and the consistent build means no fret buzz or intonation headaches, something crucial for a 5-string where those issues are amplified.
Pickup Voicing
The Sadowsky pickups are the real secret sauce. They're not going to give you scooped mids or ice-pick treble - it's a warm, articulate tone with a noticeable, but not overwhelming, low-end thump. It's a tone that cuts through a mix without being harsh, perfect for funk, rock, and even heavier styles.
String Spacing & Width
That 5-string spacing can be brutal on your fingers. Sadowsky consistently nails the string spacing and nut width, making those wider stretches more manageable and improving overall playability, especially for lefties where finding comfortable ergonomics is already a challenge.
Finish & Build Quality
The finishes are gorgeous, yes, but more importantly, the build quality is rock solid. We're talking perfectly straight necks, tight fretwork, and hardware that feels like it'll survive a dropped set - vital for the inevitable bumps and bruises of gigging.
Hardware & Electronics
Sadowsky uses high-quality hardware - the tuners hold pitch flawlessly, the bridge is stable, and the electronics are clean and quiet. This translates to a bass that's reliable and consistent, night after night, something you can't always say about cheaper alternatives.
Buying guide
Alright, lefty 5-string players, let's talk Sadowsky. Finding a high-end, genuinely good left-handed 5-string bass is tough, and Sadowsky consistently sits at the top of the heap. They're not cheap, but if you're serious about tone, feel, and build quality - especially on a left-handed model where options are scarce - a Sadowsky 5-string deserves a serious look. Forget the marketing hype; we're digging into what makes these basses special.
Buying a Sadowsky is an investment. Don't chase the 'cool' color; focus on the neck profile and pickup configuration to ensure it suits your playing style. Used models can be a smart way to save some cash, but be extra critical of the neck - a warped neck on a lefty 5-string is a real pain.
Factor in a good setup from a qualified tech; even the best basses benefit from a proper setup, especially for a 5-string.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 12 5-String lefthanded basses from the Thomann catalogue (of 42 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are Sadowsky basses worth the money?
That's a loaded question. They're expensive, no doubt. But if you value exceptional build quality, a balanced and articulate tone, and comfortable playability - especially finding a left-handed model - then yes, they absolutely are. It's a tool that will inspire you to play better and sound better.
What's the difference between a Sadowsky and a Fender?
The Fender DNA is there, but Sadowsky elevates everything. Better pickups, a more refined neck profile, tighter tolerances, and higher-quality hardware. Fender's a great starting point, Sadowsky is a significant step up in terms of overall refinement and tone.
Do Sadowsky basses need a lot of modifications?
Honestly, no. They're designed to sound great out of the box. Some players tweak things, but most are perfectly happy with the stock configuration. That's a testament to the care that goes into their design.
What kind of music are Sadowsky 5-strings best for?
They're incredibly versatile. You'll hear them in funk, rock, blues, jazz, and even some modern metal. The balanced tone and articulate pickups make them suitable for a wide range of genres. They just don't do the scooped-mid, super-aggressive thing.
Are Sadowsky left-handed basses readily available?
Not really. Left-handed Sadowskys are made in smaller numbers, so availability can be limited. Be prepared to wait or search diligently. Used market is your best bet, but be picky.
