Best Sadowsky 5-String Lefthanded Basses 2026
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.
Last updated: September 7, 2026
⚡ The best 5-string lefthanded basses in 2026 are Sadowsky MetroExpress 21-5 Vin MA BK LH (top pick), Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint MJ5 RM LH BK for tighter budgets, and Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-5 Fret MA LH B for pros — selected from 12 options, priced $1,161–$1,428, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
Sadowsky MetroExpress 21-5 Vin MA BK LH
by
Sadowsky
Nut width
44.5 mm (1.75")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
21 frets
Strings
5-string
Body
Okoume body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Proper Ergonomics
Natural Playing
Professional Performance
Key Feature:
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.
- • Quick Access Compartment simplifies string changes and internal adjustments significantly.
CONS
- • Okoume can be a bit plain aesthetically compared to more figured woods.
- • Active electronics, while versatile, introduce a dependency on battery power.
- • String spacing at 18mm might feel narrow for players with larger hands.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 598283
$1,161
#2
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint MJ5 RM LH BK
by
Sadowsky
Nut width
44.5 mm (1.75")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
21 frets
Strings
5-string
Body
Okoume body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Left-Handed Bass Players
Advanced Techniques
Proper Ergonomics
Key Feature:
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.
- • Quick Access Compartment simplifies string changes and maintenance.
CONS
- • Okoume can be somewhat plain aesthetically compared to other woods.
- • Active electronics introduce potential for battery dependency and noise.
- • The longer scale (34") might feel less comfortable for players with smaller hands.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 597198
$1,277
#3
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-5 Fret MA LH B
by
Sadowsky
Nut width
47.5 mm (1.87")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Strings
5-string
Body
Okoume body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Professional Performance
Proper Ergonomics
Left-Handed Bass Players
Key Feature:
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.
- • Active electronics offer precise tonal shaping and a clean, powerful output.
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.
- • The 34” scale might feel slightly long for players with shorter fingers.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 599447
$1,335
#4
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 RM LH BK
by
Sadowsky
Nut width
47.5 mm (1.87")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Strings
5-string
Body
Okoume body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Left-Handed Bass Players
Professional Performance
Proper Ergonomics
Key Feature:
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.
- • The Quick Access compartment simplifies string changes, a real time-saver for gigging bassists.
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.
- • Active electronics introduce a slight dependency on battery power for full functionality.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 599069
$1,242
#5
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 RM LH BK
by
Sadowsky
Nut width
47.5 mm (1.87")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Strings
5-string
Body
Okoume body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Extended Range
Proper Ergonomics
Professional Performance
Key Feature:
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.
- • Sadowsky’s 2-way active electronics offer precise tone shaping without excessive noise.
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.
- • Active electronics add complexity; some prefer purely passive circuits for simplicity.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 596273
$1,242
#6
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado LH BK
by
Sadowsky
Nut width
47.5 mm (1.87")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Strings
5-string
Body
Okoume body
Proper Ergonomics
Extended Range
Left-Handed Bass Players
Key Feature:
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.
- • Quick Access compartment simplifies string changes and internal adjustments.
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.
- • Active electronics require a power source, limiting passive tonal options.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 599736
$1,393
#7
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Mora LH BK
by
Sadowsky
Nut width
47.5 mm (1.87")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Strings
5-string
Body
Okoume body
Extended Range
Advanced Techniques
Natural Playing
Key Feature:
This Sadowsky MetroExp21 is a seriously well-built left-handed 5-string. The combination of the roasted maple neck, the vintage-voiced pickups, and the active/passive electronics makes it incredibly versatile – a great choice for players who want a classic feel with modern functionality and a premium build quality.
PROS
- • Okoume body provides a balanced, resonant tone with excellent sustain.
- • Roasted maple neck offers exceptional stability and a smooth, fast playing experience.
- • Sadowsky J-style pickups deliver a punchy, articulate vintage tone with clarity.
- • Active/passive switching provides tonal flexibility, from vintage warmth to modern clarity.
CONS
- • Okoume can be slightly more susceptible to dings than harder woods like maple.
- • The 12” radius fingerboard might feel less familiar to players used to flatter profiles.
- • The electronics, while versatile, could be limiting for players seeking extreme tonal shaping.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 599147
$1,277
#8
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint MJ5 Mor LH OWH
by
Sadowsky
Nut width
44.5 mm (1.75")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Strings
5-string
Body
Okoume body
Left-Handed Bass Players
Natural Playing
Professional Performance
Key Feature:
This left-handed Sadowsky is a serious contender for players wanting a versatile, modern 5-string with vintage vibes. The combination of the J pickup and Quad Coil offers a huge range of tones, from punchy slap to warm, growling lows. It's a premium-priced instrument built for the gigging musician who demands quality and flexibility.
PROS
- • Okoume body provides excellent resonance and a balanced tone.
- • Roasted maple neck ensures stability and a smooth, fast playing experience.
- • Sadowsky J/Quad Coil combo delivers versatility from growl to clarity.
- • Quick Access Compartment simplifies string changes and internal adjustments.
CONS
- • The morado fingerboard, while beautiful, can be prone to occasional dryness.
- • Bolt-on neck construction, while reliable, lacks the sustain of a neck-through design.
- • The active electronics, while powerful, might not appeal to purists seeking a purely passive sound.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 597225
$1,428
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint MJ5 Mora LH BK
by
Sadowsky
Nut width
44.5 mm (1.75")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Strings
5-string
Body
Okoume body
Advanced Techniques
Left-Handed Bass Players
Professional Performance
Key Feature:
This Sadowsky MetroExp21 is a seriously versatile left-handed 5-string, blending vintage vibe with modern electronics. The combination of the J-style pickup and Quad Coil humbucker provides a huge range of tones, and the roasted maple neck makes it a joy to play. Ideal for players wanting a premium instrument with a broad sonic palette and a comfortable feel.
PROS
- • Okoume body delivers a resonant, lively, and balanced tonal foundation.
- • Roasted maple neck provides exceptional stability and a smooth, fast playing experience.
- • Sadowsky J-Style pickup offers a focused, articulate vintage tone.
- • The Quick Access compartment simplifies string changes significantly.
CONS
- • Okoume can be somewhat prone to dents and scratches with regular use.
- • Active electronics introduce potential for battery replacement or failure.
- • The 12” radius might feel less familiar for players used to flatter fingerboards.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 597202
$1,161
#10
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 Mor LH WH
by
Sadowsky
Nut width
47.5 mm (1.87")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Strings
5-string
Body
Okoume body
Natural Playing
Proper Ergonomics
Left-Handed Bass Players
Key Feature:
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.
- • Sadowsky's 2-way active electronics add tonal shaping without excessive coloration.
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.
- • The Quick Access compartment, while convenient, adds a small amount of complexity to the design.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 596867
$1,277
#11
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb 5 SBHP LH
by
Sadowsky
Nut width
47.5 mm (1.87")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Strings
5-string
Body
Okoume body
Natural Playing
Left-Handed Bass Players
Professional Performance
Key Feature:
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.
- • Sadowsky’s 2-way active electronics provide tonal shaping without harshness.
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.
- • The 12” radius might feel less familiar to players used to flatter fingerboards.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 596075
$1,254
#12
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Vint 5 OW LH
by
Sadowsky
Nut width
47.5 mm (1.87")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Strings
5-string
Body
Okoume body
Professional Performance
Natural Playing
Advanced Techniques
Key Feature:
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.
- • Quick Access Compartment simplifies string changes and electronics access.
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.
- • String spacing at 18mm may require adjustment for players with wider fingers.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 598460
$1,277
5-String Lefthanded Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 44 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
Price
median $1,045
from $220 to $1,626
Nut width
median 45 mm (1.77")
from 44.5 mm (1.75") to 47.5 mm (1.87") · 41 models
Scale
median 864 mm (34.02")
from 864 mm (34.02") to 889 mm (35") · 37 models
Fingerboard radius
median 305 mm (12.01")
from 241 mm (9.49") to 660 mm (25.98") · 21 models
Strings
median 5-string
from 5-string to 5-string · 44 models
Body
okoume, alder, mahogany
most common · 38 models
Fingerboard
maple, rosewood, ebony
most common · 29 models
Neck profile
C, D
most common · 11 models
Frets
median 21
from 20 to 24 · 18 models
How to Choose the Best 5-String Lefthanded Basses
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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
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 This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 12 of 44 5-string lefthanded basses from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 12 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
