Best Sadowsky Miscellaneous 5-String Basses 2026
Premium Sadowsky miscellaneous 5-string basses - legendary tone and craftsmanship
Last updated: August 27, 2026
Sadowsky Single Cut 24-5 SC Maple
- • Mastergrade spalted maple top adds unique visual grain
- • Chambered swamp ash body keeps weight down for playing
- • Soapbar pickups deliver a tight, focused low-end response
- • Roasted maple neck provides smooth playability and stability
- • High price point limits accessibility for many players
- • No weight specification listed makes comfort unknown
- • Single cut shape may not suit all hand sizes well
Sadowsky MetroLine Vintage RA AT TS 5
- • Slim body design makes the instrument easy to handle for players.
- • American alder wood provides a balanced, clear tone foundation.
- • Quad coil pickup setup delivers powerful output for live performance.
- • Vintage Tone Control knob adds warm, classic character to the sound.
- • Active electronics require battery power to function correctly.
- • Slightly scaled down body may feel less substantial to some.
- • Description omits the total weight of the instrument entirely.
Sadowsky MetroLine Vintage SA BB TS 5
- • Swamp ash body delivers resonant, balanced tone with excellent sustain.
- • True humbucker pickups provide a thick, vintage-inspired growl with clarity.
- • Bolt-on maple neck offers comfortable playability and snappy response.
- • VTC control adds versatile tonal shaping, from vintage warmth to modern bite.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many bassists.
- • Slim neck profile might not suit players preferring a thicker, more substantial feel.
- • 5-string design adds width; can be challenging for smaller hands or those used to 4-strings.
Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM MO LPBL
- • Exceptional build quality with tight tolerances and flawless fretwork.
- • The stacked J-bass pickup delivers a surprisingly articulate and vintage tone.
- • Versatile pickup configurations offer a wide range of tonal possibilities.
- • The Vintage Tone Control (VTC) adds warmth and character subtly.
- • The alder body, while resonant, can be a bit plain aesthetically for some.
- • The bolt-on neck, while stable, lacks the inherent warmth of a set-neck design.
- • The active preamp, while good, might not satisfy players seeking a purely passive experience.
Sadowsky MetroExpress 21-Fret M 5 RM SG
- • Roasted maple neck adds stability and smooth playability
- • Quad coil pickup delivers strong output and clear mids
- • 21 frets extend the playable range for advanced players
- • Quick release bridge simplifies string changes and tuning
- • Okoume body material is less durable than solid wood
- • Active electronics add complexity and potential failure points
- • No stated weight makes long session comfort uncertain
Sadowsky Single Cut 24-5 CS Buckeye
- • American red alder body with chambered design
- • Buckeye burl top adds unique visual character
- • Sadowsky Soapbar pickups for distinct tone
- • Roasted maple neck for comfortable playability
- • No weight specification listed in description
- • Stacked controls may be harder to adjust
- • Pau Ferro fingerboard can darken over time
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint MJ5 Morado CAO
- • Okoume body offers excellent resonance and a balanced tone.
- • Roasted maple neck provides exceptional stability and a smooth playing feel.
- • Sadowsky J-style pickup delivers a classic, punchy low-end response.
- • Quick Access Compartment simplifies string changes and electronics access.
- • Morado fingerboard can be slightly harder than rosewood for some players.
- • Bolt-on neck construction, while reliable, lacks the sustain of a neck-through design.
- • The active electronics add complexity; bypass function is essential for pure vintage tone.
Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM MN ATB
- • Swamp ash body delivers resonant, balanced tonal foundation.
- • Sadowsky stacked J/MM combo provides versatile pickup options.
- • Bolt-on maple neck offers comfortable, familiar feel and snap.
- • Vintage Tone Control (VTC) adds warmth and vintage-inspired character.
- • Swamp ash can make it a bit heavier than other body woods.
- • High-end price point puts it out of reach for many players.
- • 3-way pickup switching, while versatile, can be overwhelming.
Sadowsky MetroExpress 21-Fret MF 4 SG
- • Roasted maple neck offers stable tuning and easy playability
- • Alnico V humbucker delivers warm, punchy low-end response
- • 21-fret scale provides extended range for modern playing
- • Active electronics allow precise bass and treble control
- • Okoume body is lightweight but lacks heavy wood resonance
- • No weight spec listed makes balance feel uncertain
- • Passive humbucker lacks output headroom for high volume
Sadowsky Single Cut 24-5 CS Walnut
- • Walnut burl top adds stunning aesthetics and tonal complexity.
- • Roasted maple neck and fretboard offer exceptional stability and feel.
- • Sadowsky Soapbar pickups deliver a focused, articulate, and punchy tone.
- • Mid-Boost preamp provides significant tonal shaping versatility and warmth.
- • The chambered body, while lighter, may lack the sustain of a solid body.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many players.
- • Walnut burl tops can exhibit slight variations in figure, impacting visual consistency.
Sadowsky Single Cut 24-5 SC Alder
- • Chambered alder body keeps the instrument light for long playing sessions.
- • Mastergrade flamed maple top adds a warm, bright tone without extra cost.
- • Roasted maple neck ensures a smooth, consistent feel under the fingers.
- • Mid-boost preamp lets you dial in a punchy, focused low-end response.
- • 5-string scale is very long, which can feel odd for smaller hands.
- • No specific string gauge options are listed in the product details.
- • Weight is not stated, so you may need to check it before buying.
Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM CAR
- • 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, modern tone.
- • Quick Access Compartment simplifies string changes and setup adjustments.
- • Okoume can be susceptible to dents and scratches compared to harder woods.
- • Active electronics require a power source, limiting passive tonal options.
- • The 34” scale might feel a little long for players with shorter fingers.
Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM WH
- • Okoume body provides a balanced, resonant tone with excellent sustain.
- • Roasted maple neck & fingerboard offer exceptional stability and a smooth feel.
- • Sadowsky Soapbar pickups deliver a punchy, articulate, and modern low-end.
- • Quick-access compartment and string release simplify setup and maintenance.
- • The bolt-on neck, while reliable, lacks the complexity of a set-neck bass.
- • Okoume can be susceptible to dents and scratches compared to harder woods.
- • Active electronics add complexity and potential for battery dependency.
Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM SGR
- • Okoume body delivers a balanced, articulate tone with surprising resonance.
- • Roasted maple neck and fingerboard provide exceptional stability and a smooth playing feel.
- • Sadowsky Soapbar pickups offer a modern, punchy sound with excellent clarity.
- • Active electronics provide precise tone shaping with a bypass option for a passive feel.
- • Okoume can be a bit plain aesthetically compared to more figured woods.
- • The bolt-on neck, while stable, might not appeal to purists seeking a traditional feel.
- • The 2-way active preamp, while versatile, adds complexity for those preferring simplicity.
Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM BK
- • Roasted maple neck & fretboard offer exceptional stability and smooth playability.
- • Sadowsky Soapbar pickups deliver a punchy, articulate, and modern tone.
- • Active 2-way electronics provide precise tonal shaping with preamp bypass option.
- • Quick Access Compartment simplifies string changes and setup adjustments.
- • Okoume body, while resonant, can be a bit plain aesthetically for some players.
- • The 34" scale might feel long for bassists with smaller hands.
- • Active electronics require a power source, adding complexity for some users.
Every miscellaneous 5-string basses that matches
63 models match this page. The 15 above are covered in detail; the rest are listed here with their published specifications.
| # | Model | Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-5 Fret MA OW | Nut width 47.5 mm (1.87") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $1,364 |
| 17 | Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-5 Fret MA CAO | Nut width 47.5 mm (1.87") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $1,282 |
| 18 | Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-5 Fret MA OB | Nut width 47.5 mm (1.87") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $1,364 |
| 19 | Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-5 Modern MA SS | Nut width 47.5 mm (1.87") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $1,364 |
| 20 | Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage M5 RM SIL | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $1,236 |
| 21 | Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage M5 RM CH | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $1,224 |
| 22 | Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage M5 RM SGR | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $1,224 |
| 23 | Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage M5 RM OBL | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $1,236 |
| 24 | Sadowsky MetroExpress 21-5 Vin MA CAR | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $1,224 |
| 25 | Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage M5 RM TSB | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $1,236 |
| 26 | Sadowsky MetroExpress 21-5 Vin MA OW | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $1,236 |
| 27 | Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage M5 RM BK | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $1,236 |
| 28 | Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage MJ5 RM SIL | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $1,376 |
| 29 | Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage MJ5 RM CH | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $1,399 |
| 30 | Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage MJ5 RM SGR | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $1,399 |
| 31 | Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage MJ5 RM CAO | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $1,282 |
| 32 | Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage MJ5 RM TSB | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $1,282 |
| 33 | Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage MJ5 RM CAR | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $1,341 |
| 34 | Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage MJ5 RM OWH | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $1,399 |
| 35 | Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM TSB | Nut width 47.5 mm (1.87") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $1,364 |
| 36 | Sadowsky MetroLine 22-5 Will Lee BK | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 22 frets · Strings 5-string | $4,900 |
| 37 | Sadowsky MetroExpress 21-Fret 5 MO SG | Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Weight 4.3 kg | $1,434 |
| 38 | Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM CAR | Nut width 47.5 mm (1.87") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body | $1,399 |
| 39 | Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado BK | Nut width 47.5 mm (1.87") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body | $1,341 |
| 40 | Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado OBL | Nut width 47.5 mm (1.87") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body | $1,341 |
| 41 | Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado SGR | Nut width 47.5 mm (1.87") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body | $1,399 |
| 42 | Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado SIL | Nut width 47.5 mm (1.87") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body | $1,399 |
| 43 | Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado CH | Nut width 47.5 mm (1.87") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body | $1,341 |
| 44 | Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-5 Fret MO CAO | Nut width 47.5 mm (1.87") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body | $1,341 |
| 45 | Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint M5 Morado SIL | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body | $1,259 |
| 46 | Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint M5 Morado CH | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body | $1,259 |
| 47 | Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint M5 Morado SGR | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body | $1,259 |
| 48 | Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint M5 Morado OBL | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body | $1,259 |
| 49 | Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint M5 Morado CAO | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body | $1,259 |
| 50 | Sadowsky MetroExpress 21-5 Vin MO CAR | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body | $1,259 |
| 51 | Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint M5 Morado TSB | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body | $1,259 |
| 52 | Sadowsky MetroExpress 21-5 Vin MO WH | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body | $1,387 |
| 53 | Sadowsky MetroExpress 21-5 Vin MO BL | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body | $1,259 |
| 54 | Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint MJ5 Morado SIL | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body | $1,399 |
| 55 | Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint MJ5 Morado CH | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body | $1,282 |
| 56 | Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint MJ5 Morado SGR | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body | $1,317 |
| 57 | Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint MJ5 Morado OBL | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body | $1,399 |
| 58 | Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint MJ5 Morado TSB | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body | $1,399 |
| 59 | Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint MJ5 Morado CAR | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body | $1,434 |
| 60 | Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint MJ5 Morado BK | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body | $1,434 |
| 61 | Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado OWH | Nut width 47.5 mm (1.87") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body | $1,341 |
| 62 | Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado TSB | Nut width 47.5 mm (1.87") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body | $1,399 |
| 63 | Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-Fret 5 RM TST | Nut width 47.5 mm (1.87") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Neck profile C-shape neck · Body Okoume body | $1,609 |
Miscellaneous 5-String Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 278 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
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 63 of 278 miscellaneous 5-string basses from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 15 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.
How to Choose the Best Miscellaneous 5-String Basses
Budget Planning
- • Under $200: Entry-level
- • $200-$500: Intermediate
- • $500-$1000: Advanced
- • $1000+: Professional
Quality Check
- • Sound clarity & tone
- • Build materials & finish
- • Hardware durability
- • Overall craftsmanship
Key Features
- • Your musical style
- • Skill level match
- • Intended use case
- • Brand reputation