Content Introduction ........................Instrument Components ................... Headstock ........................Changing the strings and tuning the instrument ................Just-A-Nut ..........................Neck & Fingerboard ....................Adjusting the truss rod ........................ Strings ............................Body ..........................Bridge ............................Adjusting the string height and string action ................Adjusting the intonation ......................
Introduction Dear Customer, Thank you for purchasing a Sadowsky MetroLine bass guitar. For 40 years I have raised the bar on a traditional design and made it one of the most sought-after basses in the world. I spent my early years working for all the top professional players in and passing through New York City and learned firsthand what worked and did not work in the studio and in live performances.
Fingerboard Headstock All Sadowsky basses come standard with high-quality precision tuning machines (24:1 gear ratio). Sadowsky tuning machines have open gear heads. Lubrication of the worm gear is not necessary for normal use. Should the tuning mechanism be unusually difficult to turn, a small amount of petroleum jelly or grease can be applied with the tip of a tooth pick.
Make sure you follow the directions below exactly. You can obtain replacement strings for your bass from your Sadowsky dealer. Pull the string through the holes provided in the bridge towards the Pull the string past the string post.
In order to be able to play your Sadowsky bass in the best possible way at all times, we recommend that you routinely check the setup several times a year and make corrections if necessary.
Tight truss rod with back-bow in the neck (convex), low string action. Loose truss rod with up-bow in the neck (concave), high string action. Strings All Sadowsky MetroLine instruments come with Sadowsky Blue Label Stainless Steel Bass Strings. .045", .065", .085", .105" (SAC STR SBS 45) 4-string models (045-105 Set): .045", .065", .085", .105", .130T"...
Bridge The Sadowsky bridge enables you to move the individual saddles in order to adapt the instrument as best as possible to your preferences. The fingerboard radius can be compensated for example, the overall height of the strings can be adjusted or the intonation can be corrected.
Electronics variations The unique Sadowsky bass electronics are one of the many reasons why the instruments are among the most sought-after basses in the world. All Sadowsky MetroLine basses use the same electronic circuit and only differ in the configuration of the potentiometers. The only exception is the Will Lee Signature model, which features a switchable Mid Boost in addition to the classic design.
Neck Pickup Bridge Pickup Hot Output Bridge pickup selected Hot Output Neck pickup selected Balance Switch the indicated connections on the balance control in order Pickup selection using the factory setting of the balance control. to reverse the balance adjustment Specifications Frequency range: 5 Hz - 50 kHz...
We recommend that you take the time to find the perfect setting for your sound. Changing the settings will no longer be necessary after you have adjusted the sound to your preferences. Note: Further information and the complete circuit diagrams for Sadowsky bass electronics can be found at www.sadowskybass.de Electronics compartment and battery change The electronics compartment of your Sadowsky MetroLine Bass can be opened with a screwdriver.
Maintenance & Care Satin Finish Sadowsky MetroLine basses with a Satin Finish (matte) come with a transparent or solid finished surface. This closed finish does not require any special care. However, depending on how dirty it is, it should be cleaned with a slightly damp cloth or one of the many suitable spray cleaners available from specialist dealers.
High Polish Finish The high gloss appearance and feel of your Sadowsky MetroLine bass is achieved by using a High Polish Finish. The wood is completely enclosed under this finish, the surface is mirror-smooth and without any noticeable wood structure. As with the Satin Finish, care is limited to visual aspects. You can carry out a thorough cleaning with a damp cloth or a suitable spray cleaner or use a polish that highlights the full shine of the finish and is able to remove minor scratches and signs of wear.
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