Sadowsky MetroExpress Standard JJ vs Fender Equivalent... Newbie Advice Needed

Wazmeister

So, Im looking for a bass for simple home recording.

Usual newbie questions I guess.

Guitar Guitar Birmingham would probably be where I try...

I love the look of the Fenders, but the Sadowsky sounds like the 'bass in my head' on the YT videos.
I was bought up on Foxton, Entwistle, Beatles etc basss sounds.

I do especially THE LOOK of these ones (below).

What say you ?

What would you recommend ?

Thanks in advance - Im a complete newbie here...

Left to right;

Sadowsky MetroExpress Hybrid PJ - £719

Fender Vintera 60s Jazz Bass - £799

Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazz Bass - £349

Funkfingers

Short answer: The Sadowsky is more bass for your money than the Fender Vintera.

OTOH, you could probably get most of what you like about the £700+ instruments from the Squier after a pickup and EQ upgrade.

Wazmeister said:

Foxton, Entwistle, Beatles etc basss sounds.

In other words, a right hotchpotch of Höfner, Rickenbacker, Precision, Alembic, WAL, Warwick and Yamaha.

Wazmeister said:

a bass for simple home recording.

That would be a Precision. Its sound fits with almost every musical genre. One pickup, two control knobs, no poncing about.

No hum!

Any fancy EQ can be added in your DAW.

guitarfishbay

If the Sadowsky is the sound in your head then maybe it's a Precision pickup you want?  I haven't tried the Sadowsky but I've been impressed with all the recent MIM Fender basses I've tried.

Personally I'm a fan of passive Fender style basses.  As noted you can shape the sound further in your DAW if you need to adjust the EQ.  Most onboard preamps are very basic compared to the EQs you can access in a DAW, the main benefit is the buffered signal retaining your high end tbh.  If you run a short cable (eg 2m) into a suitable DI box (eg active with at least 1meg impedance) you'll be fine

Bridgehouse

Yes, agree with the above - you’re hearing a precision in your head. A PJ style might give you some flexibility, but personally I’d look for a good solid precision and start there..

Wazmeister

@Funkfingers ;
@Bridgehouse ;
@guitarfishbay ;

Thanks guys for all the info; I'll go and have a play

Funkfingers

Another popular brand in this price bracket is Sire. At the time of this posting, Andertons has V3 in orange with a black pickguard for £299. (Ideal for fans of Ian Dury!)