Acclaimed bass makers announce global alliance for product expansion
By Jon Liebman
December 16, 2019
Sadowsky Guitars, LTD announced today a formal partnership and licensing agreement with Warwick GmbH. Under the terms of the new agreement, Warwick will handle the manufacturing and distribution of several lines of Sadowsky basses, including the MetroExpress and MetroLine.
The announcement was made this morning to a select group of hand-picked bass-centric publications, including For Bass Players Only, at a special presentation at the Warwick headquarters in Markneukirchen, Germany. Presiding over the meeting were Warwick Assistant Manager Nicolas Wilfer, Production Manager Marcus Spangler, and Roger Sadowsky. The presentation was kicked off with a ceremonial unveiling of eighteen prototypical, first-line production Sadowsky basses.
“After 40 years of working six days a week running the business,” Sadowsky says, “I’m thrilled that this partnership with Warwick will enable me to return my focus to custom-built instruments while introducing our products to more musicians than ever before.” In addition to three lines of basses, Warwick will take over worldwide distribution of Sadowsky strings, pre-amps, and other accessories.
L-R: Marcus Spangler, Roger Sadowsky, and Nicolas Wilfer in the Warwick showroom, Markneukirchen, Germany
Sadowsky, who had been seeking a way to take his business to the next level, is now able to begin a new chapter in the development of his company. Having recently cultivated a relationship with Warwick founder Hans-Peter Wilfer, Roger quickly realized that Hans shares his values of impeccable quality, design, and outstanding customer service, and determined that he was “the one” for the type of alliance he had been seeking.
Sadowsky underscores that he will continue being “the man behind Sadowsky Guitars,” and is looking forward to the transition. “I will remain close to the process,” he says, “working alongside Warwick on all production, design, and quality issues. Most importantly, I will maintain a small workshop in New York City and continue my passion for making guitars and basses, and returning to my workbench.”
The new Sadowsky basses will be available for order at the 2020 NAMM show next month, in Anaheim, CA.
