Club Sandberg (part 2)

[BasEd]

Sandberg's can take very low action with very straight necks.

Sandberg's can take very low action with very straight necks.

Yes, I was surprised just how straight the neck can be. I usually adjust the truss so the strings are a credit card width above the eight fret when fretting at the first fret and beyond the last fret. On the Sandberg it’s half that. The E string is almost touching the eight fret. I wouldn’t be surprised if I could adjust it so it was actually touching. I adjust the bridge so the E and A strings are around 2mm from fret 12 and D and G around 1.5mm.

 

[_Obra_]

Yes, I was surprised just how straight the neck can be. I usually adjust the truss so the strings are a credit card width above the eight fret when fretting at the first fret and beyond the last fret. On the Sandberg it’s half that. The E string is almost touching the eight fret. I wouldn’t be surprised if I could adjust it so it was actually touching. I adjust the bridge so the E and A strings are around 2mm from fret 12 and D and G around 1.5mm.

The same setup like me. Only problem now is that I can't setup my Fenders like that

 

[scubaduba]

Haha. Yep, don't bother trying that with a Fender. Unless you do some fret work.

 

[J_Bass]

I have my fretted electric basses at 2mm at 12th fret. A Korean Hamer, a MIJ Fender, a German Warwick, an Indonesian Ibanez. I traded my American Fender Jazz AVRI 64 because of that and because of the neck radius. I traded it for a Sandberg California VM4. Now I have all my fretted basses at 2mm at 12th fret.

The only ones that do that and keep a straight neck are the Warwick and the Sandberg. The others have neck release in order to achieve that.

 

[Cuzzie]

@BasEd congrats on the Dk - I have one and it’s going nowhere.
It’s more barky due to the bridge pick up being in the 70’s position closer to the bridge, but for me that adds to its charm, and yes the saddles are a little faff with height and positional screws but once you are in the zone it’s pretty easy.
As for relief and getting a low action - it’s an absolute joy setting these Sandy’s up as you can get them
Super low - and I really don’t mind a little buzz - adds to the grind of the sound!

 

[Cuzzie]

Well, my SF 49ers lost a close one today, and just as I was about to be totally sad all day, this little beauty showed up on my front door!

View attachment 3615792

I definitely need a number but I also need some help.

The finish just above the pickups and between the pick guard and bridge is decidedly rough rather than the shiny smooth of the rest of the bass. I very gently tried to see if it was just some factory polish or something using a polish cloth and then a little guitar polish to no avail. I don't think it's coming off. Could it be a finish imperfection? Unfortunately I am unable to see it or photograph it. It can only be felt. And it stops at the arm cutout where to gets smooth again.

Thoughts? I hate to have to return it but it is brand new.

Thanks people. Very excited to join the "club!"

--David

sorry about the 49ers but congrats on the bass.
It could just be a slightly dodgy finish.
A friend of mine had a new Sandberg which had a finish imperfection in that it had a couple specs of paint which had obviously come from something else in the spraying room - not bad, but he loves things über clean - they took the bass back no questions and sorted it. They are that good at customer service.
So If this bass is for you in how it feels etc. You can send it back, but they may be able to sort this one and not get a replacement - granted there will be a wait....

 

[dwellers]

sorry about the 49ers but congrats on the bass.
It could just be a slightly dodgy finish.
A friend of mine had a new Sandberg which had a finish imperfection in that it had a couple specs of paint which had obviously come from something else in the spraying room - not bad, but he loves things über clean - they took the bass back no questions and sorted it. They are that good at customer service.
So If this bass is for you in how it feels etc. You can send it back, but they may be able to sort this one and not get a replacement - granted there will be a wait....

Thanks for the feedback. I am probably like your friend in that I like things pretty perfect. I did get what I think was a good price for the bass and it seems to otherwise look and play great. But I either want a “perfect” one or at least pay a price for “B” stock or a second as they used to call them.

Question: should I reach out to Sandberg support? Or the dealer (who is in another part of California)? Or, both?

Thanks again!

—David

 

[Cuzzie]

I would do both and cover all angles b also @SB Service (Mike) is on here and he is an absolute legend.
3 pronged attack!

 

[Cuzzie]

Just remember of course comms with Sandberg direct - they are on European time!

 

[BasEd]

@BasEd congrats on the Dk - I have one and it’s going nowhere.
It’s more barky due to the bridge pick up being in the 70’s position closer to the bridge, but for me that adds to its charm, and yes the saddles are a little faff with height and positional screws but once you are in the zone it’s pretty easy.
As for relief and getting a low action - it’s an absolute joy setting these Sandy’s up as you can get them
Super low - and I really don’t mind a little buzz - adds to the grind of the sound!

Bark is a good word for the sound! And I think a little buzz adds to it. It doesn’t sound quite as scooped and polite as my Fender Jazz (maybe it has more mids) but this gives it more bite which I love. I prefer it’s slap tone to my Fender. Bark and Bite!

The neck is really easy to play. Fits in the hand so well. Somehow feels narrower than the Fender although the dimensions are about the same when I measured them. Definitely a keeper.

 

[Cuzzie]

DK is defo probably narrower and narrower than the rest of the range.
It’s 37mm at the nut and a nice profile.

The in house Sandberg pick ups are just the right blend or output and musicality to be great on their own, or to take a pedal IMHO

Bravo!

 

[SB Service]

Hi Mike, thanks for that advice regarding the extra winding on the lowest string. I hadn't thought of that before. Makes great sense.
For the record, Mike at Sandberg has been very helpful and responsive throughout my Sandberg adventures over the years. Along with Jim at Bergantino, theirs is the best customer support I've experienced, and typical of the overall Sandberg passion. What is it with the 'Berg name? Top of the heap perhaps?

Cheers,
Tim
View attachment 3612810

haha...Sandberg just means "a heap of sand". It was the name of the street, where Holger (CEO) founded the company.

And thanks for the compliments on the service! We just try to do our best to treat everybody as we like to be treated as customers ourselves. ;-)

Cheers
Mike

 

[SB Service]

Thanks for the feedback. I am probably like your friend in that I like things pretty perfect. I did get what I think was a good price for the bass and it seems to otherwise look and play great. But I either want a “perfect” one or at least pay a price for “B” stock or a second as they used to call them.

Question: should I reach out to Sandberg support? Or the dealer (who is in another part of California)? Or, both?

Thanks again!

—David

Hi David,

I´m not sure, what kind of imperfection it is. If you can feel it, then it should be possible to see it against some light reflections. Do you have a more detailed description?

Best,
Mike

 

[dwellers]

Hi David,

I´m not sure, what kind of imperfection it is. If you can feel it, then it should be possible to see it against some light reflections. Do you have a more detailed description?

Best,
Mike

Hi Mike,

Thank you for your response.

The best way to describe it is it feels like you are running your fingers over a piece of paper rather than glass.

It's the strangest thing but under a bright light you simply can not see any imperfection. But running your hand over it you can definitely feel a rather dramatic change from the smooth gloss of the rest of the bass. It's not subtle when you touch it, it's very obvious. Not sure what to do at this point. Suggestions? I will try to take pictures of it today and see if it can be seen.

 

[MaglorOnBass]

I’ve been playing bass on and off for 25 years and have gotten serious about it over the last couple years. I have bought, sold, and modified quite a few basses. I have decided that these are the primary factors in choosing my ideal bass:

1) Balance. I can’t tolerate neck dive, or frankly any pull on the neck. I like a slight neck up position and I want it to float there. I put Hipshot ultralights on my basses to facilitate this.

2) Weight. I want under 9lbs, preferably right around 8.

3) I love a P pickup, and I’m about to modify my second bass to have the pickup in reverse configuration. I think the midrange and tonal balance across the strings is ideal with a reverse P - I don’t know why this isn’t the industry standard.

4) I want something in the bridge for tonal variety. J pickups often seem much quieter than a P pickup. I don’t have a lot of experience with MM pickups, but I have a feeling they can compete well with a P.

With all that in mind, I’m looking at the Sandberg California VM4.

What say you all? I’m particularly interested in what you all have to say about the balance and weight of this bass as that can’t be found in the specs.

 

[scubaduba]

@MaglorOnBass Two thumbs up. A Sandberg should deliver for you in spades.

Question though: If you love a reverse P and a bridge pickup, wouldn't you be more interested in a VM4 vs. a TM4?

 

[Shlabotnik]

I’ve been playing bass on and off for 25 years and have gotten serious about it over the last couple years. I have bought, sold, and modified quite a few basses. I have decided that these are the primary factors in choosing my ideal bass:

1) Balance. I can’t tolerate neck dive, or frankly any pull on the neck. I like a slight neck up position and I want it to float there. I put Hipshot ultralights on my basses to facilitate this.

2) Weight. I want under 9lbs, preferably right around 8.

3) I love a P pickup, and I’m about to modify my second bass to have the pickup in reverse configuration. I think the midrange and tonal balance across the strings is ideal with a reverse P - I don’t know why this isn’t the industry standard.

4) I want something in the bridge for tonal variety. J pickups often seem much quieter than a P pickup. I don’t have a lot of experience with MM pickups, but I have a feeling they can compete well with a P.

With all that in mind, I’m looking at the Sandberg California TM4.

What say you all? I’m particularly interested in what you all have to say about the balance and weight of this bass as that can’t be found in the specs.

I'm preparing to put in an order for a TM4 as well... just have to decide on a color! Looking forward to the answers to these questions!

 

[mcnach]

I’ve been playing bass on and off for 25 years and have gotten serious about it over the last couple years. I have bought, sold, and modified quite a few basses. I have decided that these are the primary factors in choosing my ideal bass:

1) Balance. I can’t tolerate neck dive, or frankly any pull on the neck. I like a slight neck up position and I want it to float there. I put Hipshot ultralights on my basses to facilitate this.

2) Weight. I want under 9lbs, preferably right around 8.

3) I love a P pickup, and I’m about to modify my second bass to have the pickup in reverse configuration. I think the midrange and tonal balance across the strings is ideal with a reverse P - I don’t know why this isn’t the industry standard.

4) I want something in the bridge for tonal variety. J pickups often seem much quieter than a P pickup. I don’t have a lot of experience with MM pickups, but I have a feeling they can compete well with a P.

With all that in mind, I’m looking at the Sandberg California TM4.

What say you all? I’m particularly interested in what you all have to say about the balance and weight of this bass as that can’t be found in the specs.

wouldn't you prefer a VM4 over a TM4? The VM4 has the P pickup, the TM has a Jazz pickup at the neck.

 

[MaglorOnBass]

My mistake. I’m new Sandberg nomenclature. I did indeed mean VM4. I’ll correct my post.

 

[mcnach]

My mistake. I’m new Sandberg nomenclature. I did indeed mean VM4. I’ll correct my post.

Then a VM4 sounds like it would fit very well with your requirements.
Mine has the standard Sandberg pickups. I don't find the P to be very "traditional" in sound, although I do like it, a lot. If you want a more traditional P sound you might want to choose a different pickup perhaps when ordering?