• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Club Sandberg (part 2)

#2,941
I never played one of these basses and I doubt I will, so I have some questions about the Calfornia VS/VT/VM models. I couldn't find anything on their website.
  • Is the neck a Jazz neck?
  • Is the back of the neck satin?
  • Neck profile/radius is the same for all the models?
  • Where's the active/passive switch?
  • Are the "J" pickups single coil or noiseless/humbuckers?
  • How's the control configuration for the VT/VM models? Volume/Volume/Bass/Treble? Volume/Balance/Bass Treble?
  • Mids control are not available in any of the V* models?
  • How do you control the tone in passive mode?
  • If you choose to NOT have dots on your fingerboard, do you have other visual references in the neck?
Thanks.
 
Last edited:
#2,942
Hypercaffium said:
I never played one of these basses and I doubt I will, so I have some questions about the Calfornia VS/VT/VM models. I couldn't find anything on their website.
  • Is the neck a Jazz neck?
  • Is the back of the neck satin?
  • Neck profile/radius is the same for all the models?
  • Where's the active/passive switch?
  • Are the "J" pickups single coil or noiseless/humbuckers?
  • How's the control configuration for the VT/VM models? Volume/Volume/Bass/Treble? Volume/Balance/Bass Treble?
  • Mids control are not available in any of the V* models?
  • How do you control the tone in passive mode?
  • If you choose to NOT have dots on your fingerboard, do you have other visual references in the neck?
Thanks.
Click to expand...

I have a TM4 and a VM4, so I’ll base my replies on my experience with these models.

jazz neck
Satin finish on neck
My radius is the same for both...I think 14”. Super playable.
Push/pull on the volume knob for active/passive
As far as I know, the J pickups are true single coils
My controls, from neck side towards the bridge, are as follows: volume (push pull active passive), pickup blend, treble cut/boost (passive tone control), and bass cut/boost.
I know some models have a Darkglass three band preamp...they prob have mid Control. Mine don’t.
The treble boost/cut knob functions as a cut-only tone control in passive. It functions from full-cut all the way up to the center detent (neutral in active mode).
 
  • Like
Reactions: GregC, Hypercaffium, BrentSimons and 1 other person
#2,943
Hypercaffium said:
I never played one of these basses and I doubt I will, so I have some questions about the Calfornia VS/VT/VM models. I couldn't find anything on their website.
  • Is the neck a Jazz neck?
It’s like a PJ, practically a jazz - the same across the range unless you ask for a custom size - very very playable. MarloweDK has a slightly slimmer neck as per artist dimensions
  • Is the back of the neck satin?

  • yes - But obviously an aged neck will feel different


  • Neck profile/radius is the same for all the models?

  • yes unless a custom or a signature bass which may vary like the MarloweDK

  • Where's the active/passive switch?

  • Push pull vol knob treble then becomes a tone knob in passive


  • Are the "J" pickups single coil or noiseless/humbuckers?

  • depends which you go for, Delano, Haüssel, Sandberg, Sandberg Black label but they are all silent


  • How's the control configuration for the VT/VM models? Volume/Volume/Bass/Treble? Volume/Balance/Bass Treble?

  • Vol/Bal/Bass/Treb


  • Mids control are not available in any of the V* models?

  • Depends what preamp - Standard is Glockenklang 2 band, you can request a 3 band it will cost extra or a Darkglass time capsule (present on some basses) but may be extra and that will be Bass, low mid, high mid


  • How do you control the tone in passive mode?

  • treble knob


  • If you choose to NOT have dots on your fingerboard, do you have other visual references in the neck?

  • yes
Thanks.
Click to expand...
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jim C and Hypercaffium
#2,945
I have just received a California II TM4 Super Light. I have a few concerns I just want to clear up...

1) Is the input jack supposed to have no screw on the thread?

2) Is the master volume knob meant to feel easier to turn compared to the other knobs?

3) I'm getting a weird clank/twang on the A string when played hard. It's either the nut or the string tree. The truss rod is set perfectly, the action is all good so any ideas on why this sound is happening? Dodgy string?
 
#2,948
Stan_da_man said:
I have just received a California II TM4 Super Light. I have a few concerns I just want to clear up...

1) Is the input jack supposed to have no screw on the thread?

2) Is the master volume knob meant to feel easier to turn compared to the other knobs?

3) I'm getting a weird clank/twang on the A string when played hard. It's either the nut or the string tree. The truss rod is set perfectly, the action is all good so any ideas on why this sound is happening? Dodgy string?
Click to expand...

1 - Can you post a pic of the input ?

2 - Is yours active ?

3 - Try a different string ? Often happens to me with dead roundwounds, check intonation and string tension.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Obrad Lacarac
#2,950
Hypercaffium said:
I didn't see any pickups option in the configurator.
Can you tell me where I can read something about the different pickups options?
Click to expand...

once you have configured your bass you can then use that code and email them Or a distributor and ask for spec changes like this and the Extra cost involved.

you have to remember it’s a very good configurator, even as it stands there a probably a million (literally) different bass options they have catered for. Writing the code for all pick ups and pre amps is a massive job as well when I suspect most but a discerning few would go for the stock Delano’s

I think they have done ok
 
  • Like
Reactions: db59, Jughead6 and Hypercaffium
#2,951
I'm not asking for anything special, I just want to know which pickups they use :). Are Delanos the default option? I didn't know that and it's not written in the website.
Another thing I couldn't find is the weight. I know it would change based on the model and specs, but I would never order a bass without knowing its weight. At least an estimation would be good.
 
#2,952
Hypercaffium said:
I'm not asking for anything special, I just want to know which pickups they use :). Are Delanos the default option? I didn't know that and it's not written in the website.
Another thing I couldn't find is the weight. I know it would change based on the model and specs, but I would never order a bass without knowing its weight. At least an estimation would be good.
Click to expand...
Default pickups certainly are identified on the website.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hypercaffium, Obrad Lacarac and Cuzzie
#2,953
Hypercaffium said:
I'm not asking for anything special, I just want to know which pickups they use :). Are Delanos the default option? I didn't know that and it's not written in the website.
Another thing I couldn't find is the weight. I know it would change based on the model and specs, but I would never order a bass without knowing its weight. At least an estimation would be good.
Click to expand...

weight I am sure is there, or easily available on a web search.

Superlights come in at about 3kg 4 or 5 string.
Normals come in around 4-4.2kg. Some just under.

obviously woods vary, body shape and the vibration and thermal treatment will vary the weight as it removes moisture etc.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hypercaffium and Obrad Lacarac
#2,954
Hypercaffium said:
I guess I'm gassing for my own creation. God, I love it.
View attachment 3846407
Click to expand...

passiv5_orange.png


The closest thing to the EBMM Cutlass 5 string that will never happen?

I sold my VM4 a while ago as I HAD to thin the herd and was moving to 5 string but I'm missing a Sandberg and a passive 5
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: BrentSimons, Jughead6, Hypercaffium and 1 other person
#2,955
Hypercaffium said:
I'm not asking for anything special, I just want to know which pickups they use :). Are Delanos the default option? I didn't know that and it's not written in the website.
Another thing I couldn't find is the weight. I know it would change based on the model and specs, but I would never order a bass without knowing its weight. At least an estimation would be good.
Click to expand...

As stated, default pickups are listed for each model.

Regarding weight: you’ve gotta know by now that weight varies from bass to bass, even in the same model, right? Again: look at the specific models, you’ll get approximate weights, but don’t expect them to be dead on.
 
  • Like
Reactions: GregC and Hypercaffium
#2,956
I've found all the preamp/pickups infos on each model's page, thanks. So if you create your own bass based on a specific model, it comes with the pickups of the "standard" model?
Basically, the preamp is still the same for all the California V models (except for signature models) and it's made by Sandberg. Pickups are different for each model. VS/VM/VM2 have Sandbergs, VT has Delanos.
I wonder what's the tonal difference and again, I can't find any info about this on the website.
You guys talked about "super light" versions, but it's not present in the configurator or in the V models page. I guess it's available only for their Jazz (T series).
 
#2,958
  • Like
Reactions: a-37

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back