Club Sandberg (part 2)

[phillipkregg]

I don't have a Nighthawk but I have a TM-4 and a VS-4, and because the neck on them is the same, I think it's safe to say that's the same profile Sandberg uses on the Nighthawk.
It's slightly wider at the nut than a Jazz. I find it super comfortable and actually prefer the tiny bit of extra space between the strings, though it may just me in my head. The depth is thinner with a larger radius. Noticeably different and more comfortable to me. Last stingray I played, older US version, had a P-bass width and a tighter radius yielding a thicker neck... very much felt like a P-bass to me. The Sandberg neck does not.

That's great info, thanks!

I've got the shortscale Lionel and love the flat fingerboard. It's a 14" radius I think.

Was looking at possibly getting a TM 4 and wondered if the neck was just as thin and flat. If it plays anywhere near as good as the Lionel I'll be happy.

 

[TK4261]

Anyone know what size frets Sandberg uses on its basses usually? Could not find the info on the website. Just curious.

 

[anton72]

Has anyone tried both 35" and 34" scale 5 string Sandberg California? If so is 35" ones better on low B? Asking cause I own TT5 passive and love everything but the low B which is not as articulate as the other strings. I am thinking of another Sandberg but wonder if going 35" (MarloweDK) will be any improvement?

 

[Jughead6]

Anyone know what size frets Sandberg uses on its basses usually? Could not find the info on the website. Just curious.

Both of my fretted 'Bergs (2015 Mk 1 TM4 and 2020 Forty Eight) appear to have medium-jumbo frets i.e. ~2.7mm x ~0.95mm.

 

[TK4261]

Both of my fretted 'Bergs (2015 Mk 1 TM4 and 2020 Forty Eight) appear to have medium-jumbo frets i.e. ~2.7mm x ~0.95mm.

Cool, Thank you!

 

[TheLopp]

Has anyone tried both 35" and 34" scale 5 string Sandberg California? If so is 35" ones better on low B? Asking cause I own TT5 passive and love everything but the low B which is not as articulate as the other strings. I am thinking of another Sandberg but wonder if going 35" (MarloweDK) will be any improvement?

I ordered a passive TT5, 35”, but I haven’t received it yet. And I own a TM5 that I will compare it to. Should be here pretty soon.

 

[anton72]

I ordered a passive TT5, 35”, but I haven’t received it yet. And I own a TM5 that I will compare it to. Should be here pretty soon.

Great news! Looking forward to hearing from you on the NBD.

 

[bdplaid]

About 35" scale: I always thought they were a PITA. Not the most comfortable to play, and only for what, 4 notes that I seldom use at the far bottom of the spectrum? Another thig is string selection - lots easier with 34". I went back to 34 for my 5's. Yeah, I think the 35" scale feels and plays better on those few low notes, but that's not where I spend most of my time. Good luck either way!

 

[mcnach]

I played a Lakland 5502 for several months before I found it was a 35" scale, not 34".
(shrug)

 

[Jughead6]

About 35" scale: I always thought they were a PITA. Not the most comfortable to play, and only for what, 4 notes that I seldom use at the far bottom of the spectrum? Another thig is string selection - lots easier with 34". I went back to 34 for my 5's. Yeah, I think the 35" scale feels and plays better on those few low notes, but that's not where I spend most of my time. Good luck either way!

I understand how 35" scale can change the feel of a low B string. But I'd be more comfortable with and get more use out of a 34" 5er strung EADGC with a Hipshot Xtender to get a low D.

 

[anton72]

I understand how 35" scale can change the feel of a low B string. But I'd be more comfortable with and get more use out of a 34" 5er strung EADGC with a Hipshot Xtender to get a low D.

If I just needed the low D only I’d not go 5 string Route at all. I like BEADG tuning in general.

 

[Jughead6]

If I just needed the low D only I’d not go 5 string Route at all. I like BEADG tuning in general.

I like the high notes. We're all different.

 

[RogerTheAlien]

Finally got my phone back so I can post a pic ... California TT4, I put the original pickups back and decided the Kloppmanns will be used for another project.

Unfortunately the pickguard warped pretty badly, Sandberg was not that communicative in trying to get a replacement but the local distributor is now helping me out and this is a pandemic so ...

Have to give it to the stock Alnico V pickups, they are pretty damn good

 

[phillipkregg]

Finally got my phone back so I can post a pic ... California TT4, I put the original pickups back and decided the Kloppmanns will be used for another project.

Unfortunately the pickguard warped pretty badly, Sandberg was not that communicative in trying to get a replacement but the local distributor is now helping me out and this is a pandemic so ...


View attachment 3889169

Have to give it to the stock Alnico V pickups, they are pretty damn good

A black guard would look great on that.

 

[kasbrey]

Have to give it to the stock Alnico V pickups, they are pretty damn good

I've tried a lot of jazz pickups over the years and the Sandberg jazz Alnico V's are head and shoulders above any of the others.

 

[anton72]

I've tried a lot of jazz pickups over the years and the Sandberg jazz Alnico V's are head and shoulders above any of the others.

Did you have a chance to compare them to sandberg Black Label j-style ones?

 

[RogerTheAlien]

Did you have a chance to compare them to sandberg Black Label j-style ones?

I tried them on another bass but the finish and electronics were different so hard to really evaluate.

 

[kasbrey]

Did you have a chance to compare them to sandberg Black Label j-style ones?

Sadly no.
Having said that I'm not a big fan of super powerful pickups for my style of playing and the Black Labels are supposedly not particularly vintage sounding. My problem with the big pole pickups is that I like more dynamics and for the most part Alnico's suit me better than ceramics (my G&L L1000 excepted).

 

[anton72]

Sadly no.
Having said that I'm not a big fan of super powerful pickups for my style of playing and the Black Labels are supposedly not particularly vintage sounding. My problem with the big pole pickups is that I like more dynamics and for the most part Alnico's suit me better than ceramics (my G&L L1000 excepted).

I see. But the Black Labels aren’t big poles ones. They look the same as Alnico-V but they are stacked design, humcancelling.

 

[kasbrey]

I see. But the Black Labels aren’t big poles ones. They look the same as Alnico-V but they are stacked design, humcancelling.

Yes I know but they are a hotter type of pickup, probably ideal for metal etc but leaning toward the high output ceramic pickups like SD Quarter Pounders, DiMarzio Model J and the Delanos etc.
I've always found this type of pickup too "in your face" and lacking in subtlety for my preferences.