Club Sandberg (part 2)

[Jamie Hale]

Question...
Why the choice to reverse the P-pickup in the VM4 rather than leave it in the original P-style like the VS4?
I imagine they made that choice for a reason. Does it have to do with the way the tone reacts when paired with the bridge humbucker?
Seems that if the P-pickup were in the standard configuration you'd then have the option to get the original P sound if you de-selected the bridge pickup or get a classic PJ tone by putting the bridge into single-coil mode.

I am not sure if there is a larger reason, but my bridge pickup on the VM5 is not switchable. I originally was told it was so I chose it over a bass from another manufacturer that was, but went with the Sandberg. When I first ordered it, I was told it was. After shipping I was told it isn’t due to noise issues. I still love the bass but wish I could get a single coil sound from the bridge.

 

[Shlabotnik]

I am not sure if there is a larger reason, but my bridge pickup on the VM5 is not switchable.

Riiiight.... sorry my mistake! It is switchable on the TM4 but is not on the VM4. Still wondering about why the reverse-P though!

 

[Jamie Hale]

Riiiight.... sorry my mistake! It is switchable on the TM4 but is not on the VM4. Still wondering about why the reverse-P though!

I am not sure why the reverse P but I like it.

 

[Cuzzie]

The reverse P gives a slightly tighter sound and the MM pick up is there not to act like a Ray (it’s in the wrong position, different preamp etc) but to help you cut through the mix.

even if it was normal config it wouldn’t sound like a straight up P - the extra bit of routing and slight phase cancellation with the pick up just alters it, even with volume off IMHo

Its totally it’s own beast and a P ( or VS4) is it’s own too

 

[Shlabotnik]

The reverse P gives a slightly tighter sound and the MM pick up is there not to act like a Ray (it’s in the wrong position, different preamp etc) but to help you cut through the mix.

even if it was normal config it wouldn’t sound like a straight up P - the extra bit of routing and slight phase cancellation with the pick up just alters it, even with volume off IMHo

Its totally it’s own beast and a P ( or VS4) is it’s own too

You're not helping me with my decision to sell my P to finance a VM4.
Sounds like I'd need to keep it if I wanted an authentic P tone sometimes.

I know about the bridge pickup not sounding like a Ray as I have a TM4 and I'm good with that. Does anyone ever custom order these with a "reverse"-reverse-P to get a classic P tone when the bridge pickup is off? Or does that defeat the intentions of the instrument?

 

[Cuzzie]

You're not helping me with my decision to sell my P to finance a VM4.
Sounds like I'd need to keep it if I wanted an authentic P tone sometimes.

I know about the bridge pickup not sounding like a Ray as I have a TM4 and I'm good with that. Does anyone ever custom order these with a "reverse"-reverse-P to get a classic P tone when the bridge pickup is off? Or does that defeat the intentions of the instrument?

Sorry!!!!!

It’s just IMHO and trying to be honest, but I do think if you did sell the P but still wanted that classic P, the VM may disappoint in only that’s aspect as it’s a cracking bass - just don’t want it soured for you.

sell the P - get a cheaper p and VM?!

 

[Nuage420]

You're not helping me with my decision to sell my P to finance a VM4.
Sounds like I'd need to keep it if I wanted an authentic P tone sometimes.

I know about the bridge pickup not sounding like a Ray as I have a TM4 and I'm good with that. Does anyone ever custom order these with a "reverse"-reverse-P to get a classic P tone when the bridge pickup is off? Or does that defeat the intentions of the instrument?

I'm in the market for a P

 

[bdplaid]

When I ordered my VT4 SL I specced the P in the normal standard forward position and was told it was perfectly fine and no additional charge. That's what I have. It came with black label pickups which sound more modern. Not bad, mind you, but I prefer the fender original 62 so that's what I put in. It sounds and plays killer

My takeaway is that Sandberg is committed to a more modern tone, hence their selection in pickups and placement. If you know what you want though, Sandberg will do pretty much anything you want.

 

[Shlabotnik]

When I ordered my VT4 SL I specced the P in the normal standard forward position and was told it was perfectly fine and no additional charge. That's what I have. It came with black label pickups which sound more modern. Not bad, mind you, but I prefer the fender original 62 so that's what I put in. It sounds and plays killer

My takeaway is that Sandberg is committed to a more modern tone, hence their selection in pickups and placement. If you know what you want though, Sandberg will do pretty much anything you want.

Good to know! I see what you did there. You wanted the classic P tone with the feel of a Sandberg. That’s what I’m thinking. In that case I suppose I should just either get a VS model or get a VM and keep my P too. I’m spoiled by my TM when I pick up my P that’s all. But practically speaking it’s nice as well.

 

[Shlabotnik]

Sorry!!!!!

It’s just IMHO and trying to be honest, but I do think if you did sell the P but still wanted that classic P, the VM may disappoint in only that’s aspect as it’s a cracking bass - just don’t want it soured for you.

sell the P - get a cheaper p and VM?!

Yeah I’m sure I’d love the VM as well. Just don’t want to lose that classic P tone from my arsenal when I need it. You know what that’s like.

 

[bdplaid]

Good to know! I see what you did there. You wanted the classic P tone with the feel of a Sandberg. That’s what I’m thinking. In that case I suppose I should just either get a VS model or get a VM and keep my P too. I’m spoiled by my TM when I pick up my P that’s all. But practically speaking it’s nice as well.

Yes, that's right. I believe Sandberg will do anything you want. You just have to know *what * you want and have a knowledgeable dealer to help.

 

[kasbrey]

If you want a traditional P tone with additional J tones I'm a big Umbo fan. IMO it's the best PJ bass available.
The pickups blend perfectly and P style tones are no problem at all. Also this bass has the best Jaco tone that you can imagine along with a great Jamerson style tone.
The Haussel pickups are Alnico 2 and the passive circuitry is quirky but extremely versatile. In my experience (I own 3 Umbos) choice of string is important and it really doesn't sound at its best with the stock Sandberg strings which perhaps has hampered its music store appeal.

 

[Shlabotnik]

If you want a traditional P tone with additional J tones I'm a big Umbo fan. IMO it's the best PJ bass available.
The pickups blend perfectly and P style tones are no problem at all. Also this bass has the best Jaco tone that you can imagine along with a great Jamerson style tone.
The Haussel pickups are Alnico 2 and the passive circuitry is quirky but extremely versatile. In my experience (I own 3 Umbos) choice of string is important and it really doesn't sound at its best with the stock Sandberg strings which perhaps has hampered its music store appeal.

They don't still make that model though do they? Have to happen upon a used one?

 

[kasbrey]

They don't still make that model though do they? Have to happen upon a used one?

It's not on the configurator but I think they still make it.

Edit. It's still on the website.

 

[Lesfunk]

I'm a big Umbo fan. .

I went to music school with Umbo himself

 

[jid]

New Sandberg day! Actually yesterday but finally got to plug her in today. What an AMAZING bass! Fastest neck I’ve played in 30+ years! Amazing depth of wood too. Super light. Thrilled to be part of the Sandberg club!!!

I’m in the US but Matt at the Bass Gallery in the UK was fantastic and made this super easy.

 

[thawkeyes]

When I ordered my VT4 SL I specced the P in the normal standard forward position and was told it was perfectly fine and no additional charge. That's what I have. It came with black label pickups which sound more modern. Not bad, mind you, but I prefer the fender original 62 so that's what I put in. It sounds and plays killer

My takeaway is that Sandberg is committed to a more modern tone, hence their selection in pickups and placement. If you know what you want though, Sandberg will do pretty much anything you want.

So this begs the question, Does your VT with normal P pickup placement sound like a classic P bass?

Classic "P" tone with Sandberg's comfort and playability would be paramount.

Thanks!

 

[Shlabotnik]

So this begs the question, Does your VT with normal P pickup placement sound like a classic P bass?

Classic "P" tone with Sandberg's comfort and playability would be paramount.

Thanks!

I’d also love to know how the VT4 compares to the VM4 if anyone has played with both at once?

 

[bdplaid]

So this begs the question, Does your VT with normal P pickup placement sound like a classic P bass?
lassic "P" tone with Sandberg's comfort and playability would be paramount.

Thanks!

I think so. I'm a fool for the classic Pbass sounds of David hungate on lowdown and Freddie Washington on forfet me nots. With the fender pickup, it gets that.

I really like the j pickup that came with the bass. I think it works well with the fender.

a thing to be aware of is the blend knob. Without going into too much tech, it's of the passive ungrounded variety which does not completely isolate each pickup when turned fully in one direction or the other. On some basses I can hear the difference between a single pickup Pbass and a PJ, but this one I can't. I'm very happy with this arrangement.

FYI, I'm sure Sandberg does it this way so they can have a passive mode. Which is also great.

if I had it to do over again, I might ask about getting two volumes rather than a blend.. That mitigates the problems passive blend controls introduce.

 

[anton72]

NBD! Nighthawk VM5. Tonal beast. And plays like a dream. And of course, some updated family picture