Club Sandberg (part 2)

[Shlabotnik]

I used to own an early PM(VM)4 with Delano pickups. I was never happy with the interaction of the P and MM pickups and I tried a lot of modifications including wiring the MM as a single coil. I didn't find an enormous difference between single coil (front coil) and in series, as the MM is set quite a way back towards the bridge in comparison to the TM4 I also owned.
I also tried fitting a Haussel alnico MM (and various P pickups) but again didn't find a radical difference given the positioning of the MM.
The large pole Sandberg P's interact better than the Delanos, I felt, but the bridge pickup made less of a difference.

Not sure if this helps!

It does thanks!
So how did you end up resolving your disappointment with the PM? Did you go with a completely different model?

 

[kasbrey]

It does thanks!
So how did you end up resolving your disappointment with the PM? Did you go with a completely different model?

I eventually bought a VS4 and put that one's pickup and circuit in the PM4. It sounded much better but ultimately I prefer a less modern tone and sold it.
I still have the 7.5lb VS4 and it has an EMG Geezer Butler and passive circuit. The Geezer is based on a 60's Fender P pickup from one of Bobby Vega's collection I believe.

 

[anton72]

Just recorded a couple of vids of my TT5 and VM5 Nighthawk. Sorry for rough iPhone quality but the idea was to record them mic’d of my Quilter BB800 and Barefaced SuperMidget cab. VM5 is in passive mode, TT5 is passive by default.

 

[bdplaid]

I chose the VT4 for a couple of reasons.
When I was building my own basses I always put a dual coil in the bridge position. But I ultimately concluded that what I wanted from a bridge pickup were two things:
1. The Jaco tone
2. Add a little mid or mid scoop to the pickup, which is my main sound.

I considered a MM pickup for more options, but:
1. It never sounds like an actual MM
2. Sitting next to a p pickup it looks ungainly.

Putting it all together took me back to the tried and true PJ.

The j in the VT4 SL is a really great pickup. I know nothing about it, but can say it sounds great soloed or mixed with the fender p I have in my VT4.

 

[Chewy_B_i_T_s]

Question for y'all. I bought a Sandberg to stand out tonally against my other basses. I didn't realize it came with SS strings and I suppose some of the "balls" comes from the strings. For those of you that have kept on using SS strings, how fast do they wear the fret material? If I switch over to Nickels, what is a good set that will still give me that spankin' modern sound?

 

[Terry Farmer]

Curt Mangan Nickle Round Wounds are excellent IMHO.

 

[Nuage420]

Question for y'all. I bought a Sandberg to stand out tonally against my other basses. I didn't realize it came with SS strings and I suppose some of the "balls" comes from the strings. For those of you that have kept on using SS strings, how fast do they wear the fret material? If I switch over to Nickels, what is a good set that will still give me that spankin' modern sound?

I use Ernie Ball Cobalts. All the balls.

 

[dwellers]

Question for y'all. I bought a Sandberg to stand out tonally against my other basses. I didn't realize it came with SS strings and I suppose some of the "balls" comes from the strings. For those of you that have kept on using SS strings, how fast do they wear the fret material? If I switch over to Nickels, what is a good set that will still give me that spankin' modern sound?

I've used regular EB Slinkies, Cobalts, D'Addario XL and GHS Balanced Nickels all with great success. Wouldn't kick any of them out but I'm not really that picky about strings. I just prefer a 100-45 range and they all play nice.

 

[anton72]

Yesterday I tested my VM5 Nighthawk at band practice. I must admit I under appreciated this bass at first. You have to test it in a live setting in a band mix cause that’s where it really shines IMO. Sorry for the crappy home made demos with this bass I posted here before (I tried to delete them but couldn’t ) as they don’t do the justice. The only cons (IMO, again) that I experienced is that this bass won’t fit the heavier styles as the ceramic pickups tend to run into over-compression if you dig in, but for any other kind of pop music it’s perfect. I couldn’t dial in any good slap and pick tone but I have my TT5 with Alnico single coils pickups for this purpose. That’s just my observation after a week of playing this amazing bass. Here’s a short vid from yesterday band practice

 

[mcnach]

I just got my 1st Sandberg California VM4 SL bass recently. So glad that I took a chance... each time I pick it up and play, I just love it more and more!!!

Here's what it sounds like (first video play-along that I made after changing the strings and setting it up to my taste):

That was great fun, thanks for sharing!

 

[NickBassCentral]

As with almost anything on Reverb, they don't ship to Norway

No worries though, I ordered one yesterday. It'll get here when it gets here.

Hey there!
Nick from the Bass Central Shipping Dept here. We ship all over the world, Norway included.

 

[Naigewron]

Hey there!
Nick from the Bass Central Shipping Dept here. We ship all over the world, Norway included.

Cool beans, I'll remember that next time. Your reverb listings did not indicate you shipping here.

 

[_Obra_]

Hey there!

I finally made a video that can answer some previously asked questions about the sound of Music Man StingRay and Sandberg California TM4.
Please read all the infos about the video on YouTube and let me know what You think .

 

[NickBassCentral]

Cool beans, I'll remember that next time. Your reverb listings did not indicate you shipping here.

No worries at all, glad we could clear that up! I recommend calling into the store or emailing "sales@basscentral" for a more direct line of communication!

 

[NickBassCentral]

Hello, I have a question for y’all
Do the Super Light series basses exhibit any sense of neck dive?
There are several available at Bass Central with weights between 6 - 7 lbs
Thanks

Hey there, Nick from Bass Central here. I can 100% confirm that the Sandberg Super Light basses are perfectly balanced, and do not suffer from any tone or sustain loss. We have no idea how they do it!

 

[kasbrey]

Hey there!

I finally made a video that can answer some previously asked questions about the sound of Music Man StingRay and Sandberg California TM4.
Please read all the infos about the video on YouTube and let me know what You think .

The TM4 does sound remarkably close with the Darkglass frequencies boosted.

I take it that's with the pickup pan selector in the middle? (ah never mind I read the blurb again),

 

[_Obra_]

The TM4 does sound remarkably close with the Darkglass frequencies boosted.

I take it that's with the pickup pan selector in the middle? (ah never mind I read the blurb again),

I see what You mean...with the pan in the middle it sounds nice, but humbucker solo with bass boost and hi mids boost is closest to StingRay. Tone Capsule is great!

 

[Shlabotnik]

Hey there!

I finally made a video that can answer some previously asked questions about the sound of Music Man StingRay and Sandberg California TM4.
Please read all the infos about the video on YouTube and let me know what You think .

This was freaking fantastic. I wish there were more videos out there like this. Thanks!

 

[Agent P]

Just got a used VS Lionel with flatwounds... wow! This shortscale bass is SO MUCH FUN TO PLAY!!!

 

[yankeeblues]

Finally added a Sandberg to the arsenal after a couple years of yearning. I love the cappuccino burst.