• 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)

#5,081
SubSpec said:
You can contact US dealers and if they don't stock them they should be able to order them for you. Specifically when I was looking at pickguards I reached out to a few and got a quick response back from Pitbull Audio, but I'm sure most any of their US dealers can / will help you get some ordered.

I'm weighing trying Nordstrand blades in my VM4 myself.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I did try one other US dealer but never heard back. Just sent an inquiry to Pitbull Audio.

I may look into some of the Nordstrand options if nothing comes of the Black Labels.
 
#5,082
PhinDog said:
Sweet looking bass! I like the cream.
I have not played the Delano pickups, but do have the Black Labels in my VM5. They are a ceramic pickup. They seem very clear to me and focused. I am not sure I would describe them as warm. Depending on my amp settings, the BLs can be pretty bright. With the pre-amp dialed in I can get a warmer tone, but I usually step on a Darkglass VMT for a warmer tone/feel. Warmer can be subjective, my description of warm would be a touch of compression and less clarity/touch darker or highs rolled off a bit. If that helps. But they have plenty of bite if I dig in. YMMV.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I really dig the design and engineering that went into this bass. High quality stuff.

Perhaps warmer is not exactly what I mean. I don't mind ceramic pickups but these big pole magnets can really get abrasive at times if I play a little harder. They react differently than say regular bi-pole magnet pickups. When you dig in on those, there is a nice mid range growl that's appealing to my ears. The Delanos can be very 'pingy' for lack of a better term. So, I'm looking at various options at this point. Someone in another thread suggested trying the hum canceling alnico neck pickup that Delano offers but not sure how that would sound mixing ceramic and alnico.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PhinDog
#5,083
Z-Bass said:
Thanks! I really dig the design and engineering that went into this bass. High quality stuff.

Perhaps warmer is not exactly what I mean. I don't mind ceramic pickups but these big pole magnets can really get abrasive at times if I play a little harder. They react differently than say regular bi-pole magnet pickups. When you dig in on those, there is a nice mid range growl that's appealing to my ears. The Delanos can be very 'pingy' for lack of a better term. So, I'm looking at various options at this point. Someone in another thread suggested trying the hum canceling alnico neck pickup that Delano offers but not sure how that would sound mixing ceramic and alnico.
Click to expand...
I do know what you’re talking about with the Alnico midrange growl. My G&L jb pickups have it. I thought I was missing it with the BLs but then tried a few different sets of strings and the DR Nickel low riders brought me the growl and I must say I am really starting to prefer the clarity of the BLs over the midrange character of the Alnico in a mix. YMMV
 
#5,084
My impression of the BLs compared to the big poles is the BLs have smoother (though still very present) highs, a bit more depth, and a bit more character in the midrange. They really aren't night and day different, Sandberg definitely manages some sonic consistency between both ranges. That said, I have SS rounds on one (the BLs) and nickles on the other so I can't do a real one to one comparison.

I also agree that the Delanos can grind in a way that borders along harsh when you're digging in (especially if you choose to have the pup height high like I do). That is something I really appreciated at first since the Lakland it replaced had similar characteristics with the EMG Geezer pups, but now I'm looking to go in the opposite direction and get something more mellow and warm in the VM4. The blades in my Jazz do mellow and warm well so I'm thinking they'll be a good fit.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: PhinDog
#5,085
Okay, I must clarify my above post. For me the "borders along harsh" was in fact due an aggressive setup on my part. I was trying to match the grinding rock sound of the bass it replaced and I may have taken it a step too far. After adding a touch more relief in the neck and bringing the pups down a touch the highs are definitely more balanced. I can still get grit and grind out of it, but before that was all I could get. Probably will leave it as is now rather than dropping in Nordys. At least for now, until I get the itch again.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PhinDog
#5,086
Well super excited, after rocking my Sandberg forty eight for a few years, I now picked up a VM4. Black burst over Ash with a rosewood neck and matching headstock. #backintheclubptii
7DA64923-15D0-40E4-AE5F-F4239A53FF98.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: BrentSimons, petch, Mighty Thumb and 12 others
#5,089
Gotta have one with rounds, and one with flats... Yes?

The sunburst one is an '06. Serial #3678. Original pickguard bubbled up. Sandberg will not make a replacement, as they were all handmade, and a little different from bass to bass. And... this style is no longer offered. Sooooooooooooooo... I made one myself. The original is tort. I still have it. I also painted the headstock black, and changed all of the hardware to black.
The Cream "Hard Aged" is pre 2004. No serial ANYWHERE. But, verified as such with the script in the neck pocket. I wish I still had the pic that I sent to them. Not gonna take it apart again, just for a photo. 100% stock.

[edit] Yeah... I know... my pictures need to be straightened out. The "Sandberg RUMBLE" will move them.

Anyhow...

I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE THESE BASSES!!!
20221001_220151_HDR_2.jpg
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: zbigniew, Pet Sounds, BrentSimons and 8 others
#5,092
32008755-D4AA-44C9-B790-DB9E637A8D5D.jpeg
pineweasel said:
That’ll be a split switch for the humbucker, which lets you run just the single coil nearest the neck. They are standard on the TM models but Sandberg will add one to the VM if you want.
Click to expand...
So very close, but the coil tap will go in both directions with the humbucker. It will split either the front coils or rear coils. It’s a 3 way switch. Also this bass has the 3 band eq. So treble mid and bass. A little different from my 2 band on the forty eight.
Here she is at the gig last night and you can really see the black burst in this pick.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: GregC, Smallmouth_Bass, BrentSimons and 4 others
#5,093
Anemic_SluG said:
View attachment 4831552
So very close, but the coil tap will go in both directions with the humbucker. It will split either the front coils or rear coils. It’s a 3 way switch. Also this bass has the 3 band eq. So treble mid and highs. A little different from my 2 band on the forty eight.
Here she is at the gig last night and you can really see the black burst in this pick.
Click to expand...
Oh that's useful. I did wonder about the EQ - the last knob is a stacked pair isn't it?
 
#5,100
Anemic_SluG said:
View attachment 4831552
So very close, but the coil tap will go in both directions with the humbucker. It will split either the front coils or rear coils. It’s a 3 way switch. Also this bass has the 3 band eq. So treble mid and bass. A little different from my 2 band on the forty eight.
Here she is at the gig last night and you can really see the black burst in this pick.
Click to expand...
Even better. Wish i had that option on my VM4.
That's a nice bass rig you have there. How does the Mesa head sound thru Berg cabs. Its something i've been considering again
Dave
 
  • Like
Reactions: PhinDog

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back