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My new Sandberg California II Lionel (VS) P-Bass - Short Scale 30"
7 Pounds only and soft aged.
Black Label pick ups - Alder body & aesthetically a very nice Pau Ferro fretboard.
Passive!
7 Pounds only and soft aged.
Black Label pick ups - Alder body & aesthetically a very nice Pau Ferro fretboard.
Passive!
Just got my new pickguard for my VM5 superlight. Ice Blue Metallic on Metallic Orange!
OOH! That's smooth. I have been wanting to change up my pickguard as well but haven't seen a color that I thought would work better on my Orange than the mint one on it. But that one is a winner!
Did you order straight through Sandberg?
NBD Sandberg California Central
I've always been a fan of the EBMM StingRay (I've got 3 and have owned many more), but I've been somewhat disappointed in their QC (gaps in the neck pocket, unstable necks, large variances in weight, weak G string, etc.). Now, I've never owned a Sandberg before, but always liked the visuals of the v models. When I saw their offering of a v-style stingray model with series pickup wiring (my favourite pickup configuration), I ordered one new from Europe at a great price. Shipping took about 10 days from Hungary to California and the bass arrived in great playing condition.
Holy cow! This bass sounds huge! ... And is very light weight (7.88 pounds). A little more aggressive than my Stingray special 5H in series. The 3 band preamp particularly the mid frequency fits great, and the passive option with a tone sweep produces interesting new sounds that I have not encountered on my StingRays before.
The craftsmanship is impeccable. The neck fit is extremely tight, and a very "even" sound across strings and the fretboard. All in all im very happy with it. For what you get (grey sparkle finish, quatersawn neck, etc) this is incredible value for the price! My only complaints are: (1) it would be nice to see more than the 2 currently offered colour options, and (2) add a series, single parallel options similar to the EBMM Sterling or G & L kiloton.
I've always been a fan of the EBMM StingRay (I've got 3 and have owned many more), but I've been somewhat disappointed in their QC (gaps in the neck pocket, unstable necks, large variances in weight, weak G string, etc.). Now, I've never owned a Sandberg before, but always liked the visuals of the v models. When I saw their offering of a v-style stingray model with series pickup wiring (my favourite pickup configuration), I ordered one new from Europe at a great price. Shipping took about 10 days from Hungary to California and the bass arrived in great playing condition.
Holy cow! This bass sounds huge! ... And is very light weight (7.88 pounds). A little more aggressive than my Stingray special 5H in series. The 3 band preamp particularly the mid frequency fits great, and the passive option with a tone sweep produces interesting new sounds that I have not encountered on my StingRays before.
The craftsmanship is impeccable. The neck fit is extremely tight, and a very "even" sound across strings and the fretboard. All in all im very happy with it. For what you get (grey sparkle finish, quatersawn neck, etc) this is incredible value for the price! My only complaints are: (1) it would be nice to see more than the 2 currently offered colour options, and (2) add a series, single parallel options similar to the EBMM Sterling or G & L kiloton.
Thanks Phin, no I ordered from Electric Church Pickguards. They are in Greece, but the total time from order to delivery was about 2 weeks. Less than $50 total. You can find them on Facebook, eBay, etsy, etc. I messaged them on Facebook and placed my order.
Only 1 comment on it regarding fit: it is missing a screw hole on the control cover portion. Other than that it is perfect!
How does the tone compare to your Rays?
I think the pickup coil tap switch is an easy mod. If you reach out to Sandberg they will send you the wiring diagram. I am wanting the same mod on my VM5.
Describing tone... Is like dancing architecture 
I would describe the California Central as little less "scooped" (i.e. more "punchy") if that makes sense. The mids really shine here, particularly in the 2K Hz range.
Can you please keep us updated on the coil tab mod that Sandberg offers? This may be something to investigate down the road.
I would describe the California Central as little less "scooped" (i.e. more "punchy") if that makes sense. The mids really shine here, particularly in the 2K Hz range.
Can you please keep us updated on the coil tab mod that Sandberg offers? This may be something to investigate down the road.
This is what they have sent me.Describing tone... Is like dancing architecture
I would describe the California Central as little less "scooped" (i.e. more "punchy") if that makes sense. The mids really shine here, particularly in the 2K Hz range.
Can you please keep us updated on the coil tab mod that Sandberg offers? This may be something to investigate down the road.
https://www.sandberg-guitars.de/wp-content/uploads/California_2Band-EL00034.pdf
But here are all the diagrams they have:
Wiring diagrams - Sandberg Guitars
Hi! I'm a proud Sandberg owner, can I be part of the club? Pictures are in this topic: New Bass Day: Sandberg California II VM (with pics)
Thinking about ordering a California VS Lionel. Some questions if you know, would they build it with a PJ pickup config? How much do I have to put down to get the order underway? What’s the lead time these days? Should I order through Chicago Music Exchange? Or? Any info appreciated!
When I ordered mine back at 2018, they charged me 10% when putting an order. Waiting time was 6 months before covid. I hear these days is around a year.
Regarding customisation, Sandberg did everything I asked, and charged for that, although all of my requests was cosmetic (reversed headstock, binding, block inlays...).
Putting an additiobn pickup is quite a rare request (I havent seen much Sandberg basses with non standard pickups) but everything points that they would do it for the certain $ amount. It's easy to ask the dealer or write directly to Sandberg, they are known for one of the best customer support.
While they were making mine, I was frequently in touch with the production people about the details, most often regarding the drop D tuner that at the end couldn't be installed in the reverse headstock.
I’m almost positive I’ve seen a couple PJ Lionel’s. Thomann’s shows some short scale jazz styles as well. Or you could just buy mine and have it sooner
For Sale - Sandberg Lionel Short Scale
Thanks for all the info, very helpful. I actually emailed their support a couple of days ago but have not heard back yet. A drop D tuner is something I’d be interested in adding to the build, we’re they going to install a Hipshot branded key?
I believe they use hipshot drop tuners. The Ida Nielsen sig model comes with one installed.
Mine has just tipped over a year and still no sign of it. I've gone passed one or two of the previously given completion dates now. The supplier and Sandberg are no longer giving any meaningful responses (if any response at all). They were very helpful in the begining but it's radio silence now. Deposit was about 25%, and they seemed to be up for doing all sorts of non standard pickup and wiring asks at the time. Not sure what's going on with them now though.
