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So just noticed something about my TM5 SL, there is a gap between the pickguard and the body in one spot at the top above the neck pickup (enough for a pick to fit almost all the way under the guard), and looking at other photos it seems like mine is missing a screw in that area. My PG only has 6 screws and all the other photos of California TMs/TTs have 7. Wonder if it was a mistake, or because it's left handed or something?:
I also have a matte black TT-5 Superlight, and the A string on mine got completely buried until I made a few rounds of adjustments. It's acceptable now but could be better, so I'm interested in this too.
That’s pretty bad. Maybe they had a bunch of pickguards made that omitted the screw hole and thought it would be OK. I would get in touch with Sandberg and see what they have to say.
Is this one back up for sale at guitar center? Did you return it? I’ve been eyeing it a bit, thanks!
i did return it.
gorgeous instrument, but that pickup config and action were not my thing. too MM for my taste.
it is still listed at the Redmond WA Guitar Center store.
comes with the original gig bag and I can confirm it is in near mint condition.
i forget the weight, but i think it was on the heavy side.
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funny, it's STILL listed as a
Used strandberg California TM5 Electric Bass Guitar
@Stingray5 Have you looked under the pickguard to see if the screw hole is in the bass body. If it is then a replacement pickguard from Sandberg would be an easy replacement. If the hole is missing then it still wouldn't be a big job to fit a replacement and drill the hole.
I have the "Used Sandberg 5 String" page at GC bookmarked and I'm always looking for deals, maybe that's why they never seem to have more than one or two lol.
My basic 4 has a blackburst that was mostly hidden by the black pickguard. It looks much better with the guard off and black screws in the holes. All my favourite basses have no pickguards so I'm with you on that.
So stoked to be back in the Sandberg camp. Not so stoked that I broke my headphone amp and I'm out of town
chose a TM5! First Sandberg for me, absolutely in love!
No, I don't think they have disclosed it. Most likely 18% NS. If they used SS they'd mention it.
I don't think so, I forget what I read it was but it wasn't SS
@Windreaper I think you're correct
Cheaper German Sandbergs are in the 1600-1700 euro range over here, there are imports more expensive than that.
As for why, who knows. Maybe no demand or factory not tooled for stainless yet. ESP Ltd guitars got SS frets two years before the upmarket Japanese E-II line. The expensive CS-made Original Series models still ship with Jescar NS frets.
If you read something more modern-music focused like sevenstring.org, there seems to be this "no SS, no buy" mentality that is completely missing here on TB. I kind of get where they're coming from because perma-shiny SS frets make bending easier, and people absolutely hate maintenance. Personally, not a deal-breaker for used, but won't buy a new bass without SS, and refrets are Jescar SS only.
