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Club Sandberg (part 2)

#1,261
@Cuzzie Actually the more I look at the reverse headstock the more it appeals as it is pretty different. Hmmmm. It actually does suit the Sandberg Forty Eight too.

Do all the Forty Eights have double humbuckers? As I have the TM2 I think that could be duplication tonally. I think thats why I fancied the VT4 with the Split and the Jazz PU configuration on the model I spec'd in the configurator. I do love the Metallic Orange though. I think I should just order 2 to go with my TM2 and have 3 Orange Relic sandbergs. ;)

my_custom_sandberg.jpg
my_custom_sandbergB.jpg
 
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#1,262
The Forty Eights DO NOT have a double himbucker.

It’s a split coil in the neck and an M at the bridge, they put the big covers over both purely for aesthetics, so it will be a different bass for you, it will be like the VM you were considering, it’s why I pointed you to it!
 
#1,265
@Cuzzie yes Bass Direct have a Black 4-string HCA and a 5-string HCReserve. PMT seem to have a few too. PMT looks to have higher prices though for similar specs.

I am up at Aston Villa this afternoon so may pop by PMT Brum on the way there and see what they have - especially as Sandberg folks are actually there today!
 
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#1,269
DJ '65 said:
Here’s one
Sandberg Bass California TT Masterpiece Aged Roquefort Blue | eBay
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Yes. I saw that one. That is why I am asking. Not sure of the going value for these.

It is also listed in the TB Ckassifieds for $2600. Have no idea if this is a fair price. There was one for sale locally this summer for $2600 CDN ( about $2050 US). I'm thinking I either missed a smoking deal or the going rate is closer to $2K than $3K. I have no idea and I can't find pricing on the website.
 
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#1,270
For a new bass that one is right in the ball park, at the cheapest starting bid price you have a genuine bargain.

Used you would prob be looking at what that starter bid is for a masterpiece.
 
#1,274
After trying a California VM4 the other weekend, I am hooked. I’m not sure if I want a VM4 or a VS4. I really want a P-Bass, so I’m wondering if the VM4 sounds as much like a P-Bass as the VS-4. First I need to select a model, then the trick will be to locate one that I like for sale.
 
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#1,275
jonro said:
After trying a California VM4 the other weekend, I am hooked. I’m not sure if I want a VM4 or a VS4. I really want a P-Bass, so I’m wondering if the VM4 sounds as much like a P-Bass as the VS-4. First I need to select a model, then the trick will be to locate one that I like for sale.
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I have a VM4 and a California2 VS4 and the VS4 sounds more like a Precision (probably due to the non reversed P).

With a Geezer Butler EMG P pickup fitted, mine sounds more like a vintage Precision than any Fenders I've owned or played
 
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#1,276
kasbrey said:
I have a VM4 and a California2 VS4 and the VS4 sounds more like a Precision (probably due to the non reversed P).

With a Geezer Butler EMG P pickup fitted, mine sounds more like a vintage Precision than any Fenders I've owned or played
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Does the active pickup give it some variety of tones? And would you tell me how the necks compare to each other?
 
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#1,277
jonro said:
Does the active pickup give it some variety of tones? And would you tell me how the necks compare to each other?
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The EMG Geezer Butler is a passive pickup. It is modeled on pickup in Bobby Vega's 60's P and comes with passive solderless wiring and pots.

The VS4 is super lightweight and resonant with a maple neck and was way too trebly and open sounding with the standard pickup. I tried a number of different pickups that I had but opted for the Geezer after researching on here. I put the Sandberg VS4 pickup and pre on the VM4 (the original pickup was a Delano and the original pre had no passive tone control). The Sandberg pickup sounds great on the rosewood necked VM4.
 
#1,278
jonro said:
And would you tell me how the necks compare to each other?
Click to expand...

The necks are very different but that is because the VM4 is a pre-California Custom Shop from 2004. It still has a 39mm nut but has a flatter depth profile.
I believe I read that all Sandberg necks are the same shape and dimensions now but I don't know if there are exceptions on the signature models like the Marlowe DK and Umbos etc.
 
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#1,279
My VS4 is rosewood and is a great Deep P tone with growl and bite as you expect.
Part of the reason for the VS4 being more P IMHO is that the routing for the M pick up (which is not a bad thing) takes a little away from the P sound, a bit of depth goes.

Necks are all in general 39mm and similar to except as mentioned some signature models differ.
My MarloweDK has a 37mm neck, and is probably the best one I have ever played, the VS4 is no slouch though.
My TT has a 39mm also
 
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