I didn't know what my Sandberg could do for me- until it did it.

[vindibona1]

Until now I had been the "king of cheap/mid price basses". I did a lot to them to get them upgrades to the best of my (and professionals') abilities. I've put more money into some than I should have. I have a few stock basses that I really like. I was familiar with the Sandberg brand via Ida Neilsen and other YouTube celebrites and thought they were a boutique brand trying harder than the Fender/Music Man, traditional assembly line brands.

But when I stumbled upon the Sandberg at store. It was undeniable. An unintended purchase spontaneously happened.

A few months down the road, having played a few shows with it I realized something that I struggled more with my other basses: TO LET THE MUSICALITY COME OUT. I mostly do musical theater, some light worship stuff where I'm not just hammering, but have to exhibiit a level of musical sensitivity not required in a lot of other genres.

Last night was the epiphany of understanding. A light worship service and I realized that my Sandberg was allowing me to expand my musicality and sensitity that took almost no effort to do. I finally EASILY got control of my sound and figured out the small tweaks needed to bring out optimal clarity without compromising tone or depending on sheer volume. In fact, last night during rehearsal I realized that a small pickup blend difference, with a bit of extra volume allowed me to play lighter, buut totally expanding my ability to create fills when needed, keep a steady pulse for the group and do some other exciting things that just seems so natural without any additional work. It's different. That's for sure. Two notables are a zero fret and stock stainless steel strings which I have no desire to even try other strings with as I have with my other basses.

At minimal, the Sandberg cost me more than 3.5x than my next expensive bass, including the upgrades. I suspect that very soon I'll put 3 or more basses up for sale. They look cute on the wall, but there doesn't seem to be any point other than having one more for backup and possibly one more that can take me different places tonally.

That's it. An overload of prednisone talking right now, but I thought I just wanted to share while I was in the mood. I think the Sandberg is in my avatar right now.

 

[Outbush]

I always love a bit of followup to a new bass. It's fantastic that it has improved your playing, which is what its all about really. I also think its interesting how it sounds almost like the bass gives you more time to think and groove as you play. I'm not knocking our budget bass players here but I have to say having an instrument that allows you to do that regardless of price is a real blessing!

 

[vindibona1]

I always love a bit of followup to a new bass. It's fantastic that it has improved your playing, which is what its all about really. I also think its interesting how it sounds almost like the bass gives you more time to think and groove as you play. I'm not knocking our budget bass players here but I have to say having an instrument that allows you to do that regardless of price is a real blessing!

I get it.
I started out with a Squier VM Jazz modded. 1st 5 string was an Ibanez BTB675. Had to grow into that one. Then a Yamaha TRBX605, then a MIM Jazz 5, now well modded. These basses all did a good job.. The one thing that I learned about improved musiciality was when I put ultra-light tuners on my Jazz5. The improved balance really helped there. The Audere preamp is a beast and very versatile, though the bass overall is a little heavy.

But you know what? As I revisit my other basses after playing the Sandberg, I'm taught as to how I can continue to grow musically on these basses. The only bass I'm going to give up and sell is my modded Ibanez Gio 206b six string. Some lucky dude is going to get the deal of a century on this sixer if they're smart enough to buy it. I'm not a soloist and just like 5ers. But I think we can learn a lot from our different instruments that is even retro to cheaper ones. JMO

 

[Bright Midnight]

I get it.
I started out with a Squier VM Jazz modded. 1st 5 string was an Ibanez BTB675. Had to grow into that one. Then a Yamaha TRBX605, then a MIM Jazz 5, now well modded. These basses all did a good job.. The one thing that I learned about improved musiciality was when I put ultra-light tuners on my Jazz5. The improved balance really helped there. The Audere preamp is a beast and very versatile, though the bass overall is a little heavy.

But you know what? As I revisit my other basses after playing the Sandberg, I'm taught as to how I can continue to grow musically on these basses. The only bass I'm going to give up and sell is my modded Ibanez Gio 206b six string. Some lucky dude is going to get the deal of a century on this sixer if they're smart enough to buy it. I'm not a soloist and just like 5ers. But I think we can learn a lot from our different instruments that is even retro to cheaper ones. JMO

Sandbergs are definitely worth every penny! I wish I had the budget to finally do away with my trusty Tribute L2K and get me a Sandy.... ENJOY your new bass!!!!

 

[vindibona1]

Sandbergs are definitely worth every penny! I wish I had the budget to finally do away with my trusty Tribute L2K and get me a Sandy.... ENJOY your new bass!!!!

I had resisted buying a "more expensive" bass asking myself what could I gain by spending 2x, 3x, or more cost to what I had been purchasing. I think the end of that thinking was when I had just before spent $1200 on an Ibby SRSC805 which, a) was defective, and b) nothing more than a (good looking) sideways move from what I had.

My other half and I made a spontaneous visit to Chicago Music Exchanges on a lazy Saturday afternoon. I had never really and not played any Sandbergs at all. On the rack she points up and says "what about this one, honey"? I was not expecting to make a purchase at all. But as if destiny, the amp room had my home amp, a GK MB-112 for demo. The sound and playability was undeniable. I didn't know why. But it just was. I just knew. 30 day return? OK. I can deal with some (big) load on my credit card. But holy schnikes.

So what's different with this bass? 1) Zero fret. I didn't even discover that for weeks after ownership. 2) STAINLESS STEEL SANDBERG 40-128. Strings. I'd not had a good experience with other SS brands/strings before. Whatever it is, I WILL NOT BE MESSING WITH ANY OF THIS STUFF. I don't need to experiment with different strings. I have other basses for that. Finding duplicate strings was difficult for backup and had a set sent from the Netherlands and have 2 mores sets on order currently.

Interestingly, I do look forward to cycling my other basses into gigs as I go along, just because. While totally different I am still enamored with my BTB675, a totally different but weighty sound. Yamaha? It will be my Sandy backup. So close in spec. I tried some Black beauty strings on it this past week. OK. But the Ernie Ball Cobalt flats are back on. My over-improved Jazz5 isn't going anywhere soon. But Gio 6 is on the block. I'll probably never play that one again.

So much for high doses of prednisone to let my brains come loose . Thanks for taking time to read this.

 

[Bright Midnight]

I had resisted buying a "more expensive" bass asking myself what could I gain by spending 2x, 3x, or more cost to what I had been purchasing. I think the end of that thinking was when I had just before spent $1200 on an Ibby SRSC805 which, a) was defective, and b) nothing more than a (good looking) sideways move from what I had.

My other half and I made a spontaneous visit to Chicago Music Exchanges on a lazy Saturday afternoon. I had never really and not played any Sandbergs at all. On the rack she points up and says "what about this one, honey"? I was not expecting to make a purchase at all. But as if destiny, the amp room had my home amp, a GK MB-112 for demo. The sound and playability was undeniable. I didn't know why. But it just was. I just knew. 30 day return? OK. I can deal with some (big) load on my credit card. But holy schnikes.

So what's different with this bass? 1) Zero fret. I didn't even discover that for weeks after ownership. 2) STAINLESS STEEL SANDBERG 40-128. Strings. I'd not had a good experience with other SS brands/strings before. Whatever it is, I WILL NOT BE MESSING WITH ANY OF THIS STUFF. I don't need to experiment with different strings. I have other basses for that. Finding duplicate strings was difficult for backup and had a set sent from the Netherlands and have 2 mores sets on order currently.

Interestingly, I do look forward to cycling my other basses into gigs as I go along, just because. While totally different I am still enamored with my BTB675, a totally different but weighty sound. Yamaha? It will be my Sandy backup. So close in spec. I tried some Black beauty strings on it this past week. OK. But the Ernie Ball Cobalt flats are back on. My over-improved Jazz5 isn't going anywhere soon. But Gio 6 is on the block. I'll probably never play that one again.

So much for high doses of prednisone to let my brains come loose . Thanks for taking time to read this.

What I love the most about Sandies is the top notch construction and the thought that went into creating their different line of instruments. I'm guessing the bass in your avatar is your new Sandberg? A Basic Ken Taylor? It has the Glockenklang preamp and Delano humbuckers?

 

[Noctavelowr]

I'm with you! I struggled to find one to play, then the same thing happened. I now have 2, the TM and VM, both 4's and wish I did not have to put one down to play the other!!! Enjoy your new bass!

 

[Nedmundo]

Great post, and very similar experience here. I first tried some Sandberg fives in 2017 at a great shop in Germany, and immediately loved the neck feel, which reminded me of my wonderful G&L USA M-2500. After that, I watched for them in the US, and managed to find some to try over the following years.

During one of these tests, at Rudy's in NYC, I noticed exactly what the OP described--I completely forgot I was testing a bass, and just played. Sandbergs are just so darned comfortable. They get out of the way, and let me play as I want.

And so, after being even more smitten by the next one I tested, a California TT-5 Superlight at the Philly guitar show last summer that completely blew my mind, I took the plunge in December and bought the same model from Bass Central. It doesn't have quite the same mind-boggling feel as the one I tested, but it's darned close and I bet I could get there by tweaking the setup. I'm still getting to know it and I might prefer a more aggressive take on J-bass tone, but it's been fantastic overall, and I'm thrilled to have a lightweight J5 with such great playability.

Also, like the OP I had resisted spending more than typical US Fender cash on basses, but the Sandberg inspired me to shoulder the expense. No regrets whatsoever.

 

[Brother Goose]

This thread has been very therapeutic as far as helping me address the current GAS I am suffering for a Smith bass.

I've reached a point in my life where I can afford one but they are CRAZY expensive.

Need to play a Sandberg ASAP

 

[FearNoEvil65]

I've always been of the belief that you always get the best instrument you can. No amount of hot rodding a cheaper bass will make it the quality of an instrument that is quality to begin with. While I don't own a Sandberg, I like them and would buy one if I could.
I recently played a party that had about 10 bands and I was the only bassist that had a quality, USA made bass (G&L). Everyone else had some cheaper, personally hot rodded bass. While still not the level of a Sandberg, I got a great response and lots of compliments on both tone and looks of my bass. Several other bassists talked with me, and I told them up your game and get a better bass.
2 people of the same talent level, the one with the better equipment wins. Many don't agree with that, and most are very stubborn and refuse to learn from experience or advice.
I'm glad you got a nice quality bass, I'd rather have one quality instrument than 10 cheaper ones, I have no desire to screw around and try to make a cheaper bass better, or "mine" as I hear often.
Now I want a Sandberg even more !!

 

[evs]

I've noticed a similar thing.
Over the past year I have upgraded my bass and amp to better quality.

The extra clarity has shown me flaws in my technique that has made me a much better player.
The better playability has also improved my playing in subtle ways.
I am now playing with a lighter and more accurate touch.

My days of playing through equipment which doesn't have the clarity are behind.
It is surprising how much my sound has changed.

It took a while for my ears to get used to the more modern and clear tone, but now everything else sounds muddy.

 

[vindibona1]

Great post, and very similar experience here. I first tried some Sandberg fives in 2017 at a great shop in Germany, and immediately loved the neck feel, which reminded me of my wonderful G&L USA M-2500. After that, I watched for them in the US, and managed to find some to try over the following years.

During one of these tests, at Rudy's in NYC, I noticed exactly what the OP described--I completely forgot I was testing a bass, and just played. Sandbergs are just so darned comfortable. They get out of the way, and let me play as I want.
Also, like the OP I had resisted spending more than typical US Fender cash on basses, but the Sandberg inspired me to shoulder the expense. No regrets whatsoever.

You know, the crazy thing is that the Sandberg is teaching me to play more musically on my other basses!

I've always been of the belief that you always get the best instrument you can. No amount of hot rodding a cheaper bass will make it the quality of an instrument that is quality to begin with. While I don't own a Sandberg, I like them and would buy one if I could.
I'm glad you got a nice quality bass, I'd rather have one quality instrument than 10 cheaper ones, I have no desire to screw around and try to make a cheaper bass better, or "mine" as I hear often.
Now I want a Sandberg even more !!

It's a funny thing. What lets stuff come out of your fingers is one of those things that you don't know it until you see it.

In my intial quest into my 5 string collection I bought a 2010 MIM Jazz bass. Cheap, but decent bones. Aside from other "hot rod" elements, the one thing that I did that made a huge difference was put in Hipshot Ultra light tuners. Cutting 6 ounces off the headstock weight balanced it out and my left hand didn't have to do that work any longer. And perhaps I put "stupid money" into it, having a shop do a fret level/setup. Aguilar noiseless pickups. Audere Preamp. I might have $800-$900 total into it. I could never get my money out as is. But this week I was working on a friend's new Fender MIA P Bass pro II, setting it up, checking it out. It is a splendid instrument that plays and sounds great. But the thing is that he has a $1700 bass and to be brutally honest, I prefer my hot rodded MIM 5er better than his bass. Will I ever perform with my MIM 5 again? That's an interesting question. The Sandberg would make it hard. Will I rehearse with the MIM or my Yamaha or Ibannez? Almost absolutely.

And BTW... again for those who see these Yamaha TRBX threads, there is no way that these basses shouldn't be considered as they are absolutely incredible values. Also I have a semi-rodded Squier VM modded jazz 4 and I like that bass better than my buddy's MIA Pro I jazz. He also has a Squier CV P bass that he bought almost new. But the frets were loose and needed a fret job $250. $450 new plus whatever work on the Squier. It's a great bass now. Don't get me wrong. But Yamaha is notorious for finished quality. Period. I can personally attest to that. I have that Squier VM modded jazz and the Yamaha out of the box is SO much better and the materials so much better. Just sayin'.

 

[CletusMarley]

Great story! Sounds like you got a keeper!

 

[Noctavelowr]

I've noticed a similar thing.
Over the past year I have upgraded my bass and amp to better quality.

The extra clarity has shown me flaws in my technique that has made me a much better player.
The better playability has also improved my playing in subtle ways.
I am now playing with a lighter and more accurate touch.

My days of playing through equipment which doesn't have the clarity are behind.
It is surprising how much my sound has changed.

It took a while for my ears to get used to the more modern and clear tone, but now everything else sounds muddy.

Now that I have my Sandberg bass, an amp and cab is next. What did you find that paired well? I see your MarkBass gear in your profile pic. TIA

 

[jastraw]

This thread has perfect timing. I am the master of cheap/mid basses. My #1 is G&L Tribbie L2K (bought used). I also have a Player P (Used), Squire paranormal jazz (new) and a Sire V3 (new). I even have a modded Glarry P with Geezers. See what I mean? I m retired "working" musician. I played 97 gigs last year. 38 so far this year.

While my L2k works well. This topic I've been thinking about a lot. How much more enjoyment will I get from a high end instrument? How much more can I express myself? Add to experience of bandmates and audience? I have a decade of playing left. The OP statement of "let the musicality come out" smacked me in the face.

Sandbergs intrigue me. I've never seen one in person. Watched all the vids. I have VM and TM in my cart more than i care to admit. i'm seriously considering selling all except L2K to fund one. It's hard not having played one. Struggling with that.

Thanks for listening.

 

[jastraw]

I'm with you! I struggled to find one to play, then the same thing happened. I now have 2, the TM and VM, both 4's and wish I did not have to put one down to play the other!!! Enjoy your new bass!

Where did you finally find one to play in person? Was it in No Cal? I m in LA and i struggle to find one.