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Sandberg California PM or JM?

M

markyboy2106

Sep 28, 2007
2
0
#1
Hi there

Hoping someone can help me make a decision about which of these bass guitars to purchase?

I really need someone to explain the fundamental difference between a precision style pick-up + humbucker (PM), and a Jazz-style pick-up + humbucker (JM)?

Would there be any compromises in versatility if I chose one of the other?

I currently play an 4 string EBMM 3EQ and will definitely be keeping it, but was thinking of making this purchase a 5-string...never played one before but like the idea...is this a risk?

Anything else I should know?

Cheers

Mark
 
#3
If you've never played a 5-string before I'd probably suggest getting a hold of something more general with 5-strings and spending some time with it before investing in a Sandberg. I'm a huge fan of 5-strings, but I wouldn't make that leap of faith having never played one.
 
#4
I've had the pleasure of being able to try both out quite often, as they're easy to come by here. Despite being a big fan of the quintesential jazz bass tone, I find myself leaning towards the PM. I just think the PM has a meatier sound without losing fundamentals. Both have awesome slap tones, with the JM being slightly zingier. Both cop a good MM vibe when the bridge PU is soloed. The Delanos on these are great btw. They're both light and have nice satin necks with a comfortably (not too) flat profile. Both are light, have basically the same controls IIRC, and have top notch hardware. Both are strung with Sandberg steel strings, and they sound and feel great.

As a side note, I was testing the PM one day while another bass player was trying out a Marleaux, another great German brand. This guy really knew what he was doing; monster player. When he was done, he came over to me and complemented me on my playing, but predominantly on the sound from the PM. It just reaffirmed my goal of owning one of these hopefully soon.

Whichever you choose, you won't go wrong. The PM gets my vote, though.
 
#5
Sandberg's are fine instruments! If you can get one, do it. Just understand what it is you're going to be playing consistently and they're loads of WWW's sites that can shed some light so you can make a decision,. With either one you can't go wrong!
 
#8
im waiting on a PM 5 now, for me i am not a jazz bass fan so the choice was simple.

i do however have another bass with the PM config and the tones really do sit well together.

id have to say get what YOU want. if you love the looks of a J but want the guts of a P contact the retailers in your country, it usually doesn't cost much more for custom routing and still be competitive with the BIG company names (F and W and EB all spring to mind without naming names)
 

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