Sandberg Lionel... not so vintage sounding?!

[trigg015]

So I ordered a custom Sandberg Lionel 14 months ago!
And I received it last week.

It's a great build, the neck is nice (see it below on the right)

There's one problem though.

I don't like the sound of it. It seems Sandberg basses sound very modern, Something I could have known probably, but I did not.

I changed strings already (twice, from standard rounds to LaBella flats to Pyramid Gold Flatwounds), tried to shape Amp settings, but it's not working out.

My Sire U5 with P element only and LaBellas sounds better (and yet the Sandberg is three times the price of the Sire). And with better I mean more thump, more 60s/70s vibe, less harsh, less loud.

So what to do?

Change pickups to Fender vintage P pickups or Seymour Duncan vintage P-bass pickups?

Change pots from 500k to 250k?

Any other ideas?

 

[Robal]

There's a TB thread about changing the Sandberg Lionel pickups to EMZ Geezer Butler passives, for a more vintage sound:
Sandberg Lionel, Stock Pickup vs. EMG GZR (Sound Clip)

The EMG pickups are reasonably priced, too.
I agree the Lionel is not a vintage-sounding bass. It's very well-made, balances and plays nicely, but has pretty hot, aggressive pickups.

 

[trigg015]

I changed pickups for

[This invalid link has been removed]

I don't hear that much difference.
Bass is for sale

 

[Robal]

You may like the Fender JMJ Mustang bass. I have one. Definitely a more vintage sound and vibe than the Sandberg Lionel. And the JMJ is less expensive.

 

[trigg015]

You may like the Fender JMJ Mustang bass. I have one. Definitely a more vintage sound and vibe than the Sandberg Lionel. And the JMJ is less expensive.

Not an option, I'm a lefty.

But I own a Sire U5 which sounds very vintage with P element only and LaBella FS-760

 

[nonohmic]

Wow, 14 months for a Sandberg.

 

[songwriter21]

So I ordered a custom Sandberg Lionel 14 months ago!
And I received it last week.

It's a great build, the neck is nice (see it below on the right)

There's one problem though.

I don't like the sound of it. It seems Sandberg basses sound very modern, Something I could have known probably, but I did not.

I changed strings already (twice, from standard rounds to LaBella flats to Pyramid Gold Flatwounds), tried to shape Amp settings, but it's not working out.

My Sire U5 with P element only and LaBellas sounds better (and yet the Sandberg is three times the price of the Sire). And with better I mean more thump, more 60s/70s vibe, less harsh, less loud.

So what to do?

Change pickups to Fender vintage P pickups or Seymour Duncan vintage P-bass pickups?

Change pots from 500k to 250k?

Any other ideas?

You got a custom Sandberg after over a year, and don't like the sound? SEND IT BACK. Get a Maruszczyk.

 

[trigg015]

You got a custom Sandberg after over a year, and don't like the sound? SEND IT BACK. Get a Maruszczyk.

Unfortunately there is no return policy for custom orders.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Sandberg has its own sound. It is very modern and full of clarity . I couldn’t really bond with myself.
But their build quality is excellent .

 

[P. Aaron]

I'd just play it for a spell, forsaking all others and see if, it doesn't come around for you.

It took me a few to get used to my Dimension Deluxe 5 after being wedded to a Precision V for a number of years.

Betch'a the bass really is nice, you just have to isolate your ears with it and you'll likely find a swath of music the bass works really well with.

 

[mongo2]

I'd try changing the pots to 250k-ohms which might help alleviate some of the upper end "moderness"

 

[Bruce Pete]

I just keep going back to the Gibson Les Paul Jr ......... like the one that is in the center of your picture. That bass is one of the best sounding/playing basses I've ever come across. And in the realm of things, cheap!

Let the Gibson haters, hate!

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

I'd try changing the pots to 250k-ohms which might help alleviate some of the upper end "moderness"

I’ve read of a few people that have tried that. It might work better if the bass is passive. But their pickups and electronics seem to enhance that modern bright sound.

 

[Fishheadjoe]

OP, try this...
Back your volume off on the bass just a smidge while plucking. You may notice a drop in the high end response. Adjust the tome control until you have your sweet spot.
Fishheadjoe

 

[mongo2]

I’ve read of a few people that have tried that. It might work better if the bass is passive. But their pickups and electronics seem to enhance that modern bright sound.

True.

Sorry, I was assuming he was using the Fender passive pickups he mentioned. My bad.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

True.

Sorry, I was assuming he was using the Fender passive pickups he mentioned. My bad.

No need to apologize. You might be correct. I was just responding so that future readers could be aware that it might take more than a pot change out.