Sandberg vs Lull vs Sadowsky Metro

[RolandMHall]

I'm a Lakland guy, but I wanted to broaden my horizons and add something different to my collection.

I tried out a Mike Lull MV5 and it was really nice. I played a few Sadowsky Metros. Awesome basses. Boy are they expensive....

Then I tried out a Sandberg California TM5. I believe the level of quality in Sandberg is equal to Fender Custom Shop, Sadowsky Metro, Mayones and a few of the others. Fretwork, non existent neck gaps, great balance, etc. Love the Sandberg tuners and bridge. The Delano/Glockenklang package is dead quiet, at least on my two.

If you ever get a chance to play a Sandberg and haven't, you really should.

I like them all, but IMHO opinion, the Sandberg California is 90% of a Sadowsky metro for about 1/2 the price. Sadowsky Metro is a better bass, but for me the laws of diminishing returns made Sandberg an easy decision.

They say you vote with your wallet.

This is what I went with.

 

[CaptainWally]

Why is a metro a better bass?

Sounds like a Sandberg is essentially flawless, so maybe it's just a matter of taste?

 

[RolandMHall]

Sadowsky is lighter and the preamp is better to my ears. But for me doesn't justify the additional cost. I also like sandberg because I haven't seen anyone in my area playing them. St. Louis is a fender town

 

[CaptainWally]

The preamp is a matter of taste....I wouldn't necessarily agree Metros are lighter on average. NYC....yes, but they are chambered.

 

[RolandMHall]

Agreed. Lb for lb to me the sandberg is top notch and it'd be awful tough to find anything better in its price range.

 

[scuzzy]

Great looking basses. The MM/jazz pickup config is my overall favorite. Really does it all.