Yep if I weren`t in a band, albeit a non-gigging band, I`d be quite happy being a bedroom player with my fairly weighty Fender US Precision. But being in said band I need a bass that is lighter, and shorter scale, hence my Sandberg.
I’d say the Ashdown ABM600 is worth a try, I found it much livelier than the other Ashdown ABM & MAG amps I had, louder too. I used a Tech21 Paradriver with it much like how you use the Darkglass. The warmth & solidity of the ABM matching well with the more clinical Paradriver. It’s 12.5kg but due to size much easier to cart about than the 3-PRO.
I prefer traditional VVT, that way I can of course get all things Jazz but also get very near Precision if needed by neck full, bridge 20%-ish, tone 80%-ish.
I’ve bought a couple of expensive Sandberg basses this year, for their light weight and my continuing back issues. I also have a Sandberg being made for me at present. When I get it I’ll let one of the others go. Although I don’t intend to gig anymore I do a 4hr rehearsal with my band once a fortnight so wanted to make things as easy as possible. They’re great basses and the last one was more than I’d usually be comfortable spending, but my first rehearsal with it last week showed me it was a wise purchase, didn’t cause any trouble with my back.
I’ve put £2000, as a new US Fender Precision is just under that, and my benchmark for expensive has always been whatever they cost, this being a hangover from my youth where a US Precision was the daddy.
I kind of understand this, whilst I won’t gig my fave Precision as it means too much to me to chance it I would feel guilty if I decided to record with a different instrument, even if it was due to needing a sound the fave couldn’t do.
Well I found both to be a warm vintagey sound, but with the TH able to add in drive as required. Other than that the main difference I’d say were the highs, with the TH being at a much better eq point than the LM - this could be why your bass sounded so different.
Thanks Dave, yes I’ve got the pickups adjusted so that the volumes are pretty consistent across all strings. The eq I used on the rehearsal rig was pretty much flat and the lack of depth on D & G was quite clear to me. I think different gauge strings may well be the way forward, and will be fun too. I just wish Elixirs came in short scale.
Just got in from my first band practice with my new Sandberg Lionel. Sounds great on the E & A strings but D & G a bit weak.
It’s still got the stock 40-100 strings on it so am thinking 45-100 might beef it up a bit, but has anyone else noticed this on theirs, and if so how did you get around it?
Apparently connecting a second cab is needed in order to get the full power, so on its own it`s approx 150 or so watts. Having a combo that competes with the Rumble 800, so 400 watts on its own would be my ideal, plus at a competing size/weight.