falling_in2_infinity

knowing them, it was sold months ago. They're awful at updating their website, and (IME) bad people to deal with. Shame the bottom horn caused you an issue, but it's a known issue with that design. Out of interest, what model (age, strings) did you try?

I think it's worth bearing in mind that due to the time of year, stocks might be a bit lower than usual. It's possible (though unlikely) that we'll see a flood of MM instruments hitting Europe in the next few months, including new colours. I'm not ignoring the fact that musical instrument stocks have generally been low for quite a while, for a variety of reasons.

Sandberg Panther 5-string with bird's eye/quilted maple top, ebony board, 35". If one ever showed up, new or used, I'd have it immediately. I've never even tried a Panther!

This is another colour I really like!

Can't disagree with this, especially that EBMM deserve a lot of credit for taking a chance on a radical design, and then sticking with it for so long. They could probably have built a 24-fret Stingray(ish), but I'm glad they didn't. At the end of the day, what's not to like in a bass that is so well balanced, sounds so good and plays like butter? 😁😁😁

The very same. 🙂 It is supposedly in near-mint condition and I got a good price. Fingers crossed! Yep, definitely worth trying one first. The Wunjo model is the same colour, curiously. FYI, I spoke to one of the guys at Wunjo and they do allow mail order returns, and would also arrange returns through their shipping provider. ...Joe.

Y'know, I was really unmoved by the Harvest Orange until I saw one in person, and then I realised what all the fuss was about. My candy red one is nice, in a subtle kind of way. I have a Firemist Gold 5 coming this week, and I've not seen it in person... so we'll see! I tend to like the Bongo in really bold, bright colours. Yeh, £3k is a bit much now. I mean, I really do dig the tone and playability of the Bongo... but I could get something custom for that.

Sounds great! I do wish some of the East pre's were fully surface-mount. then they'd fit in more cavities.

agreed! I am always a bit unsure of paint finishes until I see them in person. However, that particular colour always looks extremely unappealing in any photo/video I see.

I'd love to try one! I also really like the look of the Hellraiser Daniel Firth model. Specs seem ideal.

I suppose we define 'keeper' as one we've kept for the longest?! My most-played and longest-owned bass is a 2001 Steinberger Spirit, which I've had from new. It lives at my workplace, and I play it most days. It's a beater, but I love it. Second to that, my Sandberg TM2 5-string, which is just lovely to play. I've only had it since 2019, though... so I don't yet count it as a definite keeper.

Ed Friedland reviewed one in that colour. Seem to remember he said it was grey, in a smoky Egyptian sort of way.

This is probably true. I only have an early 2010's 6'er at the moment, but I have a 2019 5'er coming this week. I did some testing yesterday and only noticed a problem when I put the bass on my right leg, with it crossed over my left. More normally, I play classical style on my left leg, and it's never an issue there.

I wanted to join in this topic, as a very happy Sandberg owner for about 3 years now. California TM2 5-string 35" in Blackburst with ebony fretboard. I have never had such a relationship with a bass before... there's just something about the playability, balance and quality which work together in complete harmony for me. I kinda want another identical spec, in a different body colour, but I'm reluctant to pay up front for a custom build. Anyway, appreciating my Sandberg at all times.

I find it depends on my sitting position. I do sometimes pop a bit of padding (jumper, or similar) on my leg for longer seated sessions. It’s a very ergonomic bass otherwise. Wunjo guitars in Denmark street have a new 2018/19 5 string. I bought my last 2 bongos from them, and they always seem friendly.

Glad I’m not the only one. They’re awful.

Thanks! I'm very much still in the mode of gathering info about how they sound at the moment, before making an informed purchase. (my comment about buying from PMT was literally just to take advantage of the 14-day returns, in lieu of being able to visit any shops). I hope your sale is successful!

Thanks! Sounds lovely. I've only played the Sandberg California and Custom models before, so it's nice to get an idea of what the Panther is like. There's two Panthers available from PMT at the moment, and I'm thinking about ordering one just to try it out.

Cheers Cuzzie, that's some really valuable insight!

I was wondering if there's anyone with experience of the Sandberg Panther Specials, who could help me understand it's fundamental tonal characteristics? Obviously I'd expect some tonewood variance, so I'm just looking for a ballpark idea. I've listened to the limited set of examples on youtube, but would be interested in players' experiences - including anyone who's played them with a pick. Background: I currently own a California VM2, which I find to be 'warm' and 'beefy', with a rounded tone. It can be brightened-up, but gets a bit harsh. Thanks!