Musicman20

The earlier models (not sure what years) are heavier. The vinyl covering is just a cosmetic change I think.

The Mayones Jabba basses are nice, but i dont like their other designs. The Sandberg bread and butter type Fender basses are no doubt their best sellers. Now an American Standard Fender is £1000-1100 +, these Sandbergs on the German websites seem very good value. Why we pay so much in the UK for any equipment from Europe is beyond me. My suspicions are, we are used to it, so the dealers carry on!

The attraction to Sandbergs is the modern take on classic shapes and tones. Similar, I guess, to why I like the Mayones Jabba Jazz basses. Problem is, im fussy with Jazz pickups. Call me old fashioned, but normal USA Fender Jazz pups are hard to beat. I love the aethestics of the Delano pups, but id have to spend time with the bass for a few hours to determine if I really get on with their pups.

Good prices...around £1000-£1050 for a 4 string.

These guys: [url="http://www.musik-produktiv.co.uk/sandberg-california-tm4-rw-vwh.aspx"]http://www.musik-produktiv.co.uk/sandberg-...tm4-rw-vwh.aspx[/url]

I think for that price, it's not bad. Ive seen £1000 Fenders with bigger issues.

Nigel, there are a few decent German outlets that should be able to get you one, and shipped over with no problems. I found another store, (which I will link to) that has a PM4 and JM4 for around £1000 plus 10 Euro shipping.

PS - The prices on Thomann are pretty damn good, IMO. Probably because its from Germany!

I cant really help, but they do look GREAT. Not sure if they are my 'thing', id have to give them a good test. To me, they look like modern Fenders. If I didnt love my HS Stingray and Sterling, id check one out.

FINALLY! Mine arrived from GAK. Now I must say, GAK's service has been phenomenal so far. Im very impressed. Not only did they knock a LOT off the 3 items I ordered, they also made sure all of it was brand new, non-display (at the store) products. So today, the courier dropped off: American Standard Jazz (Rosewood/Sunburst) - same as GW's apart from the board. Markbass LM3 (I stupidly sold mine but got a very good new price) VT Bass Pedal Version 2 All very well wrapped, labelled, and brand new. Ive only got the Jazz out, and so far, very very good. Very clear articulate pickups. Traditional growl when they are both on, and great solo'd. Good paint, great wood for the burst (looks like its max. two piece, could even get away with it being one, but I doubt it is) pickups lineup to the strings (and you can adjust the spacing), great dark rosewood board, lovely thin fast neck (a little too thin for me as Im used to Ps/Rays, but Ill get used to it) and everything else seems spot on. The neck pocket is very tight, great QC. So far, very impressed. I know Fender's are far from perfect, but we all need a J and P. Next ill get the LM3 and pedal out.

The Max 9.2 DOES look nice. Im shocked it hasnt been talked about more in the UK. Yes, its a little on the large size for some, but it is SUPER light and very flexible. Personally, if i see one for a decent price new (eg £820-850 ish) id be tempted.

What happened to this thread?! I for one quite like Motown, but I also am quite fond of Metallica 'Master of Puppets' and a few of Jessis J's tracks. Nowt like variety. Pop has turned into a mess over the past decade or more, but I think acts like Gaga and Jessie J are a good sign that there is talent there. For example, have you heard Jessie's voice? Oh my...fantastic. Gaga's piano skills? Again, fantastic. Any of these could be played with any bass, but why not play it with an expensive one if you can afford it?!

I also buy expensive gear because it looks cool as f***. Especially my Orange stack. I am a vain person, and im proud of it haha.

We only get one shot at life, so why not enjoy it and spend it on things you enjoy? You could easily play a £65 Sue Ryder P for a few years with no worries, but if you can afford more, and want to, go for it.

I know also, that we always just sound like 'ourselves'. BUT, I still think gear ALWAYS gets you closer to a tone goal. Eg, if you want an aggressive jazz tone, no other bass gets you an agressive jazz tone, other than a Jazz! Ok, there are thousands of variants, but a P will never be a J. I always chased the Stingray H tone from my early years of playing. Nothing, IMO, sounds the same as a Stingray, no matter WHAT the pickup/pre-amp.

Interesting thread, but I would certainly say that my perception has changed. I used to be all about playing originals live, and I did like equipment, but I didnt go crazy. Now Ive started collecting, and set a goal. I do play and practice more, but to me the gear is part and parcel of the fun. Same with a car enthusiast. Something to feel good. We all have ways of enjoying ourselves, and buying new gear is part of that for me. What people must remember is the majority of us don't do this as a living. I imagine once its your day job, the whole thing changes, as you must be much more on the ball in terms of practice/skill. Gear becomes less important id imagine. I do love playing, and Id like to play more, but I think doing it as a job (unless it was a fantastic band, original material, commercial success) would be a little odd for me. I wouldnt want to teach, unless it was basics, and I wouldnt want to just be a session player, and not have my career. That's me though...I like separation.