BassApprentice

Just out of interest, what are the controls? 

Fair point. It's such a trivial matter really that may or may not happen, but I have gone back to them with the attached picture to better help their understanding of what I'm asking 

Yes, I do sometimes wonder why they bother replying without giving a full answer. It's not like it's a super secret hack that makes the bass worth 4x as much, just annoying and awkward 😅

With no one actually having the V5 since it is so new and retailers and brand themselves giving conflicting answers, only one way to answer my question. 

Buy one 😬

2 hours ago, Beedster said:

Good man for approaching it so positively. PJB are pretty good, I received replies from Phil in person, I'm sure they can help re parts?

Fingers crossed its a straightforward fix. 

Hardcore aged reserve. £1000 less than retail. Less than an hour from me. Erm, help.

So in a follow up to my question about amp techs. 

I sold my Phil Jones to a lad in Liverpool, it hasn't been used for the best part of 2 years and has been sitting at my parents house. Shipped and received fine. Get a message later saying he turned it on, no lights. Left it plugged in for while and it came to life but not working as it should. Lucky for me he has been quite reasonable and got it in to an amp tech - capacitors gone apparently, and due to the supply situation he isn't sure when he would be able to get the parts 😑 The guy is really keen to keep it so going to take it to another tech to see if he has the parts or another idea. 

Just feel like a prize idiot for not checking it before it got shipped off, now have the headache of trying to deal with this from afar and making sure the guy who bought it eventually gets what he paid for 😕

I've got the Phil Jones/Edifier ones. Very light and comfortable and always sounds good to me. My earpads are deteriorating and haven't been that heavily used so something to consider if you are interested in them. 

They just get it right! Thing about relics for me is the feel. They still look cool but the played in feeling on the necks is wonderful.

That sounds exactly like a fretless Ray should. Very jealous! 😁

Hi all, 

Just sold my Phil Jones Suitcase to someone in Liverpool and it's turned up dead - just not turning on. 

Anyone got an amp tech in Liverpool they would recommend? Thanks! 

Try Newtone strings, they'll make a custom set to any guage you want and I'm sure if you tell them what you're looking for they will give you some advice on what they can offer! 

I'll give that a watch later.

As a side not, his presenting style is a bit odd but he's getting through a whole load of reviews at all price points which is really helpful. 

How about a burst one? Under £400 for 1024, surely you won't get a better bass for that money? 

Final nail in the coffin for my VS4 upgrade idea. Sandberg got back to me saying the VS4 pickup was not designed to be used in a VM4 set up. So two answers and neither saying its a straightforward upgrade it would be an expensive project which wouldn't be reflected in a sale price. 

Just saving the pennies then 😅

I see your burnt orange and raise you actual Orange.

https://m.facebook.com/groups/689090051102626?view=permalink&id=3677394968938771

@AndyTravis how many organs are you selling to get this 😅

I actually got a reply from Sire today 

"To answer your question, all pickups come with plastic casing (cover).

The raw pickup will be magnets wrapped with wires so casing should be necessary.

Hope this answers your question" 

So from that, you would think the covers are removable, but Andertons also got back to me stating that the pickups are all in one piece so this is a no go. Shame. 

1 minute ago, StormyLukeJ said:

Hello, what is the closest bass to a BBNE2 but 4 string ?

The BB2004 

Can't really go wrong with Harley Benton bass wise. Solid and will sound decent. 

Out of those suggestions I would go for the package with the Fender Rumble as all the Rumbles I've tried have sounded very good. To be fair, I've no idea how good that wee 15 watt Harley Benton is but those generic looking practice never instil confidence for producing low end. 

1 hour ago, Bankai said:

I have the VM4 Reidel which has them fitted as standard. Would recommend!

Cant understand what he's saying but that bass makes great noises!

Maybe I just hold off and save my pennies for this. If I was going new I would probably go relic so this model would be the most sensible option for what I'm looking for! Really appreciate all the insight though, will prove helpful for others wondering about Sandbergs. 

@dmccombe7 is it just the Sandberg branded pickups in your VM4? I assume you like them?

I like the tone of the P in my VS4 so not adverse to getting the Sandberg MM pickup if it cuts the cost of this endeavour. 

So emailed Alan at Synergy Distribution regarding my upgrade idea and he gave me a breakdown of what I would need.

New Black Label pickups: £250

New Scratchplate: £39

New Preamp: £135 

So £424 all in + Labour is probably another £100.

I was a bit surprised I would need a new preamp, I thought I could just add another volume to the existing 2 band preamp that is in the Electra. Since I am willing to spend some money a couple of routes that I see -

Do the upgrades since I do like the feel of the bass and they would only make it better

Buy a new bass with a Humbucker set up

Sell the Electra and save a bit more for a California VM4
 

1 hour ago, AndyTravis said:

Look at this on eBay
Sample of Pickguard Sheet scratchplate material: many colours 1 3 4 ply

Ideal, thanks Andy! 

Great to know of local services like this. Wonder how many different colours/materials he stocks. Might drop him a mail.