TRBboy Posted February 19, 2012 Share Posted February 19, 2012 Well, as some of you already know, in the last 12 months I've finally discovered the bass that works perfectly for me; the Sandberg Basic. Since I bought my first one last March, I've changed my three main basses for Sandbergs, including getting rid of my old faithful US Jazz which had been my go-to bass since I bought it 14 years ago. I'm so happy with my basses at the moment, and have zero GAS (for basses anyway....). I find that the neck is absolutely perfect for my hands, VERY slim with a lovely profile that flattens out down the centreline slightly. They sound great too, although it took me a little while to get used to. They're much brighter, responsive and harmonically rich than any other basses I've owned, and the Glockenklang preamps are great. they allow you to dial in enough variations to be useful, but are very natural and transparent. These basses take such a good setup; it's very easy to achieve a low action without any compromises, and they are absolutely effortless to play IMO. They're not necessarily the colours I would have chosen if I could afford to buy new, but the used Sandberg buyer can't afford to be too picky! Obviously describing sound is subjective and difficult to do. but I would describe the two Basic 4s as being kind of like a cross between a Stingray (obviously), a Warwick Thumb, and a super jazz blended more towards the bridge pickup. They are punchy, growly and articulate. You can dial in great tones for most styles, particularly IMO a nice burpy funky fingerstyle sound, and a great slap tone, although it also does a good rock pick sound.The pickup is slightly further forward than on a 'Ray. The Basic Ken Taylor is obviously much more sonically versatile, with the two pickups and the option to split them to single coil. It is also slightly warmer sounding, I think due to the fact it's Alder bodied, unlike the other two which are Ash. The Glock also has a push/pull volume pot for true passive bypass, and with the EQ centred there is zero volume or tone difference when you switch between active and passive. Anyway, here's some pics. The bottom one is an attempt to show how slim the neck is, although I don't know how well it comes across. Also I made the clear pickguard for the greenburst one recently to show off the colour. [attachment=100360:IMG_1787.JPG] [attachment=100367:IMG_1792.JPG] [attachment=100361:IMG_1788 - Copy.JPG] [attachment=100362:IMG_1789 - Copy.JPG] [attachment=100363:IMG_1790 - Copy.JPG] [attachment=100368:IMG_1793 - Copy.JPG] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted February 19, 2012 Share Posted February 19, 2012 A change of username to BERGboy seems appropriate My Basic PM4 [IMG]http://i308.photobucket.com/albums/kk344/ezbass/PB090001.jpg[/IMG] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustaBass Posted February 19, 2012 Share Posted February 19, 2012 [quote name='TRBboy' timestamp='1329662632' post='1545461'] Well, as some of you already know, in the last 12 months I've finally discovered the bass that works perfectly for me; the Sandberg Basic. Since I bought my first one last March, I've changed my three main basses for Sandbergs, including getting rid of my old faithful US Jazz which had been my go-to bass since I bought it 14 years ago. I'm so happy with my basses at the moment, and have zero GAS (for basses anyway.... ). I find that the neck is absolutely perfect for my hands, VERY slim with a lovely profile that flattens out down the centreline slightly. They sound great too, although it took me a little while to get used to. They're much brighter, responsive and harmonically rich than any other basses I've owned, and the Glockenklang preamps are great. they allow you to dial in enough variations to be useful, but are very natural and transparent. These basses take such a good setup; it's very easy to achieve a low action without any compromises, and they are absolutely effortless to play IMO. They're not necessarily the colours I would have chosen if I could afford to buy new, but the used Sandberg buyer can't afford to be too picky! Obviously describing sound is subjective and difficult to do. but I would describe the two Basic 4s as being kind of like a cross between a Stingray (obviously), a Warwick Thumb, and a super jazz blended more towards the bridge pickup. They are punchy, growly and articulate. You can dial in great tones for most styles, particularly IMO a nice burpy funky fingerstyle sound, and a great slap tone, although it also does a good rock pick sound.The pickup is slightly further forward than on a 'Ray. The Basic Ken Taylor is obviously much more sonically versatile, with the two pickups and the option to split them to single coil. It is also slightly warmer sounding, I think due to the fact it's Alder bodied, unlike the other two which are Ash. The Glock also has a push/pull volume pot for true passive bypass, and with the EQ centred there is zero volume or tone difference when you switch between active and passive. Anyway, here's some pics. The bottom one is an attempt to show how slim the neck is, although I don't know how well it comes across. Also I made the clear pickguard for the greenburst one recently to show off the colour. [attachment=100360:IMG_1787.JPG] [attachment=100367:IMG_1792.JPG] [attachment=100361:IMG_1788 - Copy.JPG] [attachment=100362:IMG_1789 - Copy.JPG] [attachment=100363:IMG_1790 - Copy.JPG] [attachment=100368:IMG_1793 - Copy.JPG] [/quote] Which of the 3 is your favourite and why? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRBboy Posted February 19, 2012 Author Share Posted February 19, 2012 [quote name='ezbass' timestamp='1329670886' post='1545609'] A change of username to BERGboy seems appropriate My Basic PM4 [IMG]http://i308.photobucket.com/albums/kk344/ezbass/PB090001.jpg[/IMG] [/quote] Yeah, I was thinking that too! I'd love a Basic PM, but you don't seem to see them about. I had a California PM for a while, and I loved the pickup combo but it just didn't feel as nice as the Basic (and it seemed to weigh a fair bit more). If you ever fancy trading for a Basic let me know....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRBboy Posted February 19, 2012 Author Share Posted February 19, 2012 [quote name='JustaBass' timestamp='1329675373' post='1545706'] Which of the 3 is your favourite and why? [/quote] I guess I probably like the natural one best. It's my favourite colour out of the three, and it's in mint condition. Sound and playability wise, there's not much to choose. Obviously the Ken Taylor is a bit more versatile, I'm still getting to grips with it because I haven't had it long, but it does growl! The greenburst one is the most "played-in" out of the three, which kind of makes it feel nice. There's really not much to choose between them really! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pietruszka Posted February 20, 2012 Share Posted February 20, 2012 Sandberg fan here to! I have the Basic fretless and it's excellent, and I know what you mean about the necks. They're so lovely and thin. Good to hear you like them so much! Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CyberBass Posted February 20, 2012 Share Posted February 20, 2012 Am loving my Californian tt umbo, and would definately get other Sandbergs to add to my armoury when I can afford too :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRBboy Posted February 20, 2012 Author Share Posted February 20, 2012 Glad to see there's quite a few other Sandberg lovers on here! Did you guys have the same sort of epiphany when you first tried one; did you think "oh hell yeah, this is for me!" I really find that these basses inspire me to play better, because they just feel so "right" in my hands and easy to play. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted February 20, 2012 Share Posted February 20, 2012 This thread needs more photos! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRBboy Posted February 20, 2012 Author Share Posted February 20, 2012 [quote name='ezbass' timestamp='1329743493' post='1546556'] This thread needs more photos! [/quote] Yes definitely! And where's Longtimefred? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeh Posted February 20, 2012 Share Posted February 20, 2012 Not a great pic, but here's me and my natural ash California JM4. Stunning bass, both in terms of looks, playability and sound. Although both implies 2 things I named 3 things!! I could go on. I truely have a lot of love for Sandberg now, eats Fenders for breakfast IMHO[attachment=100476:sandberg jm4.jpg] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pietruszka Posted February 20, 2012 Share Posted February 20, 2012 Yes! I agree! More pics! My fretless basic; [attachment=100478:IMG_6465.jpg][attachment=100479:IMG_6466.jpg] It has a custom made truss rod cover made from rosewood and Im after another rosewood scratch plate like the one on my stingray. Is there a Sandberg thread in the gear porn? Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin8708 Posted February 20, 2012 Share Posted February 20, 2012 I have been looking at the Sandberg P-Basses with some interest , the stock available in the UK is quite limited , but there are some very tasty looking basses on some of the European / German websites with free shipping to the UK . My only concern with these basses is every reveiw I have read comments on the weight of P and J based models . Buying from Europe is a bit of a gamble as the specs published by most internet shops are basic at best ( no weight or nut width ) so you may be buying a boat anchor when pushing the buy it now button . Any one have any experiance with the P or J Sandbergs ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRBboy Posted February 20, 2012 Author Share Posted February 20, 2012 Well done for getting more pics up guys! I guess this should be a porn thread really..... Mikeh, loving the natural/black Cali JM, and I wholeheartedly second your opinion about Fenders! Like I said, my US Jazz had been my old faithful for a very long time, until I got my first Sandberg, after which the Fender just felt like hard work and not very pleasing (even though it was a great bass). Dan, I would LOVE a go on a fretless basic, I bet they're awesome! Is that your main bass or not? Hmmm, a white pearloid scratchplate might look nice on my greenburst......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRBboy Posted February 20, 2012 Author Share Posted February 20, 2012 [quote name='martin8708' timestamp='1329773674' post='1547229'] I have been looking at the Sandberg P-Basses with some interest , the stock available in the UK is quite limited , but there are some very tasty looking basses on some of the European / German websites with free shipping to the UK . My only concern with these basses is every reveiw I have read comments on the weight of P and J based models . Buying from Europe is a bit of a gamble as the specs published by most internet shops are basic at best ( no weight or nut width ) so you may be buying a boat anchor when pushing the buy it now button . Any one have any experiance with the P or J Sandbergs ?? [/quote] Yes, I had a California PM (the p type one), and yes it was quite heavy. Since getting my Ken Taylor, I've realised that potentially the gloss finish (alder bodied) ones seem to be lighter than the matt finish (ash bodied) ones. BCer longtimefred is a Sandberg endorser and has an Ash bodied California PM, and might be happy to give you a nut width and weight if you PM him. Mikeh (see above) has a California JM (j type) and might be willing to do the same. You really need to try one out if you can. The PMT group have the biggest stocks in the UK and they will move them between branches if you want to try a specific model. Guitarguitar also have some now, but not many I think. They are exceptionally good value on the used market, but you can't be too picky about colours, etc., as there's not a huge number floating about. Thomann seems to be considerably cheaper than anywhere else at the moment if you're buying new. I strongly recommend you try one as they are superb basses! Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pietruszka Posted February 20, 2012 Share Posted February 20, 2012 Trb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pietruszka Posted February 20, 2012 Share Posted February 20, 2012 TRBoy, where are you based? If you're ever in the north east you are more than welcome to have a blast and a cuppa. It kind of is and isn't my main bass, I use it in the country/rock/blues band Im in and the stringray for the club band. I may be convinced to swap scratch plates with you if you'd like. Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRBboy Posted February 21, 2012 Author Share Posted February 21, 2012 [quote name='pietruszka' timestamp='1329780768' post='1547424'] TRBoy, where are you based? If you're ever in the north east you are more than welcome to have a blast and a cuppa. It kind of is and isn't my main bass, I use it in the country/rock/blues band Im in and the stringray for the club band. I may be convinced to swap scratch plates with you if you'd like. Dan [/quote] Thanks for the kind offer Dan, but I'm in Hereford so quite a long way away! If I'm ever in your area I'll give you a shout. I made the clear pickguard, and it's not quite perfect up close, and the original one was black and a bit worn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pietruszka Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 [quote name='TRBboy' timestamp='1329782646' post='1547458'] Thanks for the kind offer Dan, but I'm in Hereford so quite a long way away! If I'm ever in your area I'll give you a shout. I made the clear pickguard, and it's not quite perfect up close, and the original one was black and a bit worn. [/quote] Nonsense! Iv got fuel in the car, I'll see you in 10 minutes! I can still post it to you if you want to see what it looks like anyway, its not bother, just drop me a pm. Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 Ain't it great when you find a way to dial in your tone for hundreds of quid rather than thousands? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GregHughes Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 I've been gassing after a TT (used to be JJ) 4 string for while and might have to pick one up new as I don't think I can't wait until a 2nd hand one comes along as they seem pretty rare, mostly JM4's on here which isn't the tone I'm after. Can't decide whether to go for aged though. They look great but it does seem a little odd to actually pay extra to have it scratched up. From what I can see aged seemed to be pretty popular for resell, not that I'm thinking about that now but you never know. Was thinking light blue, red or possibly even pink, hardcore aged. Any thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon1964 Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 [quote name='TRBboy' timestamp='1329677990' post='1545790'] I'd love a Basic PM, but you don't seem to see them about. [/quote] There's a lovely Basic PM at Fuzz Music in Nottingham at the moment. I had a play on it last week, and it's one of the nicest basses I've played in a long time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRBboy Posted February 21, 2012 Author Share Posted February 21, 2012 [quote name='GregHughes' timestamp='1329863035' post='1548899'] I've been gassing after a TT (used to be JJ) 4 string for while and might have to pick one up new as I don't think I can't wait until a 2nd hand one comes along as they seem pretty rare, mostly JM4's on here which isn't the tone I'm after. Can't decide whether to go for aged though. They look great but it does seem a little odd to actually pay extra to have it scratched up. From what I can see aged seemed to be pretty popular for resell, not that I'm thinking about that now but you never know. Was thinking light blue, red or possibly even pink, hardcore aged. Any thoughts? [/quote] Yes. Do it! I think both the blue and pink look great, but if it was me, I think I'd go for the pink with a maple board Have you tried a TM? because the MM is so far back, it does just sound like a more muscular J pup, and it does have a coil split switch. I would love to be in a position to buy a brand new Sandberg in exactly the colour I want...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRBboy Posted February 21, 2012 Author Share Posted February 21, 2012 [quote name='simon1964' timestamp='1329864619' post='1548935'] There's a lovely Basic PM at Fuzz Music in Nottingham at the moment. I had a play on it last week, and it's one of the nicest basses I've played in a long time. [/quote] Dare I ask...... ........what colour? How much? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon1964 Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 [quote name='TRBboy' timestamp='1329865006' post='1548941'] Dare I ask...... ........what colour? How much? [/quote] Its in blackburst. I can't remember the exact price - but from memory it was £950ish. Please buy it, as I'm very tempted but can't justify another bass They've also got an absolutely stunning California JM in Lake Placid Blue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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