Musicman20 Posted September 6, 2012 Author Share Posted September 6, 2012 [quote name='walbassist' timestamp='1346966826' post='1795578'] For your consideration, just in at Bass Direct.... [/quote] I like it but I'm not 100% sold on relic basses...but I could be swayed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
franzbassist Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 [quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1346968121' post='1795600'] I like it but I'm not 100% sold on relic basses...but I could be swayed. [/quote] I know what you mean. That said, my VT% is going to be aged, just because it's almost a trademark of what Sandberg is (i.e. a nice shiny new Sandberg looks weird!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 Gareth, You have given me GAS !! That's a sweetie if ever there was one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted September 7, 2012 Author Share Posted September 7, 2012 I'm trying to get a bass on order now. Not sure what I'm going to go for but I'm checking the stock. If the Marlowe DK was available in the UK close to the Thomann price I think I'd pounce. After researching around for something that isn't a Fender/Musicman bass, I think I've found something different, but still retaining the classic styling, etc. Also, they aren't stupidly expensive. I was set on looking at a Sadowsky Metro but I can't bring myself to spend £2K on a bass that doesn't absolutely 'wow' me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pietruszka Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 [quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1347011804' post='1795910'] I'm trying to get a bass on order now. Not sure what I'm going to go for but I'm checking the stock. If the Marlowe DK was available in the UK close to the Thomann price I think I'd pounce. After researching around for something that isn't a Fender/Musicman bass, I think I've found something different, but still retaining the classic styling, etc. Also, they aren't stupidly expensive. I was set on looking at a Sadowsky Metro but I can't bring myself to spend £2K on a bass that doesn't absolutely 'wow' me. [/quote] I know exactly what you mean. I feel lucky to have played a Sadowski jazz and it was possibly one of the nicest basses I've ever played, no more than a Sandberg though. Well not enough of a difference to justify spending double. Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 [quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1347011804' post='1795910'] If the Marlowe DK was available in the UK close to the Thomann price I think I'd pounce. [/quote] So buy it from Thomann then! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rumple Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 Out of interest does anyone know if you can custom order say a 34" scale 5 string with 17mm string spacing? tell me you can't as it would one day save me a fortune and I can put one of my many cases of GAS to bed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted September 7, 2012 Author Share Posted September 7, 2012 [quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1347020143' post='1796073'] So buy it from Thomann then! [/quote] Im a bit worried about their customer service to be honest...only because of a few horror stories. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yorick Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 (edited) [quote name='pietruszka' timestamp='1346930668' post='1794900'] What, two pick guards? [/quote] Funny you should say that, but yeah, as well Edited September 7, 2012 by yorick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pietruszka Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 [quote name='yorick' timestamp='1347023739' post='1796133'] Funny you should say that, but yeah, as well [/quote] Haha! They're a bit on the big side for beer mats aren't they? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 [quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1347023649' post='1796131'] Im a bit worried about their customer service to be honest...only because of a few horror stories. [/quote] Really? They've had at least £5000 out of me over the years and they've been ace every time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thodrik Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 [quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1347028413' post='1796209'] Really? They've had at least £5000 out of me over the years and they've been ace every time [/quote] I've never had a problem either. Everybody has horror stories these days, the key point is the how frequently the horror stories actually occur. Given the OP's previous luck with a previous Musicman order though, I would guess that whatever bass he ends up ordering, irrespective of the dealer he orders it through, could have any of the following issues: [list=1] [*]dodgy truss rod [*]substandard neck pocket with massive gap [*]Substandard finish or cracks, chips and dings on the finish [*]Completely different finish from the one ordered [*]Completely different model of bass from the one ordered [*]Substandard fretwork [*]Pick ups are totally misaligned [*]The EU disbands leading to massive tariffs for all cross border transactions, making the bass a lot more expensive. [*]Instrument is lost during the delivery process [*]Sandberg goes bankrupt as a consequence of point 8, so the bass is never actually made. [/list] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BluRay Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 [quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1347023649' post='1796131'] Im a bit worried about their customer service to be honest...only because of a few horror stories. [/quote] I've used them a few times - they've been fine. Prompt delivery, well packaged etc. They seem to have a good returns policy - tho I've not needed it I've been eyeing up the Sandbergs for a while too. Not sure about the reverse P pup - looks better with it the right (?) way round,. And with J instead of the bucker. And with dots. And rosewood. And matching headstock. hmmm how do I order that??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prime_BASS Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 I'm still in love with my Sandberg basic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grand Wazoo Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 [quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1347023649' post='1796131'] Im a bit worried about their customer service to be honest...only because of a few horror stories. [/quote] But... but... but... if I remember rightly, it was [i][b]YOU[/b][/i] that told us [i][b]HORRIBLE STORIES [/b][/i]in the past related to your [b][i]SHOCKING[/i][/b] experience with EBMM basses, what with your new bass received with a neck swapped from another one from Strings and Things, and the other one with the neck pocket out of line and I am sure there were more I can't remember right now. Oh and previously what about your other negative experience with Bass Merchant in Colchester, with basses ordered and paid and never received? I tell you Gareth we've read about more [b][sub]horrible[/sub] [sup]stories[/sup][/b] from you than from headlines in the [color=#ff0000][i][b]News on Sunday[/b][/i] [/color]or [color=#ff0000][i][b]The Sun[/b][/i][/color] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grand Wazoo Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 The moral of the story always remains: don't knock it til you try it! The way I see, you started this thread declaring the following: [b]Sandberg Basses... "I think I've caught the bug on these" ...[/b] Then when we all chipped in with our individual experience with them [size=4](personally I only tried a few but other people who actually own them gave you some extremely positive review points on them) and yet you've managed to dig around for negative points and horror stories, regardless of the positive comments, and... what I don't understand is if you had heard about those horror stories before you started the thread then why styarting a thread saying you've caught the bug on them, it's inconsistent, ain't it? [/size] [size=4]Bah... ? [/size] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyTravis Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 It sounds daft, but their take on the 4-a-side headstock design has always put me off Sandberg basses - Same as the G&L Headstock design always put me off. That by my own admission is a pathetic reason not to like a bass... Still, I thought i'd give them a go while in Frankfurt earlier this year. Played a California VM which was on the TC stand... This bass felt nice, but was terribly set up - Just wasnt nice to play on, although the finish on the neck was nice. I'd love to have a go on one properly set up as i did get some great sounds out of it. In saying this I also played the USA Lakland on the Ashdown stand and it played like a pig too - I was gutted, as it looked the dogs nadgers. Riles me when manufacturers of amps put demo basses out on their stands with old strings and crap setups. On the relic thing, I really don't get what the script is with ESP, Sandberg and now seemingly Sadowsky and G&L offering 'aged' versions of their versions of Fender basses...I understand their need to produce in demand designs, i.e. Jazz Bass types, and 'improved' versions fully...but not 'aged' ones. See, I to an extent understand why Fender and Gibson do it - "Hey, our ultra desirable and ever so expensive 1960's holy grails too much money? If you answered yes, have your little bit of the grail with these road worn/relic/VOS/Aged recreations..." I've owned a CS relic, and loved the feel, but always felt a bit of a cheeseball with my 'aged' bass...I don't know...Is it just me who understands the Fender relics and not any other brands? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted September 7, 2012 Author Share Posted September 7, 2012 [quote name='Grand Wazoo' timestamp='1347048251' post='1796520'] But... but... but... if I remember rightly, it was [i][b]YOU[/b][/i] that told us [i][b]HORRIBLE STORIES [/b][/i]in the past related to your [b][i]SHOCKING[/i][/b] experience with EBMM basses, what with your new bass received with a neck swapped from another one from Strings and Things, and the other one with the neck pocket out of line and I am sure there were more I can't remember right now. Oh and previously what about your other negative experience with Bass Merchant in Colchester, with basses ordered and paid and never received? I tell you Gareth we've read about more [b][sub]horrible[/sub] [sup]stories[/sup][/b] from you than from headlines in the [color=#ff0000][i][b]News on Sunday[/b][/i] [/color]or [color=#ff0000][i][b]The Sun[/b][/i][/color] [/quote] To summarise that, it was one EBMM Ray HH which I found out was actually not how it left the factory, and nothing to do with BM chaps. There was a mistake in ordering and in the end, they put what neck I wanted on a body they had in the UK. Apparently that will never happen again, after the problems it caused. It shouldn't have happened. All is forgiven when the actual bass I ordered turned up a month later and I got it through GAK, and got about £200 knocked off it and a few spare guards...so in the end they did the right thing and S&T since have been totally on the ball. I've barely bought a thing since then as I'm very paranoid about what goes on behind closed doors before a customer gets it. I've seen shops selling 2005 Bongos for full price recently (not any of the specialists) and found out they got them cheap and wanted to make more profit whilst selling very old stock with dead strings and probably a coating on the chrome etc. Anyway, I'm now ready to try test the water with Sandberg. I'd still get another Musicman but I don't need anymore haha! Despite the heavy relic I like the Marlowe DK! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRBboy Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 [quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1347023649' post='1796131'] Im a bit worried about their customer service to be honest...only because of a few horror stories. [/quote] I looked at Thomann and Session Music too (and sent emails back and forth regarding my requirements). In the end, Synergy were the most helpful, and I felt happy to pay the TINY bit more just to have someone in the UK I can pick up the phone and talk to about it, and I know that if I have any issues with it, it will be easy to sort out. I have to say that Session Music were very helpful too, but Thomann didn't really seem interested in my business....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRBboy Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 [quote name='BluRay' timestamp='1347042726' post='1796435'] I've used them a few times - they've been fine. Prompt delivery, well packaged etc. They seem to have a good returns policy - tho I've not needed it I've been eyeing up the Sandbergs for a while too. Not sure about the reverse P pup - looks better with it the right (?) way round,. And with J instead of the bucker. And with dots. And rosewood. And matching headstock. hmmm how do I order that??? [/quote] The P might look better the right way round, but the reason that Sandberg (and a lot of other manufacturers) reverse it is to offer a little more balance, so that the D and G have got a little more guts, and the E and A sound a little more defined, but it is only a small difference really. How do you order what you want? Speak to Alan Greensall at Synergy Distribution and get the ball rolling! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRBboy Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 [quote name='Prime_BASS' timestamp='1347044170' post='1796455'] I'm still in love with my Sandberg basic. [/quote] Good! I was looking at pictures of it yesterday, and feeling a bit sad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRBboy Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 Obviously I'm now a massive Sandberg convert. I don't like to say that they're better than everything else, because it's all down to personal preference. All I know is that I think they're superb VFM for a hand made bass, with plenty of options available "as standard", and for me I've never played basses that feel so "right" in my hands (and sound right for me). The Basic series really float my boat, but I owned a California PM4 for a while, and have played a few other Cali's, and as someone who played a USA Jazz for most of my playing life so far I really think they take some beating if you're into Fender style basses. The build quality and playability are exceptional, and I think they represent excellent VFM, especially considering how much Fender have hiked their prices in the last 12 months or so, and when you consider the cost of other handbuilt Fender style basses (I know Sadowski has already been mentioned). Just my 2p worth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_bass5 Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 [quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1347023649' post='1796131'] Im a bit worried about their customer service to be honest...only because of a few horror stories. [/quote] I too have brought loads from them. They might not be the cheapest these days but i have found their customer service second to none, and i mean none over here. I think the Sandbergs are nice instruments but dont like the look of the plain necks. I dont NEED the dots but i like them where they should be. The customs have blocks and they look much nicer IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thodrik Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 [quote name='dave_bass5' timestamp='1347059961' post='1796700'] I think the Sandbergs are nice instruments but dont like the look of the plain necks. I dont NEED the dots but i like them where they should be. The customs have blocks and they look much nicer IMO. [/quote] I have never found the lack of dots to be problem when playing. However in a jam practice situation when trying to show stuff to guitarists the lack of dots can sometimes be a pain, as there are lot more 'what fret/note are you on?' questions as compared to when the guitarist can see the dots. On Fender based instruments I do prefer the dots, though that might just be through convention. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted September 7, 2012 Author Share Posted September 7, 2012 (edited) [quote name='Grand Wazoo' timestamp='1347049334' post='1796540'] The moral of the story always remains: don't knock it til you try it! The way I see, you started this thread declaring the following: [b]Sandberg Basses... "I think I've caught the bug on these" ...[/b] Then when we all chipped in with our individual experience with them [size=4](personally I only tried a few but other people who actually own them gave you some extremely positive review points on them) and yet you've managed to dig around for negative points and horror stories, regardless of the positive comments, and... what I don't understand is if you had heard about those horror stories before you started the thread then why styarting a thread saying you've caught the bug on them, it's inconsistent, ain't it? [/size] [size=4]Bah... ? [/size] [/quote] Ay?! This was about Thomann, nothing to do with Sandberg. I haven't looked for anythng negative, I just remember a few threads, one from Nigel on here, saying how bad the Thomann return service was. I think you've headed down the wrong path on this one....I wouldn't for one second doubt Sandberg. I have no reason to. This thread was to simply create some discussion on the relicing, the different styles and sounds of pups, etc. After all the messing about I've had, I definitely haven't got time for that. My work is far too busy for me to be taking time off for pickups/deliveries. Anyway, this isn't about my bad experiences, I want this to be a fun experience!!! Edited September 7, 2012 by Musicman20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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