Sandberg TM5 (old Fender shape) maybe it's a JM5? Now £1100 - *SOLD* £1200 Edinburgh

[EmmettC]

I'm not sure about this one, I might still change my mind, it's one of the best basses I've ever owned, but (very big but) it is really heavy. According to my cheap luggage scales it's 4.9Kg. 
I bought it here around 10 years ago, I used it for wedding gigs until my back hurt too much, sold it to a friend then bought it back again because it's so nice - I sort of forgot about the weight issue.
It has a John East J retro fitted (John kindly provided a matching switch for the coil split too, so it looks very neat). My friend kept the original Glockenlang preamp for another bass when I bought it back, but I didn't like the eq on it anyway.
My friend managed to dig a big thumb hole by the bridge pickup in the short time he had it, and it has a few dings on the headstock, picked up at gigs over the years (see pics). Apart from that it's in good condition.
The only reason to let this go would be to get something more useful for me, short scale 5 (wilcock), or a hollow body (Warwick or Ibanez?) or a Genzler Kinetix.
If you have a strong back, or like heavy instruments, this might be among the best basses around. 
PS the photos were taken on a really sunny day, it usually doesn't look so red, it's normally closer to brown, but the matt sunburst changes depending on the light - I love it.
Edit to say, I have the original Sandberg gig bag (practically unused)
I'd prefer collection in Edinburgh, or meet within reasonable distance, particularly given the weight...

Edited 5 hours ago by EmmettC

[Terry M.]

Looks amazing. What is meant by "Old Fender shape?"

[EmmettC]

7 minutes ago, Terry M. said:

Looks amazing. What is meant by "Old Fender shape?"

Sandberg California series used to look very much like Fender P and J basses, but a few years back they changed shape slightly. I guess Fender put some pressure on them. The new shapes are nice, but I still prefer this design.
The old one is what I have fro sale, the new one looks like this..
https://images.app.goo.gl/hS73DPv62uQvmGP5A

[EmmettC]

One last bump and if no one wants it, I'll keep it and try chambering it from the back for a bit of weight relief. It's such a great bass!!!

[wayne dowkes white]

Good afternoon, its this still for sale cheers, 

[Veils]

Please someone correct me if they know better, but I think this is a JM5, not a TM5. 
 

They were called JM back in the day, when they had that particular shaping in how the scratchplate joins with the controls. I’m only calling this out because JMs are bloody hard to find now!

[Terry M.]

7 hours ago, Veils said:

Please someone correct me if they know better, but I think this is a JM5, not a TM5. 
 

They were called JM back in the day, when they had that particular shaping in how the scratchplate joins with the controls. I’m only calling this out because JMs are bloody hard to find now!

According to this you're spot on.

 

[EmmettC]

On 05/09/2025 at 15:12, wayne dowkes white said:

Good afternoon, its this still for sale cheers, 

Apologies for the delay, yes still available.

 

On 05/09/2025 at 20:41, Veils said:

Please someone correct me if they know better, but I think this is a JM5, not a TM5. 
 

They were called JM back in the day, when they had that particular shaping in how the scratchplate joins with the controls. I’m only calling this out because JMs are bloody hard to find now!

Could be, I just googled it and assumed it was the same name as they are currently - despite the different shape.

[EmmettC]

I decided to go back to university to do a Masters and the fees are killing me. Could do with getting some money in, offers will be considered, and likely accepted very quickly.

[Veils]

Someone please buy this bass. You’re getting a hell of a lot for not much money.

[Simj]

I'm rather more of a guitarist than bassist so little bit of help please?

 

Is this tonally more jazz or precision?

 

Thanks

[EmmettC]

It's definitely more jazz, but it's a bit more versatile than an average jazz.