grayn

Interesting, thanks. The shop told me is wasn't a Lionel but I'm happy either way. Loved Sandbergs for many a year and now I'm a short scale player, these are perfect.

Very tasty bass, congrats.

I have owned a Lionel, not long back, but am not really sure of the difference. It was a great bass but I'd give this the edge over it. Not sure why. Just feels that bit more solid and classy.

Just acquired this lovely Sandberg California V Short Scale.

A couple of months ago, I was in Promenade Music, buying a nylon string guitar and spotted a rather lovely, short scale Sandberg bass. It's matt redburst finish, ebony fingerboard and black hardware, really impressed me. So, after 2 months of trying not to think about it, I went over to Morecambe, to check it out. I have owned a number of Sandbergs over the years, including a Lionel Short Scale, and they have never disappointed. It's a simple P-style bass but oozes quality. The split-coil pickup is clear, punchy and full of character, with a lovely harmonic range. The neck, like every Sandberg I have owned plays just right, with a solidity and high quality that matches or surpasses anything else in this style. Yes, this is a serious bass, that looks very cool, to my eyes and really performs through my bass set-up (Galien-Kruger/Mark Bass).

The Vintera, every time. But what about a preowned American Performer?

You can get one for around £900. Not keen on the pink.

Just acquired a Fender, Made In Japan, Junior Collection, Jazz Bass. Really nice bass.

Scale wise yes but otherwise, the body is larger and it looks a lot less toy like than a Mustang. I often think if they just scaled down the size of the headstock, the Mustang would look so much better.

I have owned quite a few Jazz basses over the years but have moved over to short scale basses, in the last couple of years. I remember seeing these Japanese made, Junior Collection Jazz Basses and wanting one but I never saw one close enough to go and check it out. Then I saw one in a relatively local store, so went to play it this morning. This short scale Jazzer looks really nice, with it's vintage white (or cream to ordinary folk) body and tort scratchplate. There is nothing flash here and the body has a satin finish. But that all works rather well and happily, when you play it, it is a very nice experience too. It a very comfortable bass, with a good balance. The pickups are decent and sound as you'd expect. They are not the best JB pickups I have heard but they are clear and pretty full, for single-coils. I managed to get all the tones I wanted, with some amp eq-ing and pickup volume balance adjustment. The tone control is very useful too and really helps shaping your desired sound. Overall then, a very well made bass, with no frills, loads of playability and some very useful tones. All for not a lot of cash and made in Japan. Very happy with this.

I wonder if Gibson/Epi would be upset by this Rivertone?

Very cool. Really gives the bass a whole new look.

Stunning bass, congrats.

Love the colour of the neck. Looks a nice bass. As does the Mustang. Congrats.

Yes, I meant that most other brands of single pickup basses do not have that single pickup so close to the bridge. If Leo said it works that way, then it probably does.

I went out early this morning, to meet up and collect an EBMM Short Scale Stingray, from Basschatter Bunion, who had been very accomodating, in getting this superb shorty into my very eager hands. This little beauty was made in August 2020 and when I took hold of it, this a.m., apart from a little pickguard wear, it looked like it had just come off the assembly line, in California. My previous Stingray experience was 4 different full size models, including an HS pickup version, that to my ears had the best sound but unfortunately had the widest fingerboard of any bass I have owned. I also, not long ago, had a Sterling by MM, S.S. Stingray, in Daphne Blue. That Sterling was very nicely designed and made and opened my eyes to the sounds available on a passive Stingray, with series, parallel and single-coil options on the pickup. And I have to say, I love this passive short scaler. Even before I bothered with the tone control, I spent ages playing with the 3 pickup settings. Enjoying every one. I think parallel is how the usual Stingray pickups are wired and to my ears, this certainly gives this bass that edgy, almost throaty sound. For my playing, which is 95% fingerstyle, I think the series and single coil options probably suit best. And although the pickup is far closer to the bridge than most other single pickup basses, this bass sure has plenty of bottom end. No amp EQ fiddling needed here. Just pluck a little nearer the neck and you'll be sweetly rewarded with a deep, lush sound. And it is all the sounds you can get, just using simple technique, that to me, shows just how good this bass is. A compact bass that is a breeze to play. The Vintage Sunburst body and roasted maple neck, not only look great but assist in this short scaler's excellent feel and sound.

Just bought an EBMM Short Scale Stingray from Ian. Very pleasant process and even better outcome. Cheers Ian.

I think the black, with tort scratch-plate, is my favourite of the colours these intriguing basses come in.

Nice review and it is genuinely good to hear when someone finds a bass that just does it for them, no fuss or fanfare, just a bass that works. Congrats.

Improved? Hipshot upgrades. Not sure about those new tuners.

I'm impressed. I wonder how long before it hits the shelves?

I think the bridge looks just right on that bass.

Looks like it's influenced by the Epiphone Newport and Serek Midwestern. Look better with a 2-a-side headstock.

I am looking forward to hearing that lobster guy doing a full review of the Newport. I don't agree with everything he says but he plays well and demonstrates what the bass can do. All these others can't seem to play without buzzing and farting, or distorting.