TRBboy

I miss it! Seriously awesome bass, wish I could've afforded to keep it and satisfy my GAS. I promise I'll change my avatar soon, feels like I've got a picture of someone else's girlfriend or something! Enjoy it man!

Bought my first Sandberg last year (and 3 more since!) and haven't looked back. For me, I've never found another bass which is quite so comfortable to play, or just feels "right" in my hands. Most of them aren't particularly fancy, they're really well made workhorse basses IMO, but they just sound and feel great and the materials/construction quality at this pricepoint should really embarrass some of the big name manufacturers. If you're ordering a new one too, there's sooo many different options to choose from, and that's before you start getting into "custom build" territory. If you search, there's several threads on here about them. I've had a couple of Basics (matt finish with ash bodies), a California PM (also matt/ash) and a Basic Ken Taylor (high gloss/alder). The one that really does it for me is the Ken Taylor; feels great and the tone is a little more rounded and less "modern", seemingly as a result of the Alder body. It's very light for a 5er too, I make it about 7.5 - 8lb on my (crappy) bathroom scales! In fact I will be ordering a brand new Basic Ken Taylor 5 soon, just need to decide on the finish! BTW, there's a lovely Greenburst Basic 4 for sale on here.....

[quote name='xgsjx' timestamp='1338275983' post='1671838'] You should spend a little time in the Amps & Cabs section, there's one or two debates in there about it. The main reason for mixing driver sizes is marteting. If you look at the specs on Mark Bass' website you'll see that your combo & the 151P both go down to 40hz. If you added a 102HF you'd get the same amount of bass as you are with the 151P. It has nothing to do with the driver's diameter & all to do with the cab design. Have a look on Barefaced's website if you don't believe me. [/quote] I disagree about the marketing thing. In fact THAT'S more likely to be a marketing line from the guys peddling the smaller speakers. It's not about the frequencies themselves, but more the way that different size driver units handle them, and the physics of the driver movement. A larger driver will move slightly differently to a smaller driver, and moves more air each time. There has to be a characteristic difference in the sound. Cab design and construction does make a difference, but if you have two "matching" cabs from the same manufacturer that are the same power handling and impedance, but different sized drivers, there WILL be a difference.

[quote name='Muzz' timestamp='1338281645' post='1671932'] I've got a 2x15 which is punchier and has less lows than my last 4x10. It's much, much less to do with the speaker sizes and much, much more to do with the cabs. A visit to Bass Direct will demonstrate this admirably. [/quote] Are your cabs the same brand, power handling and impedance? I would be quite surprised to hear a difference like that if they are. You're right though, the cab construction, type of drivers, etc, etc does all make a difference. But if you do have two "matching" cabs by the same manufacturer with different size drivers in, they will sound different. Mark at Bass Direct is a great guy, (and I know I'll get shot down for this!) but I think some people on here think that his opinion is gospel and is 100% right all the time. Don't forget he is a business man and is there to sell what's in his shop too.

Personally I would say that if you're considering a Fender Deluxe Jazz, get a Sandberg! Better quality for less money. I'm genuinely amazed that so many people can't get their heads around mixing 10's and 15's! People have been doing it for decades! You get the get the gut rumbling lows from the 15 and more punch and focus from the 10's. I've always had both! Used to have a Trace 4x10" and 1x15" stack for about 10 years, and now I've got a 2x10" markbass combo and 1x15" ext cab. My advice would be go for a 2x10" and 1x15", then use the 2x10" for small gigs/rehearsal. Mind you, I planned to do this but I end up taking the 1x15" everywhere too because the 10's just don't hit the spot for me on their own!

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1338238994' post='1671510'] What are the Procells like? Seems like the price is to good to be true! [/quote] Well, they're basically the same as the Duracells you buy from the supermarket, but they're just bulk-packaged and aimed at professional users. AFAIK, the RRP is supposed to be about £25 - £30 for a box of 10, it's just some people sell em cheap! I haven't worried about batteries since I started playing Sandbergs, because if the battery goes I can just carry on in passive mode until there's a suitable time to shove a fresh one in. (yes, yes, I know loads of other basses have a passive bypass too! )

Duracell Procell. You can buy a box of 10 for about £7 off Amazon or ebay, and they're great batteries. Just remember to unplug your lead when you're not playing and they should last ages!

I think any blocks are fine as long as they suit the bass, as in most of the examples above. Don't like the black blocks and seafoam green though! It looks like a proper cut 'n' shut job! FWIW I think that P/J is about the best pickup combo for a passive bass!

Gotta be honest, I don't think the SRX300 are anywhere near as good as the SR300, in terms of feel, sound, and build quality. If you want a cheap, versatile, quality starter bass, I would look for a used Yamaha RBX270. Awesome basses for about £100 (give or take) used, and easy to modify. I've got one that I use as a backup/practice bass. I upgraded the pickups, wiring and bridge, and it's killer! I would gladly play it on any gig.

[quote name='dudi8' timestamp='1337970470' post='1668275'] i think their imbuia is stunning!! [/quote] It is beautiful, but I'm not really a "posh wood" sorta guy!

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1337959885' post='1668106'] I wouldn't choose any of those but then it's not for me, is it? [/quote] What colour would you choose given a free choice then?

I think Sandberg have made those for a few of their bigger stockists. PMT Brum have got one there with their logo painted on it. Don't think I'd like 'em, neck must feel like half a broom handle!

Mmmm... The tobaccoburst 6er with the maple board and black hardware looks nice too.... This is hopeless!