Ghost_Bass Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 [quote name='neepheid' timestamp='1406882141' post='2515504'] (...) On a side note, it is relieving to me to see some photographic proof that Gibson don't have a worldwide monopoly on bad/non-existent QC [/quote] They're not the only one, there's that other wich i dare not say the "F" word although people seem to find it normal and don't bother with such flaws from this manufacturer... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahpook Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 (edited) [quote name='Ghost_Bass' timestamp='1406884240' post='2515527'] Go over Thomann's head and contact Sandberg directly with this issues. I'm sure that they'll take care of you and find a way to make Thomann deliver you a perfectly biuld and setup bass. It's bad enought that these passed Sandberg's QC but it's even worst that Thomann is trying to sell them. These basses need to go back to the factory and be fixed/binned. [/quote] Agreed - I think Sandberg would be very interested to know. Sandbergs are a high-end bass - I'd expect a flawless instrument if I were to buy one new. (Very unlikely to happen, but still.... ) Edited August 1, 2014 by ahpook Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbonepete Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 Sad to say, but yours is not a unique case. Had three duff ones now, bought on the strength of an exceptional one I had (and stupidly sold) some time ago. Good luck with whatever you chose next! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghost_Bass Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 Humm... is Sandberg lowering their standards in order to keep with the backlog?!! Very bad move from their part... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subbeh Posted August 1, 2014 Author Share Posted August 1, 2014 (edited) I have been in touch with Sandberg, just interested to see what they say about the very poor quality of these basses. The cheapest bass I ever bought was £130 and the components weren't up to much but the fit and finish was better than either Sandberg! Edited August 1, 2014 by Subbeh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbonepete Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 I guess the rise in popularity of sandberg has put them under pressure to increase production, but this shouldn't have to mean standards have to be lowered to the point where examples such as this (and mine) come to light. I must say in my own experience the older one I owned, and examples I've played had very high quality workmanship, and components too, but the newer ones I've had are decidedly lower quality in construction, component quality, and sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 [quote name='tbonepete' timestamp='1406908821' post='2515851'] I guess the rise in popularity of sandberg has put them under pressure to increase production,...... but the newer ones I've had are decidedly lower quality in construction, component quality, and sound. [/quote] sounds like what happened to warwick around the turn of the century.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subbeh Posted August 3, 2014 Author Share Posted August 3, 2014 Just restringing (removed the strings to get the photos the retailer asked for) and under sod all pressure the nut popped off, I'm so glad I've been able to get a refund on this! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xilddx Posted August 3, 2014 Share Posted August 3, 2014 [quote name='Subbeh' timestamp='1406722009' post='2514050'] Got the replacement through yesterday and I have to say I'm getting pretty annoyed with the retailer - Thomann . Bass isn't damaged this time but clearly isn't new, no manufacturer packaging, scratch plate film peeled and an entirely dead set of strings with obvious signs of wear/grime with some wear on the frets. It's clearly B stock but I'd swear it's had more than 30 days of use judging by the fret wear and grime on the board. Getting in touch with them now but I have to say that I'm very surprised at Thomann's very poor service in this case. [/quote] I had issues with Thomann just like this, they sent me a B stock replacement for a dodgy Steinberger Transtrem guitar I sent back to them. They were a real pain in the arse and the woman CS rep even got arsey with me on the phone. That was three years ago and I've refused to use them since. If I were you I'd be asking Sandberg for their thoughts too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Opticaleye Posted August 8, 2014 Share Posted August 8, 2014 I hope the Sandberg I have on special order doesn't have these problems! I already own 3 Sandbergs that have excellent build quality and previously owned another that was faultless too. One thing from the pics though- the zero frets are meant to have the grooves. I would certainly blame Thomann for the 2nd bass as it looks very secondhand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subbeh Posted August 8, 2014 Author Share Posted August 8, 2014 (edited) Both of the basses I had were clearly used, Sandberg had no response other than confirming that and assuring me that were I to place a custom order I'd get a better bass. All of the cosmetic issues were down to Thomann, won't be ordering anything from them any time soon. Still not sure why the neck pockets were so sloppy and the paint around them damaged though, it is a real shame because they sounded as good as anything I've ever heard and I hope your new one is spot on! I now have the Stingray back that I owned from new though, all's well that ends well Edited August 8, 2014 by Subbeh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 Back on the waggon then, nice one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Badderer Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 I'd say this thread is as good a reason as any to buy either from trusted BC'ers or if buying from new, decent UK run shops like Bassdirect or Manchester Bass Lounge as mentioned where they actually act as a proper middle men, who care about the quality of their stock because it's their reputation. All basses are not equal and people like Thomann have some amazingly cheap deals on certain gear, but along with that cheapness goes a complete lack of care for you as a customer (dare I say it, but as a Brit you probably aren't going to be top of the list for decent customer service from them). Found sandberg's comment of... if you want a properly finished bass, pay more (paraphrasing)... interesting. Heard lots of positive comments about their basses, but will be fairly wary of them if i was to look at one in the future and would want to check it fairly carefully. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 There has been parts that are below standard on the last few Sandberg QC threads that should have stopped them leaving Sandberg's factory never mind where they then got sold on from, that said would Mark at Bassdirect have returned that bass to Sandberg? and if he did would Sandberg have been happy to post it off to Thomann with the hope someone else was happy with it? who knows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Cloud Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 This why I never buy sight unseen online. I feel sorry for the OP. Poor show from both Sandberg and Thomann all round. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subbeh Posted August 11, 2014 Author Share Posted August 11, 2014 [quote name='White Cloud' timestamp='1407600525' post='2522226'] This why I never buy sight unseen online. I feel sorry for the OP. [/quote] Honestly, other than some wasted time it couldn't have worked out better for me, I'm not out of pocket over any of this and getting my old Stingray back has been fantastic. Never thought I'd see that bass again and the timing of me getting my refund and that bass cropping up, what are the odds of that? I swear it was meant to be! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geek99 Posted August 11, 2014 Share Posted August 11, 2014 [quote name='Subbeh' timestamp='1406759310' post='2514583'] Sorry, my other half helpfully took them down, I've put a couple back for reference They took that bass back agreeing that the condition wasn't great. It now seems to be listed as B stock with signs of wear. Anyway they confirmed the replacement I was sent was itself a used item, as above the strings were utterly dead and there was a shocking amount of grime on the frets, fret wear and skin/dust round the pickups. They no longer have the bass in stock, I can get a refund or they've said if I go and get a written quote for a setup/fret dressing they may foot the bill. Here are some shots of the replacement [url="https://flic.kr/p/ofserM"][/url] [url="https://flic.kr/p/owJTmb"][/url] [url="https://flic.kr/p/ofsoGj"][/url] [url="https://flic.kr/p/ofs7vU"][/url] [url="https://flic.kr/p/owEXur"][/url] I'm just really disappointed, would be sloppy of them to let this through once never mind twice and I don't even think the neck pocket on this one is much better than the last. I was thinking about keeping it but the more I think about it, the more I feel inclined to just get my money back and go elsewhere. This bass had a signed sticker that it had passed Thomann's QC checks! [/quote] My budget Vintage has a tight neck joint, no painted over chips and shiny frets after nearly ten years . That fret wear alone is worth a return on any instrument let alone a top end one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xilddx Posted August 11, 2014 Share Posted August 11, 2014 Thomann have people who check over returned items and B-stock items for despatch (really?! f*** me.) I wouldn't be surprised if they swap necks and stuff, maybe even carry out repairs, but clearly they don't know what the f*** they're doing if that's the case. The frets lifting on subbeh's neck is totally unacceptable, can't believe it really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neepheid Posted August 12, 2014 Share Posted August 12, 2014 Another good reason to buy a Gibson bass - neck swaps are pretty difficult Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uncle psychosis Posted August 12, 2014 Share Posted August 12, 2014 [quote name='The Badderer' timestamp='1407593279' post='2522135'] All basses are not equal and people like Thomann have some amazingly cheap deals on certain gear, but along with that cheapness goes a complete lack of care for you as a customer (dare I say it, but as a Brit you probably aren't going to be top of the list for decent customer service from them). [/quote] I'm British and had absolutely impeccable customer service from Thomann when I had issues with a purchase. They went above and beyond what I expected. In contrast, the last time I bought something from a UK based company that developed a problem they truly did not give a s**t. I would very, very happily use Thomann again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kerley Posted August 12, 2014 Share Posted August 12, 2014 I would still use Thomann too. I did have to return a bass a few weeks back that had an intermittently dodgy volume pot/connection (not sure how many shops would check an instrument to that level? and it could have happened in transit) Easiest return I have done, with no payment required on my side, easy to arrange collection and return of funds within a day of them receiving the bass back. Buying online is always a risk around wasted time if product doesn't quite match expectations so it is the returns process I am most interested in... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted August 12, 2014 Share Posted August 12, 2014 I haven't had any trouble with Thomann either and at what point do they step in and get involved with a product? That Sandberg should not have been fitted with pickups or a neck once the crap pocket had been made never mind fitted with a crap neck and a dodgy pickguard, I guess Thomann could do without Sandberg trying to off load tat like that through them as it wont help Thomann in any way will it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Opticaleye Posted August 12, 2014 Share Posted August 12, 2014 (edited) [quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1407861234' post='2524794'] I haven't had any trouble with Thomann either and at what point do they step in and get involved with a product? That Sandberg should not have been fitted with pickups or a neck once the crap pocket had been made never mind fitted with a crap neck and a dodgy pickguard, I guess Thomann could do without Sandberg trying to off load tat like that through them as it wont help Thomann in any way will it. [/quote] If they weren't the original necks though (plus the additional factor of the left handedness) this may explain the poor fit and paint missing. I read somewhere that all Sandbergs necks are now CNC made as well as the bodies but I don't know whether this applies to the left handed models which may have a more custom neck fitment. It would probably be politically difficult to blame the dealer hence the cryptic "if you ordered something custom built..." comment maybe? Edited August 12, 2014 by Opticaleye Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_bass5 Posted August 12, 2014 Share Posted August 12, 2014 I know these basses are very,very well respected but the worst neck I've ever seen was a Sandberg Cali bass. Most of the upper frets had gaps under them. The shop said it had a twisted neck that was causing this. I wouldn't let it put me off getting one but it left a bad first impression. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingerfish Posted August 12, 2014 Share Posted August 12, 2014 Know that you have said you are sorted but this just popped up. Might be worth a check out if you are still interested. [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Sandberg_TM4_Nat_LH.html"]http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Sandberg_TM4_Nat_LH.html[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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