JB101 Posted February 7, 2015 Share Posted February 7, 2015 Looking around at a few lovely Sandberg (German made) 5's and noticed a couple with what I assume to be the older style bridge (squarer, much deeper, more metal!). I see from Sandberg's site they changed to the new 'teardrop' bridge shape in 2012 so I guess the ones with the older bridges are old stock (thinks - bargaining tool ). Would just like to see if there are any issues with the older style bridges. The new ones seem to have multi-adjustments on the saddles but I can't find a pdf or details on the older style. Are these as flexible for setups? Is it just a cosmetic change? Grateful for any opinions. JB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulhauser Posted February 8, 2015 Share Posted February 8, 2015 I'm not sure what you mean, I've had two Californias from earlier than 2012 and both had the same bridge as I see now on the Sandberg site. (this one was one those that used to be mine) [attachment=183255:DSC_0266.jpg] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JB101 Posted February 9, 2015 Author Share Posted February 9, 2015 Wondering now if it's a lefty thing.....? The lefty Sandbergs I'm looking at mostly have bridges like this: [attachment=183361:sandberg_bridge.jpg] Whereas the Right handers are like yours: [attachment=183362:sandberg_bridge_v2.jpg] I assumed the squarer version was an old design. Doing some Googling I think they are the same as this one made by German guitar-parts company ABM: [attachment=183363:bassbridges_4_4.jpg] I'm sure they're both very good though still wondering why the lefties have a non-Sandberg bridge part..! JB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulhauser Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 ABM makes very high quality bridges so I wouldn't worry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JB101 Posted February 9, 2015 Author Share Posted February 9, 2015 [quote name='Paulhauser' timestamp='1423477401' post='2685110'] ABM makes very high quality bridges so I wouldn't worry. [/quote] Great to know, thanks! JB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulhauser Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 Maybe this is as ignorant question, but why does a lefty bass need special bridge? AFAIR these Sandberg bridges were symmetric with equaly spacing and there were no deeper or shallower grooves for different string diameters on the saddles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JB101 Posted February 9, 2015 Author Share Posted February 9, 2015 It's a good question, I don't know either. When I started looking at Sandberg specs I noticed these lefties with the ABM bridges as opposed to the curvier Sandberg type as seen on their site and on right handers. JB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subbeh Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 I had two lefty Sandbergs with retailer rather than manufacturer problems, both had the curvier bridges pictured in Paul Hauser's post. I'll definitely get another one at some point, the California is the best sounding bass I've ever played, sounded immense in active and passive mode. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbonepete Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 I've had two Ken Taylor 5ers, the first was a 2007, and the second is a newer anniversary model, also I briefly owned a California VM4 sca, and the bridge shape was identical on all of them, BUT, the bridge saddles were like those in the ABM bridge picture on the earlier Ken Taylor, and the newer VM4, and Anniversary model have the roll type saddles. For what it's worth I prefer the older type saddles, especially for intonation on the E, and B strings, and find them easier to adjust (YMMV, of course). Sandberg very kindly sourced a set of older style saddles (they no longer have any spares!) for me. First class service, and its good to know that the ABM saddles are of my preferred style should I need some more! Cheers Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JB101 Posted February 9, 2015 Author Share Posted February 9, 2015 Thanks for the replies everyone, the mists have now cleared....! JB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Radchenko Posted December 12, 2016 Share Posted December 12, 2016 Hello. I want to upgrade my Sandberg bridge for other option...gotoh, hipshot...and Maybe tuners and knobs of the same brand and material. Prefer light version and nikel, but who knows. What do you do please?. I have a california vs4 2009 Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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