woodywyatt Posted January 8, 2019 Share Posted January 8, 2019 I currently own a lovely Musicman Stingray Classic sunburst but I've recently been 'gassin out' on Sandbergs TM4 Hardcore Aged bass up to the point now, where I'm actually seriously considering selling my Stingray (shock) Has anyone owned a Sandberg TM4? Thoughts? How does it compare to the Stingray? It sure does sound good! Any pointers appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cuzzie Posted January 8, 2019 Share Posted January 8, 2019 So the TM.....it’s bloody brilliant!!! Nothing will sound like a Ray, a Ray is a Ray. The TM even with the bridge pick up solo’d will notnsojnd like a Ray, it was not designed too, it’s there to compliment the Neck pick up. Played a TM, Played Grand Dark (actually played most bases in the Sandberg range!) it is a top top top notch bass, and personally I love ageing. If it’s active it’s a Glockenklang pre amp which is very very good. You have the option of Delano picks or Sandbergs new black labels (if it’s a custom bass they would stick what you want in). This new black labels are monster pick ups and I would heartily recommend them. If you want to go brand new then the new Super Light series has hit the U.K. only this past week. It’s made from A cedar bodyC Norwegian Maple fret which is lighter, the whole bass comes in at 2.8kg and is about £1.4k. I think they are at bass direct. I have played the prototype and it blew me away with punch, clarity, sustain and those black labels. You may have guessed I am a massive fan, but honestly if you take finish aside, I haven’t heard 1 person knock a Sandberg, yep some may not love it, but it oozes quality 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodywyatt Posted January 8, 2019 Author Share Posted January 8, 2019 That's good to hear. Yeah, I'm not really expecting it to replicate the sound of the Stingray, it just seems a bit more versatile. I love the aging too! It's looking more like the old Stingray will have to go.. I've seen Sandberg California II listed in a few places, what's the difference? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cuzzie Posted January 8, 2019 Share Posted January 8, 2019 California is the whole range from P to jazz to PJ (VT) TM, VM, TM2. California II is the new shape brought in in 2015 to move away from the old Fender shape, the black label pick ups are slowly filtering in from more recently, but the old sandberg pick ups are class too, but a little more vintage sounding compared to the others. Some have Haüssel pick ups which are also great, they are more in the custom made models. if you check pictures pre 2015 production and then current, you’ll see what you prefer. Also have a play on the website configurator, I have lost hours making basses! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassApprentice Posted January 8, 2019 Share Posted January 8, 2019 I haven't played the new Ray's yet but I have played the Sandberg and they are awesome! The reverse P and Humbucker combo was perfect for me and the aged neck just felt great. Would definitely recommend trying one out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 I am biased as I love Musicman and the Ray sound. My Musicman Classic 5 is the best bass guitar I have ever played or heard in my 23+ years of playing. It helps that it is stunningly pretty. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 I've had a TM5 in the beautiful Roquefort Blue aged. I only sold it because of the weight of it - it was the original shape and was a bit heavy. It was a brilliant sounding bass and very easy to play. If it had been a pound lighter I would have kept it. The California 2 series are a lot lighter than the old ones. I'd happily have another one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodywyatt Posted January 9, 2019 Author Share Posted January 9, 2019 32 minutes ago, Musicman20 said: I am biased as I love Musicman and the Ray sound. My Musicman Classic 5 is the best bass guitar I have ever played or heard in my 23+ years of playing. It helps that it is stunningly pretty. Yep, I guess I need to try both the TM & the VM before making the decision to sell my beloved Stingray Classic. Watch this space! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cuzzie Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 There is a very nice VM Hardcore ged reserve on here from a great seller and person in general Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cuzzie Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 the reserve has extra ageing done to the neck to make it even nicer to play, @krispn is athe very nice chap Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodywyatt Posted January 9, 2019 Author Share Posted January 9, 2019 57 minutes ago, Cuzzie said: the reserve has extra ageing done to the neck to make it even nicer to play, @krispn is athe very nice chap Wow, very nice! I have to try the VM4 first & then if all good sell on my Musicman Classic so I'm pretty sure this will be gone before then 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.