fretmeister Posted March 17, 2019 Share Posted March 17, 2019 On Friday I took delivery of a shiny new Sandberg California II SL Super Light from the good people of Bass Direct. When the box arrived I thought it was empty. Then I was even more convinced the gig bag was empty when I got it out of the box! Its astonishingly light. I weighed it myself at 6.58lb Plugged it into my Helix and studio monitors and had a minor issue with noise... turned out my wireless bug unit was clashing a bit with the preamp. No probs, just out a cable in between the bug and the bass. Sounds very punchy and clear. Piano tone on steroids. As usual I binned the horrible stock Sandberg strings and found a pack of D’addario Nickels I had lying about. It was comfy enough to want to want to rehearse with it on Saturday. But of a head twister as I’ve been giggling 5 strings for a decade. At rehearsal I used a Darkglass M900 and barefaced One10. Its a big band with about 20 horns and woodwind, piano, drums, bass etc. My amp settings needed a bit of a rethink as I usually play a 5 string PJ with flats. Used an Octave on a couple of sections as I didn’t have that B string anymore. But when sorted it was thick, clear, and with a touch of grit from the B3K circuit in the amp. Sounded massive. Did big band arrangements of Superstition, Uptown Funk, 7 Nation Army, Havana, Don’t Worry about a thing, In the mood, and Zoot Suit Riot. Its a superb bass and I’m really happy with it. I’m now thinking I need another one for flats! Easter concert is in 2 weeks and I’m really looking forward to it. Anyway, here is it! 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
machinehead Posted March 17, 2019 Share Posted March 17, 2019 Beautiful bass. I hope it gives you years of enjoyment. I can definately see one of those in my future. Frank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pineweasel Posted March 17, 2019 Share Posted March 17, 2019 How do they get the weight down? Are they chambered? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted March 17, 2019 Author Share Posted March 17, 2019 Ceder body. Norwegian maple neck, both lighter than other options. New super light hardware. No chambering! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merton Posted March 17, 2019 Share Posted March 17, 2019 Sandberg keep producing lovely instruments and this is no exception at all, gorgeous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CameronJ Posted March 17, 2019 Share Posted March 17, 2019 Oh goodness. I was eyeing up the 5 string version of this the other day! Lovely thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burno70 Posted March 17, 2019 Share Posted March 17, 2019 Lovely! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted March 17, 2019 Share Posted March 17, 2019 The thought of a 6.5lb Jazz blows my mind. Only heard good things about Sandberg so I'm sure you're more than happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted March 29, 2019 Author Share Posted March 29, 2019 First gig with it tomorrow. I will report after. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted March 30, 2019 Author Share Posted March 30, 2019 The bass performed beautifully. Punchy, and clear. Neededto turn the bass EQ down a fair bit on the stage I was on. The bassist however made some weapons grade flip ups during the performance! 😢 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted April 11, 2019 Author Share Posted April 11, 2019 I contacted Sandberg on facebook and they have confirmed the VS can be ordered as a Super Light version now. Now I need to raise more money! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CameronJ Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 1 hour ago, fretmeister said: I contacted Sandberg on facebook and they have confirmed the VS can be ordered as a Super Light version now. Now I need to raise more money! That is dangerous news... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Opticaleye Posted April 13, 2019 Share Posted April 13, 2019 On 11/04/2019 at 10:50, fretmeister said: I contacted Sandberg on facebook and they have confirmed the VS can be ordered as a Super Light version now. Now I need to raise more money! Damn! My VS4 weighs a whopping 7.5lbs ☺️ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Creeper Posted April 13, 2019 Share Posted April 13, 2019 That’s a lovely bass, I regret selling my Sandberg ☹️ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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