Sandberg California II TM 5 LBY MHCA

Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy

Sandberg California II TM 5 LBY MHCA

Sandberg

California II TM 5 LBY MHCA

4.8 Expert Rating

Product Info

Article Number: 517122
Brand: Sandberg
Model: California II TM 5 LBY MHCA
Price: $4,288.90

* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.

The California II TM 5 LBY MHCA is a seriously impressive instrument. The combination of the alder body, ebony fingerboard, and Sandberg pickups creates a balanced tone with plenty of punch and clarity – it’s equally at home in funk, rock, or modern styles. This is a top-tier bass for the discerning player seeking German craftsmanship and a unique voice.

Product Description

  • Sandberg California II TM 5 LBY MHCA
  • 5-String Electric Bass
  • Body: Alder (thermo and vibration treatment)
  • Neck: Maple
  • Neck attachment: Bolt-on
  • Fingerboard: Ebony (Diospyros Crassiflora)
  • Whitepearl block inlays
  • 22 Frets
  • Nut width: 45 mm (1.77")
  • Scale: 864 mm (34")
  • Fingerboard radius: 14"
  • Pickguard: Black
  • Pickups: 1x Sandberg J-style single coil (neck) and 1x humbucker (bridge)
  • Electronics: 2-band EQ active/passive
  • Controls: Master volume
  • balance
  • treble
  • bass
  • humbucker split switch
  • Hardware finish: nickel (aged)
  • Machine heads: Sandberg lightweight
  • Incl. bag
  • Colour: Letter Box Yellow Masterpiece Hardcore Aged
  • Made in Germany
PROS
  • • Thermo-treated alder body delivers exceptional resonance and sustain
  • • Ebony fingerboard provides a slick, fast playing experience and articulate response
  • • Sandberg’s lightweight machine heads reduce headstock weight and improve tuning stability
  • • Active/passive electronics offer tonal flexibility for diverse musical styles
CONS
  • • The 14in radius fingerboard may feel less familiar to players used to flatter profiles
  • • Letter Box Yellow finish, while striking, might not appeal to all aesthetic preferences
  • • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many bassists

Product Video

Key Features

Body Material Thermo-treated Alder with vibration treatment
Neck Material Maple
Fingerboard Ebony (Diospyros Crassiflora)
Pickups 1x Sandberg J-style single coil (neck), 1x humbucker (bridge)
Scale Length 864 mm (34 in)
Frets 22
Strings 5-String
Weight Approximately 4.2 - 4.8 kg (9.3 - 10.4 lbs) – typical for a 5-string bass with these materials

Similar Products

Ampeg RB-115 Bundle - Solid-State Bass Combos

Ampeg RB-115 Bundle

Solid-State Bass Combos

$792
4.5 Expert Rating
Behringer WING Compact Flyht Pro Bundle - Digital Mixers

Behringer WING Compact Flyht Pro Bundle

Digital Mixers

$2,748
4.8 Expert Rating
Manuel Rodriguez Superior Flamenco Sabicas C3-F - Flamenco Guitars

Manuel Rodriguez Superior Flamenco Sabicas C3-F

Flamenco Guitars

$957
Flamenco Guitar, Top: Solid European Carpathian spruce, Back and...
4.8 Expert Rating
Applause Jump Dark Matter - Other Acoustic Guitars

Applause Jump Dark Matter

Other Acoustic Guitars

$362
Acoustic Guitar with Pickup, Type: OM with cutaway, Top: Solid European spruce, Back and...
4.5 Expert Rating
Zoom H4essential APH-4e Bundle - Portable Recorders

Zoom H4essential APH-4e Bundle

Portable Recorders

$208
4.8 Expert Rating
Harley Benton SpaceShip 80 Bundle - Guitar Effect Power Supplies

Harley Benton SpaceShip 80 Bundle

Guitar Effect Power Supplies

$219
4.8 Expert Rating
Taylor GS-Mini-e Sakuraburst - Folk Acoustic Guitars

Taylor GS-Mini-e Sakuraburst

Folk Acoustic Guitars

$989
*Note:* Register your Taylor guitar to extend your warranty to 12 years.
4.7 Expert Rating
Taylor 814ce Special Edition Sedona - Other Acoustic Guitars

Taylor 814ce Special Edition Sedona

Other Acoustic Guitars

$5,499
*Note:* Register your Taylor guitar to extend your warranty to 12 years.
4.8 Expert Rating

Frequently Asked Questions

The aged finish provides a slightly warmer, more vintage feel, subtly softening high-end frequencies without significantly altering the overall tonal character.
While neck-through basses *can* offer slightly longer sustain, Sandberg’s construction and wood choices compensate exceptionally well; the difference is negligible for most players.
Splitting the humbucker provides a brighter, more J-bass-like tone, expanding the tonal palette for cleaner, more nuanced playing styles and offering more single-coil punch.

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more