Sandberg California II TM 5 LBY MHCA
Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy
Sandberg
California II TM 5 LBY MHCA
Product Info
Article Number:
517122
Brand:
Sandberg
Model:
California II TM 5 LBY MHCA
Category:
5-String J-Basses
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
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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.
