Sandberg California II VM 5 BM HCAR VW
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Sandberg
California II VM 5 BM HCAR VW
Product Info
Article Number:
439982
Brand:
Sandberg
Model:
California II VM 5 BM HCAR VW
Category:
5-String P-Basses
Price:
$3,628.90
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
This California II is a serious contender for players seeking a refined, German-built 5-string. The combination of the alder body, birdseye maple, and carefully selected pickups delivers a versatile sound, equally at home in funk, rock, or jazz. It’s a high-end instrument geared towards experienced players who appreciate quality and craftsmanship.
Product Description
- Sandberg California II VM 5 BM HCAR VW
- Electric bass
- 5-String
- Body: Alder (thermo-treated)
- Neck: Maple
- Neck attachment: Bolted
- Fretboard: Birdseye maple
- Black fretboard inlays
- 22 Frets
- Nut width: 45 mm (1.77")
- Scale: 864 mm (34")
- Fretboard radius: 14"
- Pickguard: Black
- Pickups: 1 Sandberg Precision (neck) and 1 Sandberg humbucker (bridge)
- Electronics: 2-Band EQ active / passive
- Controls: Master volume
- balance
- treble
- bass
- Hardware finish: Nickel
- aged
- Machine heads: Sandberg lightweight
- Matching headstock
- Colour: Virgin White
- aged
- Includes bag
- Made in Germany
PROS
- • Thermo-treated alder body delivers exceptional resonance and sustain.
- • Birdseye maple fretboard offers a unique feel and visual appeal.
- • Sandberg Precision/humbucker combo provides versatile tonal options.
- • Bolted neck construction enhances reliability and ease of setup.
CONS
- • Virgin White finish, while striking, may be prone to scratches and wear.
- • The 14in radius can feel less familiar to players accustomed to flatter boards.
- • Premium-priced, making it a significant investment for many bassists.
Product Video
Key Features
Body Material
Thermo-treated Alder
Neck Material
Maple
Fingerboard
Birdseye Maple with Black Inlays
Pickups
Sandberg Precision (Neck) / Sandberg Humbucker (Bridge)
Scale Length
864 mm (34 in)
Frets
22
Strings
5-String
Weight
Approximately 4.5 - 5.2 kg (9.9 - 11.5 lbs)
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Frequently Asked Questions
The 2-band EQ allows for shaping the bass's character, adding warmth or clarity as needed; engaging the active mode provides more pronounced tonal adjustments while the passive mode offers a more vintage, transparent sound.
Birdseye maple can occasionally have small protrusions, but the fretboard is carefully finished to minimize this; a light application of lemon oil can help maintain the fretboard’s condition and feel.
Bolted necks generally offer a slightly more immediate attack and a slightly different tonal character than set-necks; Sandberg’s design balances responsiveness with stability and resonance.
