Sandberg California II VM 5 MN BKB

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Sandberg California II VM 5 MN BKB

Sandberg

California II VM 5 MN BKB

4.6 Expert Rating

Product Info

Article Number: 439975
Brand: Sandberg
Model: California II VM 5 MN BKB
Price: $2,088.90

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

The California II VM 5 MN BKB is a seriously well-built instrument. It’s got that classic P-Bass vibe but with a modern twist thanks to the bolt-on neck and versatile pickup pairing. This bass is ideal for players seeking a powerful, articulate tone with a touch of German engineering – perfect for funk, rock, and anything needing a solid low-end foundation.

Product Description

  • Sandberg California II VM 5 MN BKB
  • Electric bass
  • 5-String
  • Body: Ash
  • Neck: Maple
  • Neck attachment: Bolted
  • Fretboard: Maple
  • Black dot 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: Chrome
  • Machine heads: Sandberg
  • lightweight
  • Colour: Blackburst
  • matte
  • Includes bag
  • Made in Germany
PROS
  • • Ash body delivers a resonant, articulate low-end tone.
  • • Bolted neck construction offers a unique, snappy feel and stability.
  • • Sandberg Precision/humbucker combo provides versatility from mellow to aggressive.
  • • Lightweight hardware contributes to comfortable playability and sustain.
CONS
  • • Blackburst matte finish can be prone to fingerprints and smudges.
  • • 14in radius might feel less familiar to players accustomed to flatter boards.
  • • 2-band EQ offers limited tonal shaping compared to more complex systems.

Product Video

Key Features

Body Material Ash
Neck Material Maple
Fingerboard Maple
Pickups Sandberg Precision (neck) / Sandberg Humbucker (bridge)
Scale Length 864 mm (34 in)
Frets 22
Strings 5-String
Weight Approximately 4.2 kg (9.3 lbs)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Bolt-on necks generally have a slightly snappier, more immediate attack, potentially sacrificing a tiny bit of overall sustain compared to a set-neck, but the Sandberg’s construction minimizes this.
Yes, the active EQ requires a 9V battery; expect around 6-8 months of use depending on usage and settings.
It’s a bit more refined and articulate than a traditional P-bass pickup, with a slightly tighter low-end and clearer midrange – still warm, but with more definition.

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