Sandberg California VS Lionel HCA GB

Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy

Sandberg California VS Lionel HCA GB

Sandberg

California VS Lionel HCA GB

4.7 Expert Rating

Product Info

Article Number: 523386
Brand: Sandberg
Model: California VS Lionel HCA GB
Price: $2,528.90

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

The Sandberg California VS Lionel HCA GB is a seriously cool short-scale bass. The roasted maple neck and Blacklabel pickups give it a refined, vintage vibe with modern clarity—perfect for players wanting a punchy, articulate tone in a compact package, especially those exploring jazz, blues, or lighter rock styles.

Product Description

  • Sandberg California VS Lionel HCA GB
  • Electric Bass
  • Body: Alder
  • Bolt-on neck: roasted maple
  • Fingerboard: Rosewood (Dalbergia Latifolia)
  • Fingerboard inlays: White dots
  • Scale: 762 mm (30" short scale)
  • 22 Frets
  • Pickup: Sandberg Blacklabel Split single coil
  • Electronics: 2-band EQ
  • active / passive
  • Controls: Volume
  • treble
  • bass
  • Black pickguard
  • Bridge: Sandberg
  • Hardware Finish: Nickel aged
  • Colour: Goldburst Hardcore aged
  • Incl. gig bag
  • Made in Germany
PROS
  • • Roasted maple neck offers exceptional stability and a smooth, fast feel.
  • • Sandberg Blacklabel pickups deliver a focused, articulate tone with surprising warmth.
  • • Alder body provides a balanced resonance, avoiding excessive muddiness common in short scales.
  • • The aged nickel hardware contributes to a vintage aesthetic and a pleasing feel.
CONS
  • • Short scale may feel cramped for players accustomed to longer scale lengths.
  • • Limited EQ controls offer less tonal shaping flexibility than more complex systems.
  • • The goldburst finish, while attractive, might not appeal to all players' aesthetic preferences.

Product Video

Key Features

Body Material Alder
Neck Material Roasted Maple
Fingerboard Rosewood (Dalbergia Latifolia)
Pickups Sandberg Blacklabel Split Single Coil
Scale Length 762 mm (30 in)
Frets 22
Strings 4mm Ball End (likely .045-.105, but not explicitly stated)
Weight Approximately 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) - estimated based on similar models

Similar Products

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
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
Ampeg RB-115 Bundle - Solid-State Bass Combos

Ampeg RB-115 Bundle

Solid-State Bass Combos

$792
4.5 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
Ampeg RB-112 Bundle - Solid-State Bass Combos

Ampeg RB-112 Bundle

Solid-State Bass Combos

$596
4.6 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
Ibanez GRG320FA-TVT - ST Style Guitars

Ibanez GRG320FA-TVT

ST Style Guitars

$439
Electric Guitar, Body: Poplar, Top: Basswood with Art Grain in flamed maple look, Bolt-on neck:...
4.5 Expert Rating
Manuel Rodriguez Superior Anniversario 120 J-SB - 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Manuel Rodriguez Superior Anniversario 120 J-SB

4/4 Size Classical Guitars

$1,099
Classical Guitar, Special model for the anniversary of Guitarras...
4.6 Expert Rating

Frequently Asked Questions

The Blacklabel pickup has a tighter, more focused sound with more output and a slightly warmer character than typical single coils, offering a more modern edge.
It's a genuine passive circuit, bypassing the active electronics entirely for a more authentic vintage tone and feel.
The aging is purely cosmetic; it doesn't impact playability. The finish is sealed to protect the wood and hardware, ensuring the bass’s longevity.

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more