Full Description
View Full Description
Hardcore aged finish with boutique appeal
The Sandberg California TM 4-String in Hardcore Aged Marley Blue is all about character, style, and attitude. Straight from Sandberg’s German workshop, this finish is heavily relic’d by hand, giving it the worn-in vibe of a vintage favourite while maintaining the rock-solid performance of a modern instrument. Every chip, dent, and scuff tells a story—and when paired with the deep blue tones of the Marley Blue colourway, it results in a bold, eye-catching look. This isn’t just cosmetic wear; it’s an aesthetic that feels alive, like an instrument that’s seen decades of gigs and still has plenty left to give. On stage or in the studio, the visual appeal of this bass is unmistakable. It’s a boutique-quality finish that sets it apart from the usual factory-polished fare.
Versatile pickup configuration with powerful tone
At the heart of the California TM’s sonic arsenal is a hybrid pickup layout featuring a Sandberg-designed Music Man-style humbucker at the bridge and a single-coil J-style pickup at the neck. This combination gives you a huge tonal range—ideal for switching between modern punch and vintage warmth on the fly. You can dial in anything from thick, gritty low-end growl to articulate, snappy mids and treble clarity. Blend both pickups for a tight, focused tone that cuts through the mix, or isolate them for more classic voicings based on your sound. From tight funk grooves to aggressive rock runs, this setup covers a lot of ground and suits all sorts of playing styles. It’s a seriously flexible tool for any bassist who values dynamic tone shaping without fuss.
Smooth-playing neck and quality tonewoods
The neck on the California TM is designed with playability front and centre. Built to Sandberg’s “standard” spec, it’s comfortable and fast under the fingers, making longer sets and intricate passages feel effortless. The fingerboard is pau ferro—a beautiful, warm-sounding tonewood that’s smooth to the touch and offers just the right amount of snap and presence. Paired with a traditional 34" scale and precise fretwork, the fretted pau ferro board provides excellent note definition and sustain across the entire neck. The abalone dot inlays add a premium visual touch, while the matched Marley Blue headstock ties the whole look together. It's an instrument that feels refined and ready from the moment you pick it up, with attention to detail you can really feel when playing.
Aged nickel hardware with vintage vibes
To complement its aged finish and vintage styling, the California TM comes loaded with nickel aged hardware that not only looks the part but performs flawlessly. From the bridge to the control knobs, every piece of hardware is given the same care and attention to detail as the finish. This aged aesthetic gives the bass a coherent, well-worn look without compromising on reliability. You get rock-solid tuning stability and precise intonation, along with the feel of a well-loved vintage instrument. The white pickguard adds contrast to the blue finish, keeping the overall aesthetic balanced and sharp. With its boutique relic work and tastefully aged appointments, the hardware on this bass does more than just function—it completes the story that this instrument tells the moment you open the case.
Specifications
- Product Name: Sandberg California TM 4-String, Hardcore Aged Marley Blue
- Product Code: S-45909
Body
- Finish: Hardcore Aged, Marley Blue
- Body Shape: California TM
- Body Wood: Alder
- Pickguard: White
- Scale Length: 34"
- Strings: 4-String
Neck & Fretboard
- Neck Option: Standard
- Neck Wood: Maple
- Fingerboard: Pau Ferro
- Frets: 22, Fretted
- Inlays: Abalone front face dots
- Headstock: Colour-matched
- Nut Width: 39.5 mm
Hardware & Electronics
- Hardware: Nickel Aged
- Tuners: Sandberg Open-Gear
- Bridge: Sandberg Custom Bridge
- Pickup Configuration: Sandberg Power Humbucker (bridge), Sandberg Split-Coil (neck)
- Electronics: Active 2-band EQ with Volume, Blend, Treble, and Bass controls
- Switching: Push/pull for active/passive mode