Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Average Price: $2,699
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Sandberg California TM5". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 7, 2026.
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Description
The Sandberg California TM5 is not just an instrument; it's a versatile powerhouse designed for bassists who crave both precision and flexibility. Crafted with an alder body and maple neck, this 5-string electric bass offers a harmonious blend of warmth and clarity, perfect for any style—from jazz to rock. The ebony fingerboard adds a touch of elegance while ensuring smooth playability across its 22 frets.
Equipped with Delano JMVC and MCFE pickups, the California TM5 delivers a robust and dynamic range of tones. Whether you prefer the punchy sound of active electronics or the raw, organic feel of passive mode, the Sandberg 2-band EQ has got you covered. The intuitive controls include a master volume with a push/pull option for active/passive switching, along with balance, treble, and bass adjustments. This makes it a breeze to dial in your perfect sound on the fly.
Handcrafted in Germany, each TM5 comes with a black pickguard and includes a gig bag for your convenience. Its 34" longscale design ensures that every note resonates with clarity and depth, making it an ideal choice for both studio sessions and live performances.
Key Features:
- Body: Alder
- Neck: Maple
- Fingerboard: Ebony
- Scale: 34" longscale
- 22 Frets
- Pickups: Delano JMVC and Delano MCFE / PU-split
- Active/passive electronics: Sandberg 2-band EQ
- Passive tone control
- Controls: Master volume (push/pull active/passive), balance, treble, bass
- Black pickguard
- Includes gig bag
- Made in Germany
Product specs
| Available since | January 2025 |
| Colour | Red |
| Body | Alder |
| Neck | Maple |
| Fretboard | Maple |
| Frets | 22 |
| Scale | Longscale |
| Pickup System | JH |
| Elektronic | Aktive, Passive |
| Incl. Case | No |
| Incl. Gigbag | Yes |
FAQs
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What type of pickups does the Sandberg California TM5 feature?
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The Sandberg California TM5 features a JH pickup system, which combines single-coil and humbucker pickups for versatile tonal options suitable for various music styles.
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Is the Sandberg California TM5 suitable for both active and passive playing styles?
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Yes, the Sandberg California TM5 supports both active and passive electronic configurations, allowing players to switch between them for different tonal characteristics.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Sandberg California TM5?
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The Sandberg California TM5 is constructed with an alder body, maple neck, and maple fretboard, providing a classic tone with a bright and clear sound profile.
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How many frets does the Sandberg California TM5 have?
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The Sandberg California TM5 features 22 frets, offering a wide range of notes for diverse playing styles.
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Does the Sandberg California TM5 come with a case or gig bag?
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The Sandberg California TM5 does not include a hard case but comes with a gig bag for convenient transport and protection.
Videos
BassTheWorld.com
SANDBERG CALIFORNIA TM 5 ASH / MAPLE
SANDBERG CALIFORNIA TM 5 ASH / MAPLE
BassTheWorld.com
Sandberg California TM5 Black High Gloss Bass Demo
Bass Buddha
SANDBERG California TM5 & Maťo Ivan
Kytary.cz
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sandberg California TM5.
Features and functionality
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The Sandberg California TM5 includes both passive and active modes, offering versatility for different musical genres like pop and rock.
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The angled neck pickup is designed to provide more definition on lower strings and a beefier tone on higher strings, similar to a P-bass setup.
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Sandberg California TM5 features a Delano Stingray-style bridge pickup, offering versatility through switchable configurations, enhancing tonal options for players.
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Comparisons
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Sandberg basses are often compared to Maruszczyk and Sadowsky MetroExpress for their modern yet traditional sound balance, but Sandberg is noted for its semi-custom feel.
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Build quality
User experience
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Owners often find themselves choosing Sandberg over other high-end brands like Spector and Fender due to its playability and tonal versatility.
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Owners highlight the TM5's ultra-light build, making it ideal for long gigs without causing shoulder strain.
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The TM5 is often favored over models like the Musicman Stingray, with some players switching their primary bass to Sandberg after years of loyalty to other brands.
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Some users have encountered soldering issues with the electronics, where multiple cables disconnected during inspection, indicating a need for careful maintenance.
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Value and pricing
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A used Sandberg California TM5 in perfect condition, with a hard case, was purchased for $1,399 US, indicating a strong resale value.
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Use cases and applications
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Suitable for diverse genres, from electronic pop to metal, offering robust sound options without frequent bass changes.
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Mods and upgrades
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Some players find the stock pickups too modern sounding, preferring the GZR P pickup for a traditional P-bass vibe with better low-end coverage.
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Setup and maintenance
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The Delano bridge pickup on the TM5 can be switched between singlecoil and humbucker using a mini switch, with multiple wiring possibilities like parallel or series.
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Owners have experienced issues with solder joints breaking, necessitating careful inspection and potentially consulting Sandberg for original wiring diagrams.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings
90
Amazing bass
Purchased this bass 6 months ago after months of play testing every 5 string I could get my hands on regardless of price.
Smooth action and a fantastic and versatile tone means it suits my needs for a variety of projects. Am now a fan of Sandberg for life.
Artist usage
Add artist
Fredrik Larsson is pictured with a Sandberg California TM5 bass guitar in a photo from Sandberg-guitars, highlighting its use during the 2010s.
In an Instagram story, Evan Marien is seen using the Sandberg California TM5, identifiable by the distinctive pickups and the Sandberg dots logo on top of the pickguard.
The Chris Turk is seen with his new Sandberg California TM5 bass guitar in a Facebook post by Better Music, highlighting his satisfaction with the instrument.
Vlada Bojic Bojketic is confirmed to use a Sandberg California TM5 bass, as demonstrated in his YouTube video titled "Sandberg California TM5 Bass B string test by Bojketic." In this video, Bojketic tests various pickup positions on the bass while focusing on the B string.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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