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Key Features
The Sandberg California VS Shortscale 4-String is a compact powerhouse built for players who want classic tone in a more comfortable format. With its 30″ short scale and alder body, it delivers a warm, focused low end with a slightly softer string feel that’s easy on the hands without sacrificing punch. The six-bolt Canadian hardrock maple neck adds stability and sustain, while the maple fretboard with black dot inlays keeps the response snappy and articulate.
Loaded with a Sandberg Black Label splitcoil pickup, this bass serves up familiar, authoritative thump with plenty of clarity and midrange presence. The onboard 2-band active preamp with active/passive switching and passive tone control gives you the flexibility to shape your sound on the fly. Finished in High Gloss Tobacco Sunburst with a black pickguard and control plate, it’s a refined take on a timeless short scale formula.
Product Ref: 363639
The 30" short scale length gives this California VS a smooth, slightly looser string tension that feels fast and inviting under your fingers. It's ideal for players who prefer a more compact reach or want a bass that encourages fluid movement across the fretboard. Despite the reduced scale, the alder body ensures there's no shortage of low-end weight or sustain. Notes bloom evenly and sit confidently in the mix, making it just as capable on stage as it is in the studio.
At the heart of the tone is a single Sandberg Black Label splitcoil pickup. This tried-and-tested configuration delivers focused lows, clear mids and a defined top end that cuts through without sounding harsh. Dig in and you'll get that familiar authoritative growl; play lightly and it responds with warmth and balance. It’s a versatile voice that works across rock, soul, indie and beyond, providing the kind of solid foundation every band relies on.
The Sandberg 2-band preamp gives you straightforward yet powerful tone shaping with dedicated bass and treble controls. Boost for extra weight and sparkle, or cut to tighten up your sound for more vintage-style balance. Switch to passive mode for a more traditional response, complete with a passive tone control for smooth high-end roll-off. This dual-mode setup means you're never boxed into one sound, whether you need modern clarity or old-school warmth.
A six-bolt Canadian hardrock maple neck provides a solid connection to the alder body, enhancing resonance and long-term stability. The maple fretboard with 22 frets and black dot inlays offers a clean look and crisp attack, while Sandberg hardware ensures dependable tuning and performance. Finished in High Gloss Tobacco Sunburst with a black pickguard and black control plate, this short scale bass blends classic aesthetics with modern reliability.