Sandberg California II VS Lionel Soft Aged Black Bass #40151  From Sandberg

Sandberg Guitars is a German-based company that was founded in 1986 by friends Holger Stonjek and Gerd Gorzelke. In the humble beginnings, Holger was training as a piano maker in Braunschweig, Germany (Wilhelm Schimmel Pianofortefabrik GmbH) and found his passion in building and repairing bass guitars at their small factory located in an old farm building near Wolfsburg — eventually naming the company after the street this factory was located, Am Sandberg. 

After many years of innovation and building custom instruments upon request, the company moved to a larger facility in Braunschweig, expanding their line from stunning 5/6-string exotic basses to a wider selection with a wider market appeal. It was in this time when they attracted the attention of legendary session bassist Ken Taylor, built a signature model for him, and gained significant international appeal for years to come. 

Since 1986, every Sandberg instrument has received individual care and attention; the hand-shaping of each neck, the precise fretwork (which also sees a PLEK!), hand contoured bodies, remarkable finish work, fine sanding, and unique aging processes have formed the company into a powerhouse among string players. 

Special features on select Sandberg instruments will include Vibration Treatment and Thermo Treatment (each designed to increase sustain and emphasize the instruments natural frequency range), and the new In-House Roasting process to maple.