What do I do?

[koogie2k]

OK peeps....this is my dilemna....

I was given a 5 string bass. A dear friend gave it to me as a Thank You and the bass is brand new. First thing I noticed was the hardshell coffin case. Hmmm...I wondered. I opened it up and I was staring at a oddly shaped 5 string. I won't mention the name of the manufacturer (that does not matter) and was touched by my friend for their generosity. I thought I would give it a try and see what it could do. Put on the strap....neck dove like an eagle going after a fish.....not good. Very very neck heavy. However, I gave it a shot. Not too bad a tone...it is a neckthru all mohagony.....

Now, the tone was not within the same zip code as my bongos.....I prefer my bongos. However, I want a 5 string......

With the neck heavy issue....I was thinking of trading it in for a 5 string bongo, SR any EBMM of course. But, I just think it would be insulting to my friend. I kind of got the hint that they want me to use this at my gigs.......I just don't know what to do at this point. I am tired and can't think straight......

Knucks....should I keep it and play it at shows (needs some mods) or ask my friend if I could trade it for an EBMM.....which I think sounds tacky.....

 

[muggsy]

That's a tough one. I'm sure Miss Manners would say keep it and play it once in a while because it's the thought that counts, etc. I guess the answer depends on how you think your friend will react if you ask if you can trade it in. If you think he'll be insulted or hurt, it's not worth damaging the friendship by looking the proverbial gift horse in the mouth. If you think he'd want you to have a bass you'll love and play for its musical qualities, not just because it was a gift from a close friend, I'd tell him how much you appreciate the gift but gently broach the subject of trading it for an EBMM. If you go that route, make sure the replacement bass is a keeper.

I'm interested to hear what others think. It's a delicate situation.

 

[sandman@midlife]

Is he a good friend? If so, you could tell him basically what you told us. When he understands that Ebmm basses are the BEST, he should be fine with it.












Not a good friend, tell him to f**k $ff!

 

[mynan]

Maybe start off with "my dream bass is a Bongo 5...your gift has made it possible???

 

[Beth]

Hey Koogs,

I'd keep it. Find a song that you play already or write one that calls for the sound that the bass has and roll with it. Make sure to play that song whenever these friends attend concerts and say something like "man that bass has really got the perfect sound for this song!" You can also use it as your test monkey for mods that you'd like to try out.

I probably wouldn't ask them if you could trade it in or tell them you may sell it, unless they're trying to beat a real super duper honest answer out of you. Then, of course, honesty is always the best policy. Also, how much do these friends know about basses? If they know that you are such a big fan of Music Man, why did they get this other brand for you and not Music Man?

-B

 

[kevin]

here's my humble..."un-biased" opinion........sell it and buy a Music Man!!

 

[tkarter]

I would play it until you get Bongo 5 Koogie. Then put it up some where I could remember the very nice gester my friend made. You can honestly tell your friend you cherish the bass. That doesn't mean you have to play it all exclusively.

tk

 

[fogman]

Well use it once then jump into the mosh pit and let it get destroyed!!!!

I'm kidding! This is a tuffy.
I was very worried that before I got my Silo that my wife or family member was going to buy me something thinking they filled my hunger of having an electric guitar. It was close, they got me an acoustic.
Anyways, how close a friend is this? To me, if someone is really that close to you, then they'd be able to tell that you're already a Music Man diehard.
Personally, I would play it a handfull of times while your 5 string Bongo is being made. Make sure they know you've played it.
Then later, the question would be do you keep it in the closet or let them know you're trading it in for something better suited to the way you play.
The bass still has some value. I would think that the person who gave it to you wanted to give you something that meant something to you. I don't think they would want to know that you're not using it. Even if you traded it in, they still have a part in what ever bass you get.
Good luck Koogs! I think only you can answer this one. You know them. What does your gut tell you???

 

[phatduckk]

honesty is always good dude. just be nice but bring it up with yoru pal. tell em "oh man - youre so awesome for the gift. thing is i'm particular about my basses and this isnt me."

essentially tell him that he gave a chevy guy a ford and see what he says

 

[AnthonyD]

You Gotta Keep It...

This one is a toughy, but as I re-read your post, I gotta say this one stays with you and comes out for a song every now and then...

I'm reading "a dear friend" and "a Thank You <gift?>" and "kind of got the hint that they want me to use this at my gigs" - I wouldn't take the chance of negatively impacting the relationship at this point.

But, there's tomorrow...

Should the discussion ever come up - like "I noticed you're only playing it for a song or two, it's not your main bass," etc.. You could explain the personal nature of your instrument of choice and that you're grateful for the gift and giving it the respect it deserves. That discussion can quickly lead into the "flip-it for a Bongo 5" discussion but you need to be absolutely sure it's acceptable to ensure there's no resentment down the line.

This of course, assumes that whatever the bass is, it is of some quality to someone and has some resale value - if we're talking about a few hundred bucks I'd just leave it under the bed.

I firmly believe you don't buy a girl perfume unless you know it's the perfume she loves to wear - same rule should apply to basses.

 

[Psycho Ward]

I would keep it, it was a nice thing they did.

That said, being the father of two teenage hellions some possible excuses come to mind…



Say you’re allergic to mahogany and it was causing an exceeding hairline.

Say the fifth string smelled funny.

Claim this bass was causing numbness in your toenails

Leave it in an unlocked car at the mall with a twenty dollar bill taped to it. (This won’t work with a Warwick, they’ll just take the twenty…)

 

[lumberjack]

Man, this sure is a tough one. But a beautiful gesture on your friends part. And I'm sure you did something very nice to help them out. Is this a guitar that your friend had that was brand new and they want you to have it or did your friend actually go to a store and buy it new for you?

Sometimes being honest bites us in the ass, but Koogs, I think you definately have to be honest here. Is your friend a musician? If your friend is a musician they'll understand about a guitarist trying to find instruments that become a part of them. Tone wise, comfort, etc. If your friend isn't a musician, you have to explain the issues you are having........being neck heavy, etc. Tell them that you are extremely greatful. Tell him/her that you have an idea that might make both of you happy. Ask your friend if it would be okay to do the trade in and gauge what your friends reaction is. If they are a little hurt with this, then I'd say bite the bullet and keep the guitar. If they are okay with it I look forward to seeing your new BALL. Like Muggsy said, If you get a BALL out of this, make sure you keep it.

Scott

 

[MrMusashi]

all depends on the friend
if he/she really thought they were doin the right thing; keep it! its a gesture and you can probably get a bongo5 for yourself laters anyway
if he/she works for the given company in any way they might just be lookin for free pr... then id trade it without asking

and then of course there is everything in between there..
the desicion can only be made by you..

MrM

 

[timmy5strings]

I would keep it for a year at least for your friend. Play it, experiment with different string types (all EB of course) and try to have fun with it. Let your friend see you are checking it out. Then tell them its really not your style and would they mind if you traded it or something more fitting. Chances are they will understand.

 

[silverburst]

Like you said, it is a dear friend. Keep it as a nice remembrance. Friends like that don't grow on trees.

 

[koogie2k]

ok....I read all the answers and I am gonna let my conscience be my guide...I just wanted a different view and you guys/gals gave it to me.

I am keeping it. I am gonna play it and use it at my shows. I think the reason for the bass was they thought the shape "fit" my style of music and it looks cool. They are not musicians. They don't know EBMM from a maple tree...in other words...not musicians.

So, I will keep it and play it. That is the right thing to do and I value your opinions on this...made the choice that much easier.

So, here it what it is....minus pic.

BC Rich neck-thru widow 5 string.

It will get some mods and I will talk to my local tech at the awesome GC here in town to solve the neck heavy issue and throw in some new pups.

You guys/gals are awesome. So are my friends who got it for me. Besides, variety is a good thing......

Thanks everyone....you ROCK!

 

[Caca de Kick]

I'm reading "a dear friend" and "a Thank You <gift?>" and "kind of got the hint that they want me to use this at my gigs" - I wouldn't take the chance of negatively impacting the relationship at this point.

I say keep it too. I read the same thing as Adelucia...you said it's a "dear friend".

Yup, just mod it to sound right.

 

[n!k]

Glad you kept it. No friend of mine ever just handed me a bass!

If you want to help the neck dive, wear a wide leather strap with suede on the inside. You could also change the tuners to hipshot ultralite tuners, which weigh considerably less. Or, of course, you could do what Nikki Sixx did and just screw in a hunk of metal on the other end.

 

[grumpyoldman]

Koogie2K

I am venturing over to the lowdown side for another rare appearance - I agree with your game plan. You can't always get what you want, and in this case it definitely is the thought that counts. Keep the gift and use it occasionally. Appreciation, even when shown in small amounts, goes a long way.....

 

[Big Poppa]

I think you should keep it b ut not be obilgated to use it unless it fit good and I wasnt worried about me showing up and seeing koogs playing a non ebmm

Giving a guitar or bass is very nice. Expecting it to be their number one is pie n th sky.