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roburado

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Jul 18, 2005
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Commerce, MI
Recently, I played a 30th SR (granted, I think the battery was a little weak) and a couple of Bongos. I GASsed harder for the Sapphire Black/Abalone Bongo 4HH. (Gassing based purely on the sounds I was making.) Am I nuts?
 

roburado

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Jul 18, 2005
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Commerce, MI
Of course, we've heard from the Bongoloids and The Sterling King. Any 30th fans want to differ?

Don't get me wrong. I went looking for a 30th, because that's what I thought I wanted. I'm kind of re-examining my reasons for getting one. I like the 30th and all. I DO want one. It's just that the Bongo put a bigger smile on my face. I think I want the 30th just to have the 30th, which sounds amazing, and I like it. I think I want a Bongo, because I love it. I guess it's a matter of shopping with my heart or shopping with my head. If I go with my heart, I'm going with the Bongo. If I go with my head, thinking about rarity/collectibility, the fact that it's very special SR, I think I should get the 30th. If I really go shopping with my head, well, I might just pick up a Sub. Let's face it, I'm just a skinny stringer who wants to learn to bring the thunder with the big strings. A Sub is a perfectly good way to start.
 

Fred E.

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Nov 8, 2006
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Fort Myers, Florida
Me too--exactly. I am trying to swing a purchase of a local 30th SR--no question that I want it--but, as far as how this one plays, I prefer my Bongos. It does need a setup, so that would be the first thing that I would do. Who knows what I would feel after a good setup?
 

bassmonkeee

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Apr 25, 2004
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Decatur, GA
Of course, we've heard from the Bongoloids and The Sterling King. Any 30th fans want to differ?


No 30th fan should be able to change your opinion. If someone says, "You're crazy for not liking the 30th more," well...that person has issues.

If you like Bongos more, you like Bongos more. It just means one less person to get in silverburst's way of owning every available 30th Ann Stingray, that's all. :D
 

Evolver

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Feb 15, 2007
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next to the lake
I A/B'd the 30th, Bongos, and a host of other basses and bought the 30th. And, it is an awesome bass that I intend to keep. Now I'm starting the quest for a Bongo... I've concluded having not having at least one of each is a difficult proposition....:)
I've also found it's not all that easy to really compare these basses with just visits to the local music store given the really wide flexibility of the EQ's and inherent variability in set-up, string condition, amps, etc.
 

muggsy

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Nov 19, 2004
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787
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Alexandria, VA
Not crazy. That's why they make more than one flavor of ice cream.

Wait... there's more than one flavor of ice cream? I have to stop letting my wife do all the food shopping.

I love my 30th Stingray, and I can't imagine selling it, but the Bongo is a totally different animal. I may sell my Bongo someday, but only to acquire another Bongo with a different pickup configuration. At least one of each is the way to go, if you have the means. If not, I don't think anybody would call you crazy for having a preference, unless the Bongo you're gassing over is some hideous color. :)
 

MrMusashi

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Mar 26, 2007
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69 degrees north
at this point in time, at this very day id say NO! its perfectly sane!
the bongo is one h*** of a machine!!!!!

when i get the 30th ill prolly advice you to get both anyways :D

MrM
 

silverburst

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Oct 10, 2006
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Long Beach, CA
... It just means one less person to get in silverburst's way of owning every available 30th Ann Stingray, that's all. :D


Right on, brother!

They are apple and oranges. My Bongo 4H plays just as nicely as a 30th, it just sounds different.

Still not too crazy about my Bongo 4HH, though. Want to buy it?

CIMG2017.jpg
 

Spectre

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Apr 1, 2007
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VA
No 30th fan should be able to change your opinion. If someone says, "You're crazy for not liking the 30th more," well...that person has issues.

Following that reasoning, the same would be true for the reverse.
Like what you like, don't what you don't.

For me, I solved the dilema. Bought my Bongo 5H, it's staring at me right now, and have a 30th hidden away, soon for delivery. Not even sliverburst can find it :p ... at least I think so. :(:D

Go with your first instinct, which ever way you choose, and enjoy your new bass.
 

phatduckk

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Jul 25, 2004
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San Mateo, California, United States
ya - i mean. if youre a Ray guy then the 20th SR4 is the way to go cuz they're awesome. but, like the guys said, the Bongo is pretty damn different so i cant blame you for picking either.

i have both and pick em up for different reasons.

lately the 30th and I have been forming a new relationship. i think she flet threatened by the rest of the crew and stepped it up a knotch.

they're both fun bass.
 

T-bone

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Apr 12, 2005
Messages
1,274
B.P. said it all when he stated the 30th was the best Ray ever made. What more is there to say?

Now, as a Ray guy, it's difficult to understand this bongoloid mentality. I think it's a phase you're all going through. And after you've strayed and fulfilled your fantasy, you'll come back to the classic. ;)

Stay with the Ray

tbone
 

MingusBASS

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Apr 17, 2004
Messages
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Location
Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States
If it wasn't for the Bongo, I doubt I would appreciate all of the EBMM basses as much as I do. I've always liked Stingrays but for one reason or another, I'd always end up selling them. Great sound/playability but I just never fell in love with one. Then the Bongo hit the scene and changed everything for me. It had that "EBMM family" tone/quality, but then you add in the 4 band eq/18v pre...the tonal options just blew my mind. My Bongo5HHp just seems to get better and better as the years go by. It's not going anywhere, in fact I've added two other Bongos to my arsenal. That being said, if I wasn't trying to finish off my student loans, I'd have a Ray,Ray5 and Sterling no doubt! The Bongo made me give the other EBMM basses a second look. The point is, they are all amazing basses, and although the Bongo is my favorite, there's something out there for nearly everyone. I freak'n love these basses. :)
 
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