And so, the wait begins (future Red Sparkle content)

[Ray Salamon]

Good afternoon everyone!
Some of you may have seen the post on TB about this. If not, well, read on...
As some of you know, I have a considerable weak spot for Music Man basses, especially Bongos. I've owned several now, though presently I only own one; a Bongo 6 HS in Silver. Its been a workhorse and a great instrument to play on. Lately, I've been itching for something ... different though. I've looked around, knowing in general what I wanted. I hit ebay and TB classifieds... searching off and on to see if "it" would pop up.

Well, it hasn't yet, and I'm at a point where I want "it" now. Or, as near to now as possible.

I went to one of my "go to" places (The Perfect Bass) to see what they had in stock. A swing and a miss - but I figured as much, as I can't imagine anyone actually keeping what I had in mind on hand. While here though, I noticed the "color of the month" from EBMM - however, it was for October. Drats! That Red Sparkle sure looks neat.

I shoot off an e-mail to James at TPB letting him know what I am looking for, how I thought the red sparkle was cool, and how it sucks that I missed it by a month.

He gets back to me pretty quickly... letting me know that he can alter one of the basses he has on order to suit my needs!

So, now that you're sick of reading, here's what should be in my hands January or February of 2014:
EBMM Bongo 5 HS + piezo, Sparkle Red, unlined fretless. James will be calling me back in an hour or so to take my deposit and what not.
My only "concern" at this point is... HS or HH? Anyone have any input? My main gig is a symphonic/progressive metal opera, but I'd like versatility for side and future projects (which can/will be basically everything under the sun).

 

[tunaman4u2]

As an HH owner, absolutely a HS.

1) More rare
2) Higher resale
3) Bit more room to slap
4) Sweeter neck tone

And if you ever need cash you know who to hit up for that firemist Sterling 5HH ha ha !

 

[Ray Salamon]

I'm not much of a slap player, so that isn't a make/break thing for me. The rarity likewise doesn't mean much to me, as I typically hold onto basses. The tone part is the part that I'd like if someone has an HH and an HS (fretted or preferrably freltess) can comment on.

Man... I played the Sterling at a gig this past weekend and I forgot how amazing it was. It was probably about 8 months since it got actual play time at a gig and not rehearsal (usually it sits in the stand, begging the Bongo to break so it gets some time). I don't see myself letting go of it... but if I do, you're name will come to mind I'm sure

 

[Ray Salamon]

Well, no go on Ebony, but otherwise my order is placed. James thinks that the normal lead time coupled with the last minute order change (deal to EBMM order that is), that I may be looking at closer to Mid-Feburary for mine. Hopefully I can not go crazy in the meantime...

 

[Ray Salamon]

Only a couple of days into it and I'm already going nuts. It's going to be a long few months. Still a little sad I couldn't get Ebony, too.

 

[Ray Salamon]

Ok, made it a couple of weeks without really thinking about this. Seems that the holidays may distract me for a little while...

 

[KevinM]

A couple weeks is pretty good actually.

If you can keep yourself from turning into a pumpkin before February you're doing good.

 

[Ray Salamon]

Yeah, a good step for sure. Still going to be hard to make it to February. I think having a new EUB will prove enough of a distraction for awhile too though .

 

[Ray Salamon]

Alright, we're in February now! Last that I talked to TPB, he said he expects it near the end of this month. So it seems that at the most that's another 3 weeks or so until he has it. I may pay him to overnight it to me after that >.>

 

[Ray Salamon]

Well, the bass is somewhere between EBMM and ThePerfectBass! So I should have it soon... hopefully by this time next week!

 

[Monahan]

Looking forward to seeing it! Bass NW has (had?) a few stingray/sterling models in that red sparkle finish... VERY cool!

 

[Ray Salamon]

Dude! You're in Oly - a bit of a drive, but I'm hosting a pretty big bass player get together in Seattle on the 30th. You should come up! It'd be cool to have another person representing EBMM there. One person can only put these basses into a certain number of hands and convert people.

 

[Monahan]

That would be sweet! Thanks for the invite
Can't make it though... My wife and I will be geeking out that weekend at the Emerald City Comic Con

 

[Ray Salamon]

Thursday... it'll be in my hands on Thursday!!