Best neck in the industry

[rizzo9247]

I've been playing my Bongo for so long that I forgot how unbelievably smooth the feel of a bare wood EBMM neck is. I picked up a black/black/rosewood SR5HH from GC (pics tonight!) and can't wait to get home from work and plug it in!

 

[nurnay]

Agreed, love the feel of the neck on my Ray 5HH. Smooth, baby.

 

[Norm66]

The naked neck was one of the big drawing points when I picked out my SR5 HH. That and the shape of the neck. And the focused B string. And the beautiful finish on the body. The even response all over the neck. The sound of the pickups & pre-amp working together. And....... Honestly I just fell in love with the thing.

But yea, the neck feels spectacular, especially when I get just a little sweat going and my hand still slides without getting stuck.

 

[rizzo9247]

 

[Chuck B]

I did love the neck of my SR5 too, back when I was playing 5ers...

 

[Mabongohogany]

The only factors I like about my (2) MM Basses
(Sterling 4H; Bongo HH) are:

The neck
The body
The electronics
The components
The Finish
The fit & assembly
The tone(s)

That's about it, I guess.

 

[Disco Batman]

There is some kind of magic in SLO that allows them to create necks that feel like they've been played for 30 years in a brand new instrument. Everytime I pick up my MM or one at a store it truly feels special. Very few basses from other manufacturers feel that way.

 

[Chuck B]

So sorry, I forgot to congratulate on this beautiful Ray5!

 

[bovinehost]

I've been playing my Bongo for so long that I forgot how unbelievably smooth the feel of a bare wood EBMM neck is. I picked up a black/black/rosewood SR5HH from GC (pics tonight!) and can't wait to get home from work and plug it in!

I go back and forth. Bongos are like home to me. Painted necks? I don't even feel it. My technique sucks, but how much of the back of the neck am I feeling, anyway? Not much.

Back when I figured it was worth it, I argued a lot about the painted neck on "another forum". People would complain, of course, which is what the internet is for, after all. And I'd say, "YOU CAN FEEL THE PAINT?" I've done hundreds, maybe thousands of hours on Bongos and not once did I think to myself, "Well, if it weren't for the paint on the back of the neck...."

This is not to say I don't appreciate the unpainted expanse of the necks on my SR5 or my Big Als. I do. But I hardly ever even notice it, really.

Jack

 

[syciprider]

Sexy Ray!

 

[rizzo9247]

Very nice post!

When I first bought my bongo last year after playing a stingray 5H prior to that, the adjustment to the feel of the painted neck was simply, "Oh, that's different". That was really it and it felt great going forward.

 

[Norm66]

Yes, great post. I agree.

FWIW although I prefer the "naked" feel, a finished or painted neck isn't a deal breaker for me. My previous No. 1 bass was a Fender P-bass with a glossy neck. I can certainly still play either variety, but if I were having a custom bass built I'd go with the finish as close to my SR5 as the builder could get it.

 

[Old_Guy]

Sexy Ray!

Jack,
"Long time no see," but thought I'd ask you a question - (On your recommendation) I've been happiply playing a Bongo 5 (have a 4 as well) for several years; decided I needed a second bass strung with rounds for different stuff (rock/pick playing). I absolfreakinlootely love the Bongo neck (those clowns in the "other forum" don't get that it's satin poly over the paint!) - but think the SSS Al has the tones I'm looking for. How different is the neck..is it essentially a Sterling 5 neck? My impression is the Bongo's got a slightly thinner contour to it, which I prefer to the Sterling 5.
Clean your PM box out!
Appreciate the advice as always,

~Old Guy
aka Stone, Avoider of Yard Work, Forgetter of Lyrics, Dinger of Bongo Headstocks
Playing In Tune Available at Extra Charge, See our Drummer for Details!

 

[adouglas]

The only factors I like about my (2) MM Basses
(Sterling 4H; Bongo HH) are:

The neck
The body
The electronics
The components
The Finish
The fit & assembly
The tone(s)

That's about it, I guess.

You left out "mojo" and "sheer awesomeness."

 

[Old_Guy]

Prof. Douglas..you could answer that question...another Bongo or the AL 5SSS?

 

[adouglas]

I got the Al for a few very specific reasons, not because it's "better" than the Bongo. It's different.

Your reasons are no doubt not the same as mine.

Having said that, though, variety is a good thing.

 

[Holdsg]

Prof. Douglas..you could answer that question...another Bongo or the AL 5SSS?

This is a trick question, right? see sig if any doubt.

 

[cellkirk74]

The neck of the Big Al 5 is the same as the Sterling 5. I do not feel that big of a difference between the the Bongo 5 and the Al, besides the Bongo feels slightly wider and flatter. No big deal...

 

[rutgart]

EBMM have sure nailed their necks, I find that as I'm required to pick up a different MM Bass for a new gig, session etc I am reminded why I've brought so many

 

[Tollywood]

Painted necks? I don't even feel it. And I'd say, "YOU CAN FEEL THE PAINT?" I've done hundreds, maybe thousands of hours on Bongos and not once did I think to myself, "Well, if it weren't for the paint on the back of the neck...."


Jack

I love it, Jack!

I have a Big Al on layaway across the country for my 11 year old's xmas present. Will that neck be unfinished like my Axis?

Thanks,
Bryan