Bongo 5 - SR5 Input Needed

[Koch Sanchez]

Have a SR5 (one H) on order from MF - but I played a Bongo 4 the other day and loved it. Thinking about refusing shipment on the SR5 (so I don't have to pay return shipping on it) and ordering up a Bongo 5 HS (which would probably cost me another $100 or so because I got a good deal on the SR5).

Anyone made this move and regretted it (SR for Bongo 5). What are the major difference between the two? Anything I should know about the Bongo? I did a search but I'm particularly interested in input from those who have owned both SR5 and Bongo 5's. Do the Bongo's really dent that easily? I've read some negative things about basswood but again if it sounds good who cares - I'm just concerned about the denting issue. I'm also wondering if once this GAS attack subsides if the traditional guy in me will be happier with the look of the SR5 long term. ALSO - input on the various PU configurations would be great as well. I play mostly funk, jazz, and rock (in that order) if that makes a difference.

Any input would be appreciated. Either way I'm going with an EBMM so the money will land here anyway

 

[Dr Stankface]

Get the SR5. Play it. See if you like it as much.

A StingRay 5 is not a Bongo 5. A Bongo 5 is not a StingRay 5.

I've owned both. I prefer the StingRay 5.

 

[silverburst]

Man. If you play funk, I would go with the Bongo 5. They do not dent more easily than any other bass (once you chip the end of the headstock off, that is), and they are just ungodly funky. There are alot of other SR5s out there with very little use that you can can always pick up later.

My opinion, of course.

 

[Koch Sanchez]

Any other input? For some reason the Bongo 5's are alot pricier than the SR5 I ordered which is another consideration.

 

[Big Poppa]

IF you are a secure man...Bongo

If you are a confused youngster SR5

P.S. Stanky will have another Bongo....he just doesnt know it....

 

[Koch Sanchez]

Secure man it is! For some reason I love the looks of those Bongo's!

 

[Psycho Ward]

IF you are a secure man...Bongo

If you are a confused youngster SR5

P.S. Stanky will have another Bongo....he just doesnt know it....

Hey BP, just curious, what if you’re a Sterling owner/lover... like me?

 

[timmy5strings]

Quick!! Accept your SR5 or you will forever become a Bongoloid !!! Run to the light !!

 

[PocketGroove82]

As far as the whole dinging/chipping thing goes, I think the chipping/denting issue is mostly because with such a uniquely shaped/painted headstock, you can see the little nicks a lot better than on the standard ray headstock.

Good luck choosing. I know I couldn't so I've just bought one of each!
Sad thing is, I really should be returning the model that I like the least, but each one I've bought has a unique/rare/LTD thing going on, and I like collecting!

dammit dammit dammit...i need this tax return to be bigger!

 

[adouglas]

Quick!! Accept your SR5 or you will forever become a Bongoloid !!! Run to the light !!

Urrrgghhh! Urrrgghhh!

 

[Dr Stankface]

This confused youngster loves his SR5s and yes, I will own another Bongo on day.

I played Travis H Bongo 4 yesterday. Sounded great.


I still prefer my SR5s though.

 

[tkarter]

My Bongo 5 H gets all the gig time. The SR5 just stays home and looks pretty.

Can't go wrong with the Bongo.

tk

 

[Big Poppa]

TOm remember that you are a secure man.....

 

[Koch Sanchez]

Just showed the wife a pic of the Bongo, her response... "Don't bring that weird looking thing into our house - it looks evil - like an evil eye" then she said "get whatever you want, you deserve it" but then noted again "why would you want that weird looking thing - get the nice one (the Stingray 5)".

 

[adouglas]

Let me explain something to you about members of the opposite sex:

Often they Just Don't Get It.

Yesterday I was driving with my wife, and we were next to a first-generation Mazda Miata. I told her about how Mazda wanted to recreate the aesthetic of the English sports cars (Triumphs, MGs, etc.), and how one of the engineers would drive around listening to recordings of the exhaust note of those old classic cars so that it could be recreated in the Miata.

Here's what she said:

"I'd think you'd want to make it as quiet as possible, even silent. Why would you want to hear the exhaust? That noise is just a distraction."

 

[tkarter]

If she told you to get whatever you want and that is a bongo then go for it. She will understand once she hears it if you have ever played any other bass that she could hear.

It is all about the sound. The looks are just are like the sound unique.

(room for the joke)

tk

 

[bovinehost]

 

[timmy5strings]

Not even if it was a "one of a kind" Bongo finished in "Loganflame" ! Well okay, but ONLY if its a "one of a kind" Bongo finished in "Loganflame". That is one sweet Bongo !

 

[tadawson]

Nice Jack! And what it the product code for ordering one of THOSE Bongos? Hmmmm????

- Tim