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bassmonkeee

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Plus, there's always the unwanted added expense of a refinish, especially if you are buying a new bass. I can see how that might be a turn-off.

True, but I often see people post "We should have access to all of the colors, if we're willing to pay for it." And, I've seen people say that they'd pay $300 for a finish that wasn't available.

I'm simply saying that if the color is the only thing holding you back, then it isn't something that should hold you off on buying a bass and having it refinished if it is a keeper. I'd simply wait until the warranty was up to give yourself time to know whether it's a keeper, or the right bass for you. That will give you time to determine if the color is really that big of a deal, or not, to begin with.

Musicman finishes are amazing and resilient. And, I've seen them do some crazy amazing things on artist instruments. Alas, I will probably never rate a custom finished bass from Musicman. But, I wasn't going to let that get in the way of getting a Bongo like I wanted and went the only route available to me.
 

b-unit

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Mar 10, 2006
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It is kind of a bummer that more colors aren't available these days but as the owner of a Bongo 5, I would not hesitate to buy one in any color as they are such amazing instruments. I feel really lucky that i was able to order mine in True Gold literally days before the color was discontinued.
 

KevinM

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Feb 24, 2011
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How would a trans finish look on basswood?
I don't know but maybe the reason we see the standard Bongo in solid colors has something to do with the appearance of the wood?
I remember a little while back a thread with a roasted Bongo. Roasted maple neck and roasted basswood body with either clear or no finish. A look at the could tell what it might look like.
 

Holdsg

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basswood has very little grain, so trans finishes are just kinda blahh

MTD has an import version of their p-bass that is a trans/burst finish on basswood, it's butt ugly and just leaves me cold.
 
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KevinM

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So something like a burst finish might work but you can get the contrasting colors by using pick guard options
 

uOpt

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I freaking want ebony fretboards on more things than the Stealth :). As far as body colors... not sure. I like my Silver 6HS, and I can't wait to see my red sparkle 5 HSp. I like lots of colors though and generally can find ones I like anywhere. I may end up with a blue bongo down the line at some point, so I'm hoping for some nice blues... cobalt blue would be ideal there.

Right. So first of all ebony. And I would also prefer that the back of the neck is not painted in solid color. I want gloss paint, but clear over maple.
 

JOEinCA

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Mar 12, 2013
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Fresno, CA USA
The Bongo shape to my eye is just too modern to work with a classic color. It screams different and exciting. I finally buckled down and pulled the trigger on an Emerald Green Sparkle 5 HH. I wasn't a fan of the color until I saw it on a Bongo. On top of different and exciting, it looks mean. Not as mean as Joe Greene but it is one mean green machine.


I have yet to see that color on a Bongo in person. However, its funny you say that because just the other day I was at the local GC and came across a MM 6-string Silhouette in that color and I really liked it. I was surprised I liked it...it just wasn't a color I would have ever ordered sight-unseen. That being said, I haven't warmed up that way to most of the bongo color options I've seen in person.
 

stu42

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Calgary, Alberta
Right. So first of all ebony. And I would also prefer that the back of the neck is not painted in solid color. I want gloss paint, but clear over maple.

The only one I know of like that is the Roasted Neck, Black Sugar BFR version that was available a couple of years ago.

Like this:
RoastedBongoH5.jpg
 

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keko

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Jun 10, 2009
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Zagreb, Croatia, EU
Someone already mentioned this , ...whole chrome Bongo would be spectacular!!!

Also, the whole "golden" Bongo could look splendid too!!!
 

JayDawg

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Feb 21, 2010
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Sterling, Colorado
That sounds beautiful. And, deadly heavy.

Really? Carvi allows you to order all koa basses and a friend of mine has one. It is actually pretty light. So has every koa bass or guitar I have ever played before. I absolutely love the wood color and tones too but I have never played a heavy one before.
 
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