Help! Bongo versus 25th Anniversary

[plchung3]

Hi,

I want buy a Bongo 5 HS as it sounds good and looks interesting on Youtube review.

The instrument is really not cheap and it is always the best to try with my own hands first. But sadly our only distributor in Hong Kong said they will not import any unless I pay the full price to buy one....

Recently I have just tried a 25th Anniversary 5 string HSS, I think that's the most similar instrument I can try here (4 band EQ etc)


In terms general hands on feeling, how would you compare Bongo 5 HS and 25th Anniversary 5 HSS, such as the neck and sound? (you know over youtube the sound may not 100% accurate)

 

[Basspro]

Welcome to the Forum! While i own niether of these, there are a few of very knowledgable members here that do, and will be coming along shortly to help you out.
What did you think about the 25th?

 

[Mogee]

Bongo

 

[TheAntMan]

I have both and I can honestly tell you that you need to try both to get the real feel and range of each. Although they have the same neck profile; the Bongo is 24 frets and 25th Anniv. is 22 frets. Also, the electronics are not exactly the same as there is a blend knob for the pickups on the Bongo but selector switches on the 25th Anniv.

All that being said, I absolutely love the 25th Anniv. The neck plays like a dream and the tonal options are amazing. But, and there is always a but, it does not replace my Bongo any more than my Bongo replaces my Stingray.

I would say to get the 25th Anniv. if you have tried it and loved it. You will not be disappointed on choosing either one.

I guess I was not very much help in the end

Good Luck.

--Ant

 

[Duarte]

I'd say get a 25th whilst you still can, although I have a Bongo HS and let me tell you, the bass is incredible. It does nearly everything I want from a bass, and in situations where it doesn't quite work (very rare) I use the Stingray.

Maybe the 25th will do EVEYTHING you could ever possibly need in a bass? It sure looks like it does...

So if I was in your situation I would go for the 25th, you've played it, know what it is like, it's a limited run, Bongos will be readily available in the future, and you really can't go wrong with that electronics package.

 

[Ole Man Blues]

Hello......I have owned both the Stingray and currently own a Bongo. I prefer the Bongo because it is so versatile and powerful. I played a P Bass for years so I love the big fat thunderous tones and I can coax that out of the Bongo with my eyes closed. I don't slap or pop just play straight bass and it suits my style greatly. I love how nicely it plays, the quality of it, it is a solid well built and designed instrument. I love that while I adjust the EQ a little goes a long way. It's like driving a Corvette, while doing 90 MPH and you realize that you still have 3/4 of the fuel pedal left to go. Just a lot of Bass for your money. I've played a lot of Basses over the years and the Bongo is simply the best, you can do no better......nuff said..

OMB

 

[oli@bass]

So if I was in your situation I would go for the 25th, you've played it, know what it is like, it's a limited run, Bongos will be readily available in the future, and you really can't go wrong with that electronics package.

I would agree, but my guess is that there might be a slight problem with the price... you could probably get two Bongos for one 25th (that's at least the approximate pricing here in Switzerland)

 

[projectapollo]

Having just received a 25th HSS, I am surprised at how much it feels like and sounds similar to my Bongo. Playing the Bongo will give you a good idea of the feel and sound of the 25th.

 

[TheAntMan]

I would agree, but my guess is that there might be a slight problem with the price... you could probably get two Bongos for one 25th (that's at least the approximate pricing here in Switzerland)

Yup. That is what I paid but then again what else could I possibly want to spend it on!!!

--Ant

 

[TheAntMan]

Yup. That is what I paid but then again what else could I possibly want to spend it on!!!

--Ant

Oh, yeah....my next EBMM acquisition will be a Bongo 4HS Stealth with Ebony neck!!!...oh, man!!! That panther bass will rule!!

--Ant

 

[shakinbacon]

Having just received a 25th HSS, I am surprised at how much it feels like and sounds similar to my Bongo. Playing the Bongo will give you a good idea of the feel and sound of the 25th.

That's interesting. I haven't tried the 25th myself, but I was thinking the other day "that looks like the end-all-be-all" in terms of tones. Good to know at least in your case you felt the Bongo was quite similar.

That should keep me from trying one for a little while

 

[plchung3]

I would agree, but my guess is that there might be a slight problem with the price... you could probably get two Bongos for one 25th (that's at least the approximate pricing here in Switzerland)

Thanks a lot for everyone's help.

My target is still Bongo since it is within my budget (but LOL I am not able to even touch it in Hong Kong unless I pay full in advance) and have some more color choices. Too bad EBMM just discontinued my favourite orange body color and I will have to get the silvery one instead.


Actually I just want to see whether 25th active mode actually very similar sound to a Bongo HS. I believe Bongo pickups use Neodymium Magnets, would that make some difference in the active sound?

 

[markbass99]

Hello......I have owned both the Stingray and currently own a Bongo. I prefer the Bongo because it is so versatile and powerful. I played a P Bass for years so I love the big fat thunderous tones and I can coax that out of the Bongo with my eyes closed. I don't slap or pop just play straight bass and it suits my style greatly. I love how nicely it plays, the quality of it, it is a solid well built and designed instrument. I love that while I adjust the EQ a little goes a long way. It's like driving a Corvette, while doing 90 MPH and you realize that you still have 3/4 of the fuel pedal left to go. Just a lot of Bass for your money. I've played a lot of Basses over the years and the Bongo is simply the best, you can do no better......nuff said..

OMB

This man says it all right here, true dat.

 

[Manfloozy]

Thanks a lot for everyone's help.

My target is still Bongo since it is within my budget (but LOL I am not able to even touch it in Hong Kong unless I pay full in advance) and have some more color choices. Too bad EBMM just discontinued my favourite orange body color and I will have to get the silvery one instead.


Actually I just want to see whether 25th active mode actually very similar sound to a Bongo HS. I believe Bongo pickups use Neodymium Magnets, would that make some difference in the active sound?

The S pickups of the 25th HSS are also Neodymium... The H of the HSS is ceramic.

The Active mode preamplifier is either very similiar if not identical to a Bongo. The 25th also has a mahogany tone block, the stunning top, m.o.p. Inlays... And a Bongo neck profile. What it doesn't have is a blend knob for the pups, or a piezo bridge option.

They both are awesome.

 

[Duarte]

I would agree, but my guess is that there might be a slight problem with the price... you could probably get two Bongos for one 25th (that's at least the approximate pricing here in Switzerland)

True, for the price I would take 2 Bongos any day!

You seriously can't go wrong with Bongos, they are fantastic sounding basses. They feel great and look superb. If you're thinking about it and can afford one, just go for it and you will not be sorry.

 

[Meypelnek]

Apologies to get back to this old thread. I am offered a 25th Ann. HH (flamed top, RW) and I wonder what was the original street price? Can anybody help?
US? UK? Better: Even better: Germany?

 

[nurnay]

True, for the price I would take 2 Bongos any day!

You seriously can't go wrong with Bongos, they are fantastic sounding basses. They feel great and look superb. If you're thinking about it and can afford one, just go for it and you will not be sorry.

Agreed. I bit the bullet and bought mine without ever touching one and haven't regretted it. The Bongo rules!

 

[nurnay]

Apologies to get back to this old thread. I am offered a 25th Ann. HH (flamed top, RW) and I wonder what was the original street price? Can anybody help?
US? UK? Better: Even better: Germany?

LOL, I didn't realize how old this thread was when I responded. Doh!

 

[KevinM]

Apologies to get back to this old thread. I am offered a 25th Ann. HH (flamed top, RW) and I wonder what was the original street price? Can anybody help?
US? UK? Better: Even better: Germany?

Bass Central in Florida has a 4-banger for $2450 usd.
Musicman 25th Anniversary Bass and Guitars

here's a search result from talkbass classified for "25th" that shows anywhere from $1500 to $1900
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