Grand Wazoo
Well-known member
Wayne C. Henderson did it for me, while I waited.
Is Jewel your spouse name?
- Thread starter Grand Wazoo
- Start date
Is Jewel your spouse name?
bovinehost
Administrator
Jewel was his mom's name.
miliouz
Active member
I like this bass guitar for his look as it is (I hated at first, I admit). I love its sound, with the terrible growl characteristic. No bass has never surpassed, and I can tell you that the finest instruments I've tried (Warwick, Fender, Gibson, and Lakland, even instruments of lute). I am filled simply.
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ZiggyDude
Well-known member
I am somewhat new to the forum – so I hope that nobody gets upset if I blurt something not PC or what ever.
I just got a Bongo 5 HH in the Desert Gold. I like the color and after it was discontinued the Ebay prices went up and I realized a new one was not much more. EBMM customer service was great and pointed me to a couple of shops that still had stock. Now – here I be. I have been playing for decades and this is my first Music Man instrument.
I found the comments by Big Poppa most interesting and almost confusing. When he said “I love the Bongo because Im still having to prove it. I love the bongo because I think it was a unsafe move for a company to try and most would have given up....”
I have, to my bewilderment, noticed that there are Bongo haters – only because the bass does not look like a typical Fender. When you look at the world filled with Warlocks (actually most anything BC Rich), some of the Alembics, MCS, and the wide variety of different or pointy shapes out there – the Bongo is not all that really wild in shape. But – it does not look like a Fender Jazz or P bass – and the only folks that get bent seem to be other MM users. One local MM dealer revels at the fact the GC is dropping the Bongo, almost lets go a blue streak on the shape. That is nuts to me. At least that I have noticed with the folks that I run into. Someday I would really like to understand this phenomenon. Hopefully you guys can help.
I like the Bongo because it does NOT look like a typical Fender P or Jazz. For reasons not relevant here – I won’t take one on stage (nothing personal) and the Bongo was the only choice for me. I like the 4 band EQ. I was really impressed with the case that it came with. I like the painted neck. This was also the widest neck MM has in a 5 string – though I would have liked wider. I have also noticed that this may be the first dual PuP bass I have where the bridge pickup is actually a great sound. Most basses you almost wonder what the bridge PuP is for How both pickups stay the same volume is great too!
I am very impressed that EBMM can build a quality instrument with a wide variety of features with a street price of 1500 and make it in the USA. There is a business model there a lot of other companies should learn.
Add coil taps, a phase, and be able to adjust the freq. of the two mid range EQs – this could be one monster amongst monsters!
Just two cents from a Newbie (go easy on me!)
- Ziggy -
I just got a Bongo 5 HH in the Desert Gold. I like the color and after it was discontinued the Ebay prices went up and I realized a new one was not much more. EBMM customer service was great and pointed me to a couple of shops that still had stock. Now – here I be. I have been playing for decades and this is my first Music Man instrument.
I found the comments by Big Poppa most interesting and almost confusing. When he said “I love the Bongo because Im still having to prove it. I love the bongo because I think it was a unsafe move for a company to try and most would have given up....”
I have, to my bewilderment, noticed that there are Bongo haters – only because the bass does not look like a typical Fender. When you look at the world filled with Warlocks (actually most anything BC Rich), some of the Alembics, MCS, and the wide variety of different or pointy shapes out there – the Bongo is not all that really wild in shape. But – it does not look like a Fender Jazz or P bass – and the only folks that get bent seem to be other MM users. One local MM dealer revels at the fact the GC is dropping the Bongo, almost lets go a blue streak on the shape. That is nuts to me. At least that I have noticed with the folks that I run into. Someday I would really like to understand this phenomenon. Hopefully you guys can help.
I like the Bongo because it does NOT look like a typical Fender P or Jazz. For reasons not relevant here – I won’t take one on stage (nothing personal) and the Bongo was the only choice for me. I like the 4 band EQ. I was really impressed with the case that it came with. I like the painted neck. This was also the widest neck MM has in a 5 string – though I would have liked wider. I have also noticed that this may be the first dual PuP bass I have where the bridge pickup is actually a great sound. Most basses you almost wonder what the bridge PuP is for
How both pickups stay the same volume is great too!I am very impressed that EBMM can build a quality instrument with a wide variety of features with a street price of 1500 and make it in the USA. There is a business model there a lot of other companies should learn.
Add coil taps, a phase, and be able to adjust the freq. of the two mid range EQs – this could be one monster amongst monsters!
Just two cents from a Newbie (go easy on me!)
- Ziggy -
adouglas
Well-known member
Awesome post, Ziggy.
Welcome to the ranks of the Enlightened Ones.
(insert sound of heavenly host here)
Welcome to the ranks of the Enlightened Ones.
(insert sound of heavenly host here)
Duarte
Well-known member
Truly the mother of all Bongos. That is the same as my next one, I can see it now.
It makes you wonder doesn't it...with all those hideous basses on the market that are actually hideous with no redeeming features or those bland old copies of copies or those pointy ones which hurt when you play them...it makes no sense that people can hate the bongo. Especially when it sounds so good.
Welcome to 'is 'ere forum.
RobertB
Well-known member
You're not allowed to post any more messages until you post pics of your Bongo (or did I miss them?)!
Duarte
Well-known member
Okay, okay, guys stop harassing me for pics. Grand wazoo, mingusbass and now you, and others I'm sure. They will come on saturday when I can get to my camera. And I'll post all the messages I want, I have a Bongo now!
Grand Wazoo
Well-known member
See this is puzzles me a lot, let me explain...
I have originated this thread as more of a survey or a test if you wish, I was sure that the opinion of my fellow Bongo onwers in this forum was one completely in favour of the bass and every aspects of it, i.e. the looks, the ergonomic playability and indeed the core of it which is the uncomparable sounds you can get out of it in all the 3 different combinations H / HH / HS.
Now, I know that Sterling Ball is very proud of the Bongo, and that he is probably the instrument's number one fan, just like Dr. Frankenstein he is affectionate to the mosnter he created, but then, on more than one occasions, I have read some of his comments in which he states that the Bongo is not selling as good as it should and that some stores will not stock it, that he is finding diffilcult to prove it to the mass that this bass is killer?
How is this possible when anyone that tries one is smitten by it? People are putting their name down on waiting lists and some are driving miles to try one or to buy one in another town or country.
The bass is a success, you only need to read people's comments in these threads and this forum is the proof. You know even the competition is jaded by jealousy but they all know this bass is the ultimate.
Thanks for all your feedback, at least I know I am not the only addict.
I have originated this thread as more of a survey or a test if you wish, I was sure that the opinion of my fellow Bongo onwers in this forum was one completely in favour of the bass and every aspects of it, i.e. the looks, the ergonomic playability and indeed the core of it which is the uncomparable sounds you can get out of it in all the 3 different combinations H / HH / HS.
Now, I know that Sterling Ball is very proud of the Bongo, and that he is probably the instrument's number one fan, just like Dr. Frankenstein he is affectionate to the mosnter he created, but then, on more than one occasions, I have read some of his comments in which he states that the Bongo is not selling as good as it should and that some stores will not stock it, that he is finding diffilcult to prove it to the mass that this bass is killer?
How is this possible when anyone that tries one is smitten by it? People are putting their name down on waiting lists and some are driving miles to try one or to buy one in another town or country.
The bass is a success, you only need to read people's comments in these threads and this forum is the proof. You know even the competition is jaded by jealousy but they all know this bass is the ultimate.
Thanks for all your feedback, at least I know I am not the only addict.
strummer
Enormous Member
Slap me silly for selling mine, damn I'm stupid...
BP said quite a few times that us knuckleheads don't really represent what the rest of his customers are. i'm paraphrasing but that's what i remember.
bovinehost
Administrator
He says we're like cayenne pepper.
Which means: don't handle us and then rub your eyeball.
No, wait.
It means: a little goes a long way.
Which means: don't handle us and then rub your eyeball.
No, wait.
It means: a little goes a long way.
Musicians are hidebound by hoary traditions and gossipy folk wisdom. In the old studio days, showing up with anything other than a Precision was regarded as presumptuously daring and ultimately taboo.
Some of this was due to the accepted norms and strategies of EQing the electric bass at the time, an instrument which was itself viewed as a inferior toy (compared to an upright) for many years until it gradually gained complete acceptance.
Even in the 80's, the lack of such a product in the cartage trunk would cause tongues to wag and cluck, regardless of the player and the tone created. No doubt many of us could relate stories of bandstand besmirchments, also..."Hey there fella, what's that pointy bass thar? Don't yew have somethin' proper ta play?"
So now we have a product which is light years beyond those simplistic sonic limitations...But those who can appreciate such innovation must be patient, while our compatriots struggle to find their place in the 21st century.
TheAntMan
Well-known member
I love my Bongos, they are one of a kind design.
I think the issue is what Big Papa calls the 1953 mindset.
People resist change and are not always willing to give something different a fair try. I am seeing more and more Bongos magazine photos, TV performances, concerts and other places. I think it will just be a matter of time before people get used to them and come around to giving them a chance.
-- Ant
I think the issue is what Big Papa calls the 1953 mindset.
People resist change and are not always willing to give something different a fair try. I am seeing more and more Bongos magazine photos, TV performances, concerts and other places. I think it will just be a matter of time before people get used to them and come around to giving them a chance.
-- Ant
Well, all I can say is it happened again last night.
I notice this guy staring from across the room while we're playing (and no, my bra strap was NOT showing). The second we go on break he is right there almost drolling at my Stealth 4HH. He says "Is that a Music Man Bongo?" Then he looks over at my DG 5HH and says "OMG, you have two? That is just killer tone. Those basses rock!"
And this is far from the first time this has happened.
They are a phenomenon unto themselves. Thanks, BP!!
I notice this guy staring from across the room while we're playing (and no, my bra strap was NOT showing). The second we go on break he is right there almost drolling at my Stealth 4HH. He says "Is that a Music Man Bongo?" Then he looks over at my DG 5HH and says "OMG, you have two? That is just killer tone. Those basses rock!"
And this is far from the first time this has happened.
They are a phenomenon unto themselves. Thanks, BP!!
Big Poppa
Well-known member
GW
I cannot find an analogy that doesnt sound udderly pompous...but a lot of fine art didnt gain acceptance until years after the artist died.....
The retailer (dont shoot me...all you good dealers out there) GENERALLY puts it on the wall and if it sells they are happy...if it doesnt it is blown out and considered a mistake. With anything new and as unique as the Bongo it requires passion, understanding, and excitement to get the customer to try something different.
The dealers like Brandt Pete Bass Central and others benefit from this narrow minded sales approach and are quite happy with the Bongos sales
I cannot find an analogy that doesnt sound udderly pompous...but a lot of fine art didnt gain acceptance until years after the artist died.....
The retailer (dont shoot me...all you good dealers out there) GENERALLY puts it on the wall and if it sells they are happy...if it doesnt it is blown out and considered a mistake. With anything new and as unique as the Bongo it requires passion, understanding, and excitement to get the customer to try something different.
The dealers like Brandt Pete Bass Central and others benefit from this narrow minded sales approach and are quite happy with the Bongos sales
markbass99
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2008
- Messages
- 292
I love my Bongos, as a five string it's hard to beat by any other manufacturer because of it's tone, power, versatility. I think the Bongo would/could sell more if it had the option of having a pickguard or also not having a pickguard. There could be a marketing campaign to show off the alternate look for those who have bypassed it because of this issue. I think the Bongo has been around long enough (6 years) that just it's shape (which is like the eliptical guard w/horns) screams "I am a Musicman product" and therefore the trademark guard could be optional. Every Bongo could still leave the factory with the guard and then removed later by the owner without screw holes left visible. I'm sure there is a way to accomplish this and I might incorporate this into a future white Bongo refin project.
Duarte
Well-known member
You have lots of rickenbackers.
markbass99
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2008
- Messages
- 292
Maybe someday I will have an equal amout of five string Bongos to even out the wall. It's a 40' wall with a door at the 30' mark.
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Duarte
Well-known member
Um, wow!
That's a cool room.
That's a cool room.
