Off Topic Crazy/Stupid Idea. But I like it

[dave1812]

Hi Folks.
I know I didn't post to much in this side of the Forum yet. But I ordered a Bongo 5HH from the latest PDN, because I wanted to get Back to Bass(ics)
I started playing both Guitar and Bass around 15 Years ago, but played more Guitar over the past Years...
Whatever
The Bongo is the best Bass there is in my Opinion. I played one at the Musikmesse '12 and played some Studio Stuff on a friends 4HH
Now my Idea was, since there is no Bongo BFR, and it doesn't look like there's gonna be one. I could use the Bongo I ordered, take the Neck and Electronics and Build a new Body for it with Flamed Walnut Sides and a Maple Centerblock. I looove Natural Wood and I have a good amount of Experience when it comes to Guitar Building, the only Reason I didnt do it yet, was because of the Electronics.

So what do you Guys think? I did a rough photoshop of what I'm planning to do

 

[Samoht]

But there's been Bongo BFRs, I think. Either way, I think your mockup looks cool. I too think the Bongo is the best bass there is, and to me, one instrument that needs no modding. I would think it would be difficult to get the body shape/contours right.

 

[sanderhermans]

Verry cool. If you get it right.....

 

[muggsy]

Verry cool. If you get it right.....

+1

 

[Golem]

Agree with all thee above ... but
I wanna see it with a pickguard.

And hey, if an idea ain't "Crazy/
Stupid" then it's not REALLY an
"idea", it's just another random
idle thought !

`

 

[five7]

Looks good without a pickguard. Could be a bit heavier than a bongo. I like it.

 

[sanderhermans]

Well i would like to see this for real. Never hurts to try. If you should fail getting the new body perfect you can always keep the old one.... how do you plan on making this? Completely with hand held tools or cnc or something? The shape seems like it would be ok if you know what you are doing. But the top curve on the body is another store. I wouldnt even know how to start on that.

 

[dave1812]

Well i would like to see this for real. Never hurts to try. If you should fail getting the new body perfect you can always keep the old one.... how do you plan on making this? Completely with hand held tools or cnc or something? The shape seems like it would be ok if you know what you are doing. But the top curve on the body is another store. I wouldnt even know how to start on that.

Actually I have already built a Bongo Neckthrough Fretless some time ago. Just used my trusty Festool Arsenal and good Rasps and Files to get the Shape. The only Reason I never finished it was because of the Electronics, and the Fact the Jointer wasn't set perpendicular so the Neck isn't straight. I didn't realize that until it was too late.
But other than that it turned out pretty good. Has a Maple Purpleheart Maple Neck with Mahagony Sides and Walnut Top.
I can try to dig up some Pics if someone cares

 

[sanderhermans]

I care

 

[dave1812]

Those were the only Pics I could find. It has Maple Veneer stripes in the Fretslots to make it Lined Fretless.
But I really don't know where this Bass went. My Guess would be it's somewhere at my Parents House in the Basement, but I can't tell for sure. I was so angry when I realized the Neck isn't straight, that i never bothered finishing it.

Also the Bridge I had is way too big. the Bongo Bridge Baseplate is much shorter as you will know.


View attachment 28183 View attachment 28184

 

[Samoht]

Very cool! Go for it, Dave! Like sanderhermans said, there's no real risk because you can always go back to the bongo body.

 

[dave1812]

Very cool! Go for it, Dave! Like sanderhermans said, there's no real risk because you can always go back to the bongo body.

Jup, that's what I was thinking too. If the New Body doesn't turn out as i like it, or i don't like it anymore down the Road, I can always go Back.
It's gonna be a few Months though until my Bongo arrives sadly. So all I can really do is prep some Templates and get some nice Wood. I already got some neat Curly Walnut

 

[dave1812]

I can't decide what Wood to use so I started a Poll with some Combinations I had in Mind
The Options with Walnuttop are gonna be like my Pic with Maple Center

 

[sanderhermans]

I'd go for mahogany and walnut but if had a choice i would do mahogany back and walnut top as oposed to the centerblock with wings. But the wallnut you have laying around might not be wide enough? Also a top for the bongo should be pretty thick with those top contours, if you don't want the back to show on top.

 

[dave1812]

I already have a blank of Curly Walnut, but that's not wide enough to cover the whole Body
Maybe I come across another nice piece that's big enough. I'm checking my Woodsuppliers Sites almost everyday.
I just wanted to know what you Guys think would be the Best Combination. Maybe EBMM will realize that there might be a demand for a Bongo BFR when my "Prototype" is done.

 

[Golem]

I can't decide what Wood to use so I started a Poll with
some Combinations I had in Mind The Options with Walnut
top are gonna be like my Pic with Maple Center

Can you rout out the defective neck thru body to receive
the new neck from your new Boingo ?

 

[dave1812]

Can you rout out the defective neck thru body to receive
the new neck from your new Boingo ?

I guess it's easier to build a new one. The Pickup Routs were meant for Basslines Pickups. The Bongo Pickups might not fit

 

[danny-79]

Mahagonybody / Buckeye Burl Top sounds like a nice idea to me if you can pull it off

 

[TheAntMan]

Hmmm...don't mean to be a stick in the mud...but...isn't it a bit on the rude side to be discussing this on the site of the original manufacture of the bass you plan to copy?!? Unless, I missed something...

--Ant

 

[sanderhermans]

Hmmm...don't mean to be a stick in the mud...but...isn't it a bit on the rude side to be discussing this on the site of the original manufacture of the bass you plan to copy?!? Unless, I missed something...

--Ant

Rude.... whatever. It's not like he is making fake ebmm basses and selling them on. If you buy a bass or guitar. Then its yours and you can do whatever you want to it. This might even be inspiring to the designers over at ebmm, altough i think they have their own ideas