Question Damaged Bongo Neck

[MrDigory]

Hello there, friends.

I have a bongo bass I haven't touched in a while, but would love to again. The problem? A friend damaged the neck, and it just doesn't feel right in my hands. There are some small dings in the neck, and the satin finish seems to be worn off, now it's glossy and sticks in my hand when I try and slide sometimes. Not good.

What sort of options do I have? BTW, it's an otherwise gorgeous sapphire black HH 5 string.

 

[Rick Auricchio]

Your best bet is to contact EBMM customer service.

 

[MrDigory]

Hmm. That sounds like shipping and lots of expenses. But, I love my bass and miss playing it. Thanks.

 

[Rick Auricchio]

That sounds like shipping and lots of expenses.

All you have to ship is the neck. And EBMM would probably recommend a local shop if they aren't set up to refinish the neck.

 

[MrDigory]

Hey, that's good to know! Seriously, thanks a lot. I know you didn't say a lot, but you said enough. Cheers.

 

[MrMusashi]

somebody did sand down the bongo neck and gave it the stingray oil and wax finish..

perhaps you could try that instead?
if you like the sr neck feel that is..

http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-basses/29226-bongo-neck-advice-please.html

MrM

 

[MrDigory]

Hmm, that's something to think about. It's been a few years now, but I remember how much I loved the satin finish of the neck compared to the bare necks of more traditional MM basses. I'm sure it would be better than it is now, but ideally I would love to just have it back to the way it was.

 

[danny-79]

Have a look through older posts, you wont be the first person to give a Bongo an oil/wax finished neck !

 

[five7]

Hmm, that's something to think about. It's been a few years now, but I remember how much I loved the satin finish of the neck compared to the bare necks of more traditional MM basses. I'm sure it would be better than it is now, but ideally I would love to just have it back to the way it was.

Refinish time then.

 

[strummer]

Clean it and wash your hands before playing and it shouldn't be an issue. All my Bongos (except of course the rw necked one) have glossy necks nowadays, but they're not sticky at all.
Or, check out Bassmonkeee, he's got the alternative treatment

 

[MrDigory]

Ok, here's a question for you all, my friends. Does the satiny finish turn glossy on it's own over time?

You see, my bass was still mint when it was dropped. So, through most of it's life, all I've known is a chipped, shiny neck. But Strummer's post seems to imply they lose the satin type finish on their own over time. It's not dirty hands that cause it to stick to the neck. It's my greasy, sweaty hands. The more I play, the more I perspire. Then, there's the nicks right to the wood in the neck. It's distracting. And depressing.

 

[strummer]

Yep, the finish gets worn shiny over time

 

[strummer]

And since the nicks that expose the wood seem to annoy you too, I would think removing the finish would be a great idea to solve all the problems permanently

 

[MrDigory]

Well, maybe the unfinished neck is the way to go, if the neck is just gonna get glossy and freaky on me anyway. Hmm. So, I found one thing I don't like about Bongos. heh

 

[five7]

I think DTG has one with an unfinished neck, there is a picture of it on here. How deep are the nicks? You might not want to sand down that far.

 

[MrDigory]

The nicks aren't too deep. Just barely reaching the wood. I saw his, and it's certainly a thought provoking move. I'm scared I'll mess up my bass. -_- Heck, I'm nervous to even take off the neck, which I would do to sand the neck OR to send it in to EBMM.

I'll call support on monday and get back to you regarding what I plan on doing. Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions. Great community, as usual.

 

[Musicman Nut]

Hmm. That sounds like shipping and lots of expenses. But, I love my bass and miss playing it. Thanks.

Buy Many More, it'll be very Healthy for you.

 

[adouglas]

Yep, the finish gets worn shiny over time

+1.

Three Bongos, all have worn smooth, none are sticky.

Unless I forget to wash my hands, that is. Ewwwww.

 

[MrDigory]

I'm telling you, I washed my hands before playing. I start out a session able play fine, and then after an hour or so it's not like the neck it's self is sticky, but my hand sticks to the glossy neck. I didn't have the problem when it was satiny.