Going BONGO!

[AnthonyD]

Ah, once you play the Bongo, you're doomed! Is it a dual hummer?

Really, it hardly matters. With the exception of the piezo, which Jason can tell you about, I've played/owned all the configurations and the Bongo will spoil you like you've never been spoiled before.

Seriously.

The Bongo eats L-2500s for breakfast and then goes out for a leisurely 2.5 mile run at SF pace.

The Bongo slaps your girlfriend and makes her cry.

And then it laughs at her for being such a big baby.

The Bongo destroys Japanese cities - and makes Godzilla nervous.

Mothra steers clear of the Bongo.

I can't wait to talk to you after you fondle one. Dudley Gimpel is a freaking genius, and Sterling Ball has done what no one has done since Leo designed the Precision.

Seriously.

And you know me well enough to know that I've been through some really great basses, and while I may not be Mister Bass Monster, I'm smart enough to realize when things have changed in a very basic way, and that's what happened.

The Bongo. Whew. Call me when you've had the experience. You're going to be stunned.

JW

I can't take it any more!

I am going to Guitar Center on the way home from the office TODAY to "fondle" a Bongo!

 

[Jaded]

I wish they weren't so ugly. The only color I think looks decent is white. They sound great, but I can't seem to get over the way they look.

 

[oddjob]

Don't knock it... the 4 best sounding basses I've owned (and I've owned over 40) have all been a little different to look at... Kubicki ExFactor (which I wish I hadn't sold), Guild Ashbory (strange little bass but great tone), a hotrodded Phantom P-Bass (w/3 band Seymours, Hipshot and a Khaler complete with a zebra stripped paint job) and my herd of Bongos.

Looks are great, but I've realized that tone and playability are where it's at (kind of like me... I looked great at 21 but couldn't hold down a solid bass line - at 34 the hair is thinning, I have found a bunch of the weight my friends are losing, and I am a much better musician than I ever thought I could be (still have a long way to go) which is better??? I already suckered some one into marring me, so I'd rather be able to play than to look good).

Bongos aren't for everyone (and that is cool - means more for me to talk my wife into buying ) but there is no denying that it is a kick-@ss bass.

 

[AnthonyD]

Okay - As I expected there wasn't a soul at Guitar Center... Gave me the perfect opportunity to finally experience a Bongo up close!

I too originally ignored the Bongo because of the look. I'll admit I've since gotten past that - I actually find the Bongo kinda cool looking now. So, today was the first time I actually played one.

Well, with no disrespect intended to the legions of Bongo fanatics, the Sterling is still number-one with me. I've said it in a few places in this forum - it's all about the neck!

I did enjoy the Bongo tone - dual humbuckers and 18v makes for a great punch! I appreciated the 24-fret reach and the comfort and balance of the design. But to echo the comments above re: being "smart enough to realize when things have changed in a very basic way" - this is how I've always felt about the Sterling.

When I considered a MusicMan, I was originally drawn to the SR4 and felt that, for me, all the right "improvements" were made in creating the Sterling. A faster/thinner neck, more versatile tone and a slightly smaller body and headstock took the SR4 to "the next level" in my book.

I have multiple instruments for the different situations and types of music I enjoy playing. The remaining bass I am looking to add to my stable is a fretless, and I'm seriously considering another Sterling.

A week ago I would've said it's a planned 2006 investment... But now having seen the 2005 limited-edition Buttercreme color I just don't know...

 

[oddjob]

It is always a matter of taste and Sterlings are great too (as are Rays). Can't go wrong either way - PLUS Buttercream in any of the EBMM basses is just an awesome sight.

 

[Rayan]

BonGoBonkers

Push Comes 2 Shove
Talk Is Cheap
Music Beckons

Once &4 All
I'm OnWay
To BongoMart

If Bongo Sings
If Bongo Swings
Deal's Done

If Not MyHoney
Me & MyMoney
Will Run

/R

 

[SteveB]

Nice, Rayan.

BongoMart??? That sounds like a good idea. Big Poppa, there's your next venture!

 

[FireAarro]

'Sit just me or does the Bongo bridge 'bucker nail the YMCA tone?

 

[Figjam]

Sterlings are my fav basses as well. As mentioned i love all teh differences between the SR and teh sterling, benefiting the sterling.

 

[Rayan]

BongozMyBeauty

Far away BongoBoutiques
fanning BongoFeathers

Traditionally hooked on
SR5 Eleganza
burst & see-thru
woodgrain finishes

Initially turned off
BongozEurazor
style & solid only
colour availability

BongoLookShock
has fallen

Leaving me
Vulnerable2
Bongo5

FretlessHSP
DesertGold
TortoiZelle

BongoSong
BongoBeauty
BongoZembrace

She'll B Mine
I'll B Herz

/R

 

[AnthonyD]

I think it means he's getting a Bongo...

 

[Rayan]

Yippeeeeeeeee

I think it means he's getting a Bongo...

How d'ya say
Kaboom
to the power of
BONGO

GottaGo
(I'm getting dizzy)


/R

 

[jongitarz]

Wtf?

 

[philthygeezer]

 

[AnthonyD]

The guy has a way with words... Not that I'm an interpreter or anything, but I'm taking it as an afirmation of his new found fondness for Bongo.

I'm still on the fence, but must admit this Bongo-lust is quite intoxicating... I will be spending many an afternoon at Bongomart in the coming months...

For me, a 4-string fretless, HSP, Buttercreme w/Tort... Guess I have until year-end (Limited-Edition 2005 color?), but will find it hard to wait that long.

 

[AnthonyD]

Update: The wife likes the Bongo... And LOVES the Buttercreme color w/ Tort pg...

Woo Hoo!