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madbassplaya

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Feb 28, 2010
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A short while back I took a chance on this really weird looking bass. My drummer told me not to, he said it looked like a toilet boil. Seeing that his musical contribution to our band is hitting things with sticks, I ignored him and bought the bass that had two massive humbuckers (I usually like single coils), a 4 band Preamp (I really like passive/2 band a lot), a basswood body (always been an alder/ash guy), and a painted neck (yuck!).

Not sure why I wanted to try the Bongo so bad. I had played Ray's for a while and liked them a lot, but I wanted something both familiar and unique. The Bongo fit both of those criteria for me. It was familiar in that it was a Music Man. A name I know, love, and trust. I was also sure that it would have a wonderful neck as EBMM basses are known to have some of the best necks in the business. It was unique in that there is NOTHING that looks quite like a Bongo. Also, 2 huge NEO humbuckers and a 4 band 18 volt pre isn't on many basses out there.

So I took a leap of faith and bought one of the best basses that I have owned to this day. It shocked me how well a bass designed/made with features I normally stay away from just worked for me. Everyone commented on the tone of the bass. That it was clear and powerful. At the church I played at people were raving that they could finally hear me. My drummer came up to me and said "that bass is killer!" Like I said...hits things with sticks.

All was happy in bass land until my roomate informed me she was moving out and I had to as well. I wasn't planning on this and my situation was less than ideal. I was a grad student working at a nonpaid intership with 4 months of graduate school left. So, with a heavy heart, I sold my beloved red Bongo and paid deposits on my new place that I was only going to be living at for 3 months or so.

Fast forward to tonight and the reason for this post. I've been looking for a good deal on a Bongo and I found a bass that I really dig. It's not red...but it's nice, I think. :)


IMG_20101203_132856.jpg
 

bovinehost

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It's not red, and I know red Bongos can be magical, but that looks like it might have some ass-kicking properties in it.
 

stu42

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May 18, 2007
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Calgary, Alberta
Love it!! Is that Ice Blue? ...Or Sterling Silver? I can't tell. Either way...That looks killer! Congrats!
 
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tunaman4u2

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We both fought for our 1st Bongos at the same time, both got red, both sold em & rebought... yours ice, mine a silver. Funny! Mine is currently naked & in need of a pickguard ! I'll take some pics if Pickguardian EVER calls me back
 

five7

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Nov 24, 2008
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congrats! great color! I have had 20 MM's go thru my hands but not my black bongo 5, it is the one. In fact the only one I own, don't know what I would do with out it.
 

madbassplaya

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Yea guys, it is Ice Blue. Jack is right, RED Bongo's can be magical. Hoping to find similar magic in this blue beauty! :)
 

Disco Batman

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Aug 20, 2010
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Good story and great Bongo. I really don't know what I would do withought my Bongo either.

As much as I love other EBMM basses I think another Bongo 5 will be next for me. Just in a single H or HS. I should have this one paid off just in time to place an order for the super special White Pearl, with stealth hardware 10th Anniversary model that will come out next year!

I can wish right?

Sent via Tapatalk on a Crapdroid.
 

Big Poppa

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Coachella & SLO, California
Ahhh These threads make me feel less of an idiot for coming out with the Bongo...that and last weekend with Randy jackson, Dave La Rue and I all playing them...we all could have played any basst hat we make. Randy is determined to bring back the bongo played his blue one on Leno last week
 

tunaman4u2

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Its funny how the Bongo was originally shunned for a short time & then now its just grown on people so well. I wouldn't call it the most versatile bass in the world at all but it just has that sound that a bass should have.

Madbass: Look forward to seeing you on the Bongo club on TB
 

Movielife

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Jan 7, 2003
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I think the Bongo must still be taking over Musicman and non-Musicman players...one by one! Even though they are fairly rare in music stores in the UK, the shop assistants always say 'oh yes, that tone machine!' or something similar!

I'm undecided if HH or HS is for me. Will be a 5er, in Sky Blue or Tang Pearl. Id like to know if the new tuners are on them if I order now :)
 

madbassplaya

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Feb 28, 2010
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Ahhh These threads make me feel less of an idiot for coming out with the Bongo...that and last weekend with Randy jackson, Dave La Rue and I all playing them...we all could have played any basst hat we make. Randy is determined to bring back the bongo played his blue one on Leno last week

It seems that innovation is always questioned and often misunderstood when first introduced. I love the way your company is run and the things you're putting out.

Its funny how the Bongo was originally shunned for a short time & then now its just grown on people so well. I wouldn't call it the most versatile bass in the world at all but it just has that sound that a bass should have.

Madbass: Look forward to seeing you on the Bongo club on TB

The Bongo is several things I thought I would never want rolled up into a package that I absolutely love. :D

I'll be there.
Ive got another one on order, so im glad to help a brother out! You're going to love it!

What are you ordering? Thanks again bro!
 

tunaman4u2

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The Bongo HHp sounds great but I find I have to keep the blend close to the middle either way. Any extremes soloing either the neck pickup or the bridge pickup (in the non-traditional position) isn't that great. The 4 band makes it fantastic for a 5 string to get smooth or edgy... the low B is balanced SO well, the best I've come across

Compared to a Reflex HH going active\passive, series or parallel & various pickup poles, now THAT is versatile! We're just spoiled BP, you raised the bar so high that the Bongo which is clearly more versatile than "most" basses, isn't compared to the new products.... constant innovation...

Thats a testament to EBMM.
 
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