Impressions from a recent GC trip

[RobertB]

I went to one of my 2 local GC's this past weekend. As an EBMM lover, I'm lucky in the sense that these 2 locations constantly stock a mix of ~ 20 EBMM basses.

This turned out to be a look & feel trip - I didn't plug in to anything, because there were already 4 or 5 guys playing basses with amps cranked, so ... the opposite of a "wanker free environment". So I plan to go back on a week-night in the very near future for the ear test - specifically of a Sterling and a Bongo or 2, since I haven't checked either of those out before.

But as a recon mission, the trip was still fruitful & here are my impressions from the look & feel tests.

• Stealth Bongo 5 HH: Whoah ... that thing felt GREAT. LOVIN that neck. And for me, the best part? It's a 24 fret!! Why hadn't you guys mentioned that before? That's the only 24 fret EBMM if I'm not mistaken, right? I love that in a bass. And while we're on that point, let me register that as another feature on the wishlist for the Sterling 5, if it's not too late, but I kinda hope it is. =)
  
• 30th Ann. SR4: Looks & feels great. I like the substantial feel of that Mahogany body on an SR - can't wait to hear it. This one had a very nicely figured neck, but it kinda breaks my heart to see such nice figuring with a colored finish coat on it, even though it's clear. And I was surprised to see how much lighter that Crimson color is in person. It looks darker in all the pictures I've seen. I'm sure it does take on darker looks in many lighting conditions - granted, GC is always very brightly lit.
  
• Natural Sterling 4 H: Very nice feel. The taper to the neck is definitely immediately noticed, as is the overall smaller size of the body. On these points I can say, definitely very nicely done, and I see why many people love it. It's just one of those subjective things, though - I don't think I'll be replacing my SR4 as my #1 anytime soon. =)

So, there's definitely a new purchase in my very near future ... at this point I'm leaning toward a Bongo 5 HH. The jury's still out on the exact specs, but maybe that Stealth. =P~~ (why yes, that IS drool).

Later,
Robert

 

[TNT]

Robert,

Yeah, it's pretty obvious you're in control of things here.

Don't forget though - post the pic's!

 

[oli@bass]

The Stealth is
Please report back on the 30th SR... with pics if possible (shoot me a PM, if you will)... you're very fortunate with that many MM's in your vicinity. 20 MM's is what you can probably find in our whole country. And most of them would be black/black/maple anyways...

 

[ptg]

• Stealth Bongo 5 HH: Whoah ... that thing felt GREAT. LOVIN that neck. And for me, the best part? It's a 24 fret!! Why hadn't you guys mentioned that before? That's the only 24 fret EBMM if I'm not mistaken, right? I love that in a bass. And while we're on that point, let me register that as another feature on the wishlist for the Sterling 5, if it's not too late, but I kinda hope it is. =)
  

• 
  
  I would love a 24 fret Stingray or Sterling!!!
  

 

[syciprider]

I would like a 21 fret Bongo or a Stingray with Bongo preamp meself!

 

[Alz®]

The Stealth is
Please report back on the 30th SR... with pics if possible (shoot me a PM, if you will)... you're very fortunate with that many MM's in your vicinity. 20 MM's is what you can probably find in our whole country. And most of them would be black/black/maple anyways...

I would love to see just one EBMM with the local dealer but alas.....no go!

20 is just plain ridiculous!

 

[ekb16b]

you should do the responsible thing.. buy em all

 

[Caca de Kick]

The 30th StingRay will slay you.

 

[RobertB]

You guys crack me up. Some good ideas here too ... to consolidate a few, how 'bout a 24 fret SR (4 or 5) with the Bongo/18V preamp ... ohhhh yeah.

Well, I'm definitely making room for something new (besides the silver SR4 i bought on ebay, which should ship tomorrow!). I'm kinda curious to hold out for the Sterling 6 ... oops, calm down, that was a typo ... Sterling 5. But I may find that tough to do after I actually plug in with a few Bongos & Sterlings either tonight or tomorrow night.

The other thing I'm tempted to do at this stage, though, is order a Natural SR4 - I've just always wanted one ... maple neck & black pearloid pg. When you look at those options with the "build an instrument" utility on the EBMM site ... THAT bass slays me. Notice the body photo they use in that specific configuration differs from the natural body shown for other configs ... it's more "blonde", with not much dark striation to the wood grain, and to me it's a PERFECT look for that combo. But I think it's Alder, and of course, they're all Ash these days. Don't get me wrong - I love the sound of Ash - I'm just talking about the look of that light/blonde Alder in that particular config.

Anyway, to liquidate & make room, I'm selling my Jazz ... I'm not advertising here - my point is that I'll be glad to see it go & replaced with another EBMM!! And TNT, I WILL post pics. =)

Oh last thing, for those who aren't as fortunate to have a good EBMM selection nearby ... that's sad & I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to rub it in. Hmmmmm, perhaps we can come to some arrangement ... haha, just kidding.

Actually, I'll bet there are even more EBMM's stocked in GC's L.A. stores. I'm curious to make the 1.5 hour drive to check that out. Anyone in L.A. who can comment?

Later,
Robert

 

[the unrepentant]

20 EBMM basses? I've seen two in the whole of nottingham in my life, and they were both from the same shop, and trust me when i say that nottingham is by no means small or lacking in guitar shops... damn.

Also i didn't realise the bongos have 24 frets, i want one now XD shame i can't afford one!