Single H Fretless 4... Bongo or Ray???

[oli@bass]

I'd make that decision on how hard it is for you to navigate a neck with different profile and lenght rather than about sound. But that may also depend whether you're new to fretless playing or not. If I'd play a fretless with a neck feeling different from my standard fretted basses, I'd probably be completely lost.

 

[mynan]

I'd make that decision on how hard it is for you to navigate a neck with different profile and lenght rather than about sound. But that may also depend whether you're new to fretless playing or not. If I'd play a fretless with a neck feeling different from my standard fretted basses, I'd probably be completely lost.

Since the upper strap button on both the Bongo and Stingray are at 12th fret, neither one is going to seem longer. The profile might make a little difference, but not the extra length on the Bongo neck.

 

[b-unit]

You guys have really got me thinking. I stopped by my local dealer today who had a Bongo 6 on the wall. I picked it up and tried to mess around a bit but as a lefty, its hard to actually play it. I have to say, its a very different beast then a Stingray but there is clearly a very cool EBMM vibe to this instrument.

I will have to make a choice as this will likely be my last new bass for quite awhile (kids are getting expensive!)

Seems like the overwhelming consensus is a Bongo over a Stingray so far. I appreciate the input so far.

 

[Psycho Ward]

Hey B,

The Bongo is killer and you can get it anyway you want it in a lefty... except for the piezo option, 6 string and Stealth finish (those are right hand only). It's the next step in the right direction!

 

[b-unit]

So much choice! As a poor lefty, its almost too much to take. I'm so used to being offered a "base model in black" as the only lefty available from an entire companies product line.

Must...choose...carefully!

 

[smallequestrian]

Got mine today!

So I played it at rehearsal tonight. Funny thing is, I expected to have trouble with the lack of lines, but my intonation was as good if not better than when I had my old lined fretless (not that it was great ). I had more difficulty with the lack of strings then I did the lack of lines.

However, I don't want a fretless fiver, there is something about the elegance of a fretless 4 that really appeals to me and when I have played fretless fivers in the past I have had a hell of a time keeping the B string muted when not in use. Some of the songs tonight went really well, others not so much, I think if I want to gig this, I will just have to pick a few songs and make sure I know how to play them in first position and I will be fine. Never really tried to do it before.

Oh, and when I knew what I was doing it sounded really good tonight even on some songs that I wouldn't have thought to try it on, there is a lot of enjoyment to be had here.
Quick cellphone shot:

From the seller:

 

[b-unit]

That is a gorgeous bass! Tell me more about how it sounds. Can you compare it to a fretless Ray?

I am so undecided about this decision its keeping me up at night. I feel so comfortable on my SR4 that it seems natural to just order a fretless ray but the call of the Bongo is strong, if not just to have something different.

I prefer a simple good tone from a bass rather then a bunch of tonal options so it will be a single H no matter what. If I do go for a Bongo, picking a color is also going to be tough. I thought Olive Gold would be my first choice but Sterling Silver and Ice Blue are really tempting as well. I also love the look of the Candy Red on a Bongo.

Its going to be so hard to make a descicion, order the bass and then not second guess myself during the wait time. Silly, I know but I tend to overthink things like this.

If I go SR4 it will be Tobacco Burst for sure. With a Bongo, I still cant decide. Keep your thoughts coming as I really do appreciate everyone's input.

 

[maddog]

honestly, it is an easy decision. Just pick one. You will be happy with what you choose.

 

[smallequestrian]

That is a gorgeous bass! Tell me more about how it sounds. Can you compare it to a fretless Ray?

I am so undecided about this decision its keeping me up at night. I feel so comfortable on my SR4 that it seems natural to just order a fretless ray but the call of the Bongo is strong, if not just to have something different.

I prefer a simple good tone from a bass rather then a bunch of tonal options so it will be a single H no matter what. If I do go for a Bongo, picking a color is also going to be tough. I thought Olive Gold would be my first choice but Sterling Silver and Ice Blue are really tempting as well. I also love the look of the Candy Red on a Bongo.

Its going to be so hard to make a descicion, order the bass and then not second guess myself during the wait time. Silly, I know but I tend to overthink things like this.

If I go SR4 it will be Tobacco Burst for sure. With a Bongo, I still cant decide. Keep your thoughts coming as I really do appreciate everyone's input.

Honestly, the tones are more similar than different due to the pickup location. I think the Bongo sounds a bit warmer myself. There is something about the elegance of the Bongo lines that seem to lend themselves to being expressive on a fretless. I would just go get a Bongo and be done with it. You really can't go wrong either way.

 

[smallequestrian]

Put a new set of strings on and had a friend help me dial in the action just how I like it. This baby sings now! (The rig does help a little bit)

 

[b-unit]

Awesome photo! I am still on the fence between Ray and Bongo and if i go BOngo, what color. The Pearl Blue is very nice but I think I have it down to Olive Gold or Sterling Silver. I tend to prefer the transparent colors so this will be my first sparkly bass...unless I go for the Stingray on Tobacco Burst. Arggg!