- Thread starter Axilla
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Colin
Well-known member
that photo feels like it was taken yesterday...
adouglas
Well-known member
Ain't never gonna happen, unfortunately.
But here's my take on the proto guitar:
It's like the Bongo bass prototype in shape, and the Bongo bass prototype was fugly IMHO. It was fugly because a) the body was circular instead of elongated, making it look like an M&M, b) the lower horn was way too small, c) it had no pickguard and d) it didn't have the curved row of knobs.
BP redesigned the prototype bass to produce what we all know as the Bongo. Aesthetically, IMHO, it's all about complementary curves. The pickguard shape complements the body curve, and the control knob curve complements them both.
I believe that if similar changes were made to a Bongo guitar, it would look great. Just look at the Bongo 6 to see what a "fat" proportioned Bongo body can look like.
Here's the bass proto:
Here's a Bongo 6. I think it CAN look cool with six strings.
But The Man hath spoken, and wise knuckleheads should always just shut up and listen to The Man, for he is right.
But here's my take on the proto guitar:
It's like the Bongo bass prototype in shape, and the Bongo bass prototype was fugly IMHO. It was fugly because a) the body was circular instead of elongated, making it look like an M&M, b) the lower horn was way too small, c) it had no pickguard and d) it didn't have the curved row of knobs.
BP redesigned the prototype bass to produce what we all know as the Bongo. Aesthetically, IMHO, it's all about complementary curves. The pickguard shape complements the body curve, and the control knob curve complements them both.
I believe that if similar changes were made to a Bongo guitar, it would look great. Just look at the Bongo 6 to see what a "fat" proportioned Bongo body can look like.
Here's the bass proto:
Here's a Bongo 6. I think it CAN look cool with six strings.
But The Man hath spoken, and wise knuckleheads should always just shut up and listen to The Man, for he is right.
Smellybum
Well-known member
But The Man hath spoken, and wise knuckleheads should always just shut up and listen to The Man, for he is right.
Agreed - but that bass looks so good I'd be tempted to take up fat strings, obviously did a good job in the design.
metal_terrorist
Well-known member
I fully support the idea of a Bongo guitar. Just not purple. The shape alone will be unsettling to most, no need to throw purple on it and scare off the rest.
candid_x
Well-known member
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Me too but only if there were 4 of them! But that is one classy ax.
whitestrat
Well-known member
Having seen a Bongo in person, I must say that it's indeed nicer than it looks on pictures. I was taken by how sleek the design actually was rather than how chubby it looks like in the pics...
But a Bongo Guitar? I think bassists tend to be more open to new body shapes than guitarists...
But a Bongo Guitar? I think bassists tend to be more open to new body shapes than guitarists...
Astrofreq
Well-known member
That's absolutely hideous. I'm not so sure the bass version is good lookin' either, but to each their own.
andynpeters
Well-known member
If you really want an ugly guitar, the Parker Fly is fairly similar....
Dead-Eye
Well-known member
It reminds a little bit of the ESP Horizon 3 (http://www.gakkido.jp/EG-EB-img/guitar-electric-new/esp-horizon-3-mistral-1.jpg), which I quite like. If the body could be made to look less fat...
On the other hand, shape aside: What would a Bongo guitar add to the range? What would set it apart from an Axis, JP or Silo?
On the other hand, shape aside: What would a Bongo guitar add to the range? What would set it apart from an Axis, JP or Silo?
jamminjim
Well-known member
Huh!! Parker Fly ugly!! Not a chance... Damn nice looking and innovative guitar.....
Want ugly? Get a BC Rich anything.....
Just my humble opine,
disclaimer; if it offends, well, sorry.
__________________
metal_terrorist
Well-known member
The Bongo guitar is ugly and I doubt it would ever happen.
Though I admire the fact that they tried it!
Take a look for yourslef!
or just ask Glenn!
Silhobongo or Bonghouette? I'm in either way. You could call it a purple nipple and.... uh, how about not that.
mesavox
Well-known member
I love the purple.. I REALLY want a JP like that...
I agree that the thing that guitar needs is the longer bottom horn that isn't so wide, and a more elongated body end. I think pickups would also actually drastically improve the look.
I don't agree that the pick guard would help though.... I'm one of those that wishes the Bongo, 5 string stingray, and regular Sillouette didn't have them.. or had an option to not have them. LOL They're great with them, but I'm a non pick guard kinda guy most of the time. LOL
Either way... the majority guitar buyer will not buy a bongo guitar, even if it was improved to look good to those of us who like the Bongo. Or, I should say, the vast MM following wouldn't. I'm not sure, but I'd guess that the regular and 5 stingray's still far outsell the bongo basses, and MM's bass line is still their bread and butter. Transfer that offset to the guitar side, and you have a bongo guitar that barely sells enough to cover design and production setup costs.
It'd be cool, but I think the reasons for it not happening are pretty obvious, and very understandable.
I agree that the thing that guitar needs is the longer bottom horn that isn't so wide, and a more elongated body end. I think pickups would also actually drastically improve the look.
I don't agree that the pick guard would help though.... I'm one of those that wishes the Bongo, 5 string stingray, and regular Sillouette didn't have them.. or had an option to not have them. LOL They're great with them, but I'm a non pick guard kinda guy most of the time. LOL
Either way... the majority guitar buyer will not buy a bongo guitar, even if it was improved to look good to those of us who like the Bongo. Or, I should say, the vast MM following wouldn't. I'm not sure, but I'd guess that the regular and 5 stingray's still far outsell the bongo basses, and MM's bass line is still their bread and butter. Transfer that offset to the guitar side, and you have a bongo guitar that barely sells enough to cover design and production setup costs.
It'd be cool, but I think the reasons for it not happening are pretty obvious, and very understandable.
