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Bongo 2026 Collection

This cutlass classic looks like the BFR version from '23, but with a rosewood neck? I can't find anything about the model.

G

_golem

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Mar 21, 2020
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Basically the BFRs don't have a rosewood neck, use non locking tuners, and were from a different year. But... it looks a lot like the BFR model which I know I love. What can you tell me? I'm thinking of buying it. I can see the serial indicates that it isn't... but when did they make these?
 
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Interesting. The body sure looks like the spring 2023 Classic '58 BFR run but the with a different neck and the serial number is 2025. It's used, so a neck (and neck plate) swap is not out of the question, though kinda feels unlikely maybe? Call Grinning Elk and find out? Wait 'til NAMM over and call customer service?

BTW, it's $200 cheaper on Reverb direct from the actual seller...

 
That's really really strange, as is the comment from the seller that they "had one just like this" recently, but that was probably one from the actual BFR run. That's one I would really want to see any markings in the neck pocket on. The price almost seems to suggest that they know it's been parts swapped.
 
tbonesullivan said:
That's really really strange, as is the comment from the seller that they "had one just like this" recently, but that was probably one from the actual BFR run. That's one I would really want to see any markings in the neck pocket on. The price almost seems to suggest that they know it's been parts swapped.
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I have a BFR I got in trade for a Gretsch Player's Edition from an employee of a music store. The market for EBMM in my area is objectively terrible in my area so this actually seems priced quite high to me. No joke, I can't sell an EBMM locally quickly even at $1500 in mint condition. I ended up having to trade my HSS Cutlass.
 
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So I asked him and he told me Derek from EBMM sold him four and that he think they're R&D guitars with the same specs but different necks and tuners. IDK how I'd verify that accept calling EBMM and seeing if someone would let me talk to Derek.
 
_golem said:
So I asked him and he told me Derek from EBMM sold him four and that he think they're R&D guitars with the same specs but different necks and tuners. IDK how I'd verify that accept calling EBMM and seeing if someone would let me talk to Derek.
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Did you get the serial number, I cant read it from the posts. It is very possible Derek sold him the guitar, Derek and EBMM bring one off's , spec guitars and R and D guitars to guitars shows they have booths at.

The case looks like a older BFR case which they will use instead of the standard case. Ask if he bought it from Derek at the Dallas International Guitar Festival
 
So I was able to see the serial number, here is what the SNDB pulled up
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This definitely could have been some one offs brought to the DIGF
 
dibart77 said:
This is definitely a factory one-off or prototype. Lee from Grinning Elk buys a bunch from Derek every year. This is either from Dallas or Philly. I have bought a few from Lee (Grinning Elk). He is solid. Highly recommend.
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That's good to know. I always forget about the show guitars and prototypes. Anyway it does look like a great guitar.
 
Some of the ones that are sold at Dallas or Philly are not new off the factory floor. Some have been hanging in the conference room / hangout room in the factory and played. Some prototype colors that didn't make it to production models were sent to the artist, played by them, and then sent back. Maybe, tho, this one was used by Lee for some time before he decided to sell. Not all the guitar show guitars are "unplayed".
 
dibart77 said:
Some of the ones that are sold at Dallas or Philly are not new off the factory floor. Some have been hanging in the conference room / hangout room in the factory and played. Some prototype colors that didn't make it to production models were sent to the artist, played by them, and then sent back. Maybe, tho, this one was used by Lee for some time before he decided to sell. Not all the guitar show guitars are "unplayed".
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You are right forget that some are just hanging around the office and the dude could have used it, makes sense
 
OK got a response this morning from some one at Grinning Elk, stated the reason it is listed as used is they are not an authorized dealer and Reverb will not let them list as new, just like i cant even if it is new.
 
Sweat said:
Well after more messages with Lee, really nice guy we worked out a deal, need it like I need a hole in me head but WTH :)
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Nice. I hesitated because I picked up my BFR for several hundred less than he was asking. If it's like my BFR then it's a great guitar.
 
_golem said:
Nice. I hesitated because I picked up my BFR for several hundred less than he was asking. If it's like my BFR then it's a great guitar.
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Thanks, like i said need it like a hole in the head but liked the specs and definitely like the case. Now since stormageddon has disrupted delivery services no idea when I will see it
 
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