Trade opinion: SR5 20th anniversary or Bongo 5 HH

[James_E]

UPDATE: I chose the SR5. Pictures later in the thread.


Hi folks. I'm looking into trading one of my acoustic guitars for a nice 5 string. Got a line on two different basses for trade from two different owners. 20th anniversary SR5 (SH, maple neck) or Bongo 5 HH. Love the looks of both. I have not laid my hands on either bass yet, but I'll be seeing the 20th Ann. SR5 tonight.

This is mainly for a hard rock originals thing I'm doing, but I'd like it to be flexible for other things as well.

I'm generally aware of the value difference between the two. I know the 20th Ann. is pretty rare too. Both appear to be in near new condition.

Would love to hear thoughts on this. Thanks!

 

[Gravesend Black]

We need pics!) SR worshippers will say SR5 and bongoloids will say Bongo! I'd say try both before the trade if you can. Really hard choise as for me. Personally I want a bongo and even almost made a decision to buy it but when one guy offered me rosewood neck SR5 I bought SR5. The main problem that all of the EBMM basses are awesome.

 

[James_E]

PICS ADDED:

 

[Lynottfan]

from the piccies, I would go for the bongo.

 

[tunaman4u2]

Love my Bongo 5HH but that 5 HS is a very seriously rare & awesome beast.

 

[mfallmann]

Bongobongobongo

 

[njhammer]

SR5 HS. Without a shadow of a doubt.

 

[nurnay]

Love my Bongo 5HH but that 5 HS is a very seriously rare & awesome beast.

This.

 

[James_E]

Thanks for the comments and votes so far. My gut says SR5. I do like the sound of either, and also the playability of both is great. But:

1. I can find a used Bongo 5 HH alot easier if I want one.
2. 5 string Bongo HH is worth less than that SR5 model in today's used market. The guy with the Bongo has his for sale well over $1600 and I see them going for much less than that on TB. I think he's overvalued his bass. (and it's been for sale over 5 weeks now so others probably think it's overvalued too.)

 

[JayDawg]

I would love the Bongo more for its playability as it is a very versatile bass. Not that the SR 5 isn't but there is versatility then there is Bongo versatility. But for rareness, I would jump all over that 20th Anniversary SR 5. If it was me, I would go for the 20th Anniversary simply because of that. I can order a candy apple red Bongo 5 HH anytime I want.

 

[KevinM]

SR5 for rareness and still a great player.

 

[tunaman4u2]

Thanks for the comments and votes so far. My gut says SR5. I do like the sound of either, and also the playability of both is great. But:

1. I can find a used Bongo 5 HH alot easier if I want one.
2. 5 string Bongo HH is worth less than that SR5 model in today's used market. The guy with the Bongo has his for sale well over $1600 and I see them going for much less than that on TB. I think he's overvalued his bass. (and it's been for sale over 5 weeks now so others probably think it's overvalued too.)

That is EXACTLY my line of thinking as well.

 

[James_E]

I'll be trying out the SR5 around 7pm ish (eastern). If the deal goes through I'll post pics.

 

[ivbenaplayin]

I love Bongos, but i'd grab that 20th SR5 without a seconds thought. I own a 20th SR5 HH and it is the first bass on my "never-getting-rid-of" list.

Sent from my SGH-T769 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Golem]

`

I love Bongos, but i'd grab that 20th SR5 without a
seconds thought. I own a 20th SR5 HH and it is the
first bass on my "never-getting-rid-of" list.

For all of you all above who say they'd jump on the
anniversary SR5 if given opportunity, here's that
opportunity, a sooper clean HH with case for $1300
at a local shop ... local to me, and available cuz I
played it and I'd rather keep my SR5 HS. The tone
of the anniversary model is waaaay too hot for my
taste, and I have plenty of SRs [4's & 5's] that rock
my world so the anniversary version remains up for
sale at Parkway Music [parkwaymusic-dot-com], a
very respected, well established, musicians-owned
shop in Clifton Park NY. Enjoy. Tell'em "Golem sent
me," and they'll give you a free dirty look [JK].

Click the pic to enlarge:

 

[James_E]

Update: 20th Anniversary SR5 is mine!

 

[tunaman4u2]

Dude, thats nasty awesome, congrats... wow

 

[OldManMusic]

Wow!

 

[James_E]

Googling for what each position of the 5 way does... I assume something like:

Assuming position 1 is closest to neck:
1: neck pup (S)
2: neck + 1/2 of bridge (ie. 2 singles)
3: (middle) both pickups
4: Bridge, single coil
5: Bridge, full humbucker

 

[MrMusashi]

congrats!
the 20th is an excellent bass

but sooner or later you will probably have to get a bongo too.. its inevitable

MrM