Tried out a bongo 6 at Guitar Center

[five7]

Stopped in GC in Arvada Co. to buy a bass case and started looking around and low and behold they had a used Bongo 6 on the wall. I asked to plug it in and we headed towards the bass room. The salesman set up a chair for me in front of some acoustic amps. I asked politely, could I plug in to a markbass rig. He moved the chair over there and plugged in the Bongo and turned on the amp. I turned up the volume, tuned it and went to play a few notes on the C string. All that I heard was buzzing. I tried some lower strings. No buzzing! I sighted down the neck and could see it had a back bow on the C side. Bummer! I turned off the amp, unplugged the bass and went to hang it back on the wall. On my way there I saw the salesman and told him about the problem. He said that they would have to set it up and I could come back and try it out. Arvada is about 15 miles from where I live, so I mentioned how easy it is to adjust a Musicman. And if they would let me, I could adjust it for them. He gave me a strange look. And then I said I have been wanting to try out a Bongo 6 for a long time, please let me adjust it. He gave me another weird look and put the Bongo down on their guitar bench, picked up an allen wrench that would fit and adjusted the neck. He muttered righty tighty and gave it a few turns. He looked down the neck and said wrong way, put the allen wrench back in and went the other way. He sighted down the neck and said, give it a try now. I went back over to the markbass, plugged it in and wa la, no buzzing! Played around with it for awhile, checking out all the tone possibilities and then realized 6 is too much for me. Awesome bass though and my hat is off to all you 6 stringers! My point is that GC gets bad rapped quite a bit on here, but this salesman, Eric Johnson went the extra mile to let me try out a Bongo. If any GC bigwigs read this, give this man a bonus!

 

[darkblack]

Good for that salesman, and good for you also - no harm no foul when it comes to subjective decisions regarding a non-'traditional' bass...Far worse to approach the matter with prejudice, as I once did only to discover much later that playing a 6-string resolved many issues for me even when playing in non-chordal and more fundamental styles.

 

[Sterling_Bass]

I'm glad he adjusted it so you could properly try it out. I really want to try out the Bongo 6. The last few times I've been at Guitar Center, they did not have any. I'll keep my fingers crossed for the next time I go.

 

[universe777]

I also would like to check out a bongo...I'm pretty sure it's going to be the next bass I get, but I can't let myself drop that kind of dime without playing one 1st. The closest place I would probably be able to find one to demo is in Philly...there's alot of great "bottom-feeders" there so I'm sure there's got to be a store down there that would have one. It's about a 2 hour drive though.

Are there any ballers near the Lancaster, PA area that have 1 and maybe we can get together and talk bass and have some fun?

 

[fyziqs]

I was at the same GC yesterday - I looked at the same bass! It looks like it is in excellent shape. I had the same reaction - 6 strings is a bit too much for me just yet. However, I love the neck profile on the 6-string bongo. Very nice.

I've had mixed luck with the bass techs at that particular GC; glad they were willing to work with you, especially on a used instrument.

 

[Sterling_Bass]

I went to GC tonight. There were no Bongo 6's in stock; in fact, there was not a single Bongo! I was surprised. What a shame.

 

[RobertB]

I played that one, 57 (at the Arvada GC). I was pleasantly surprised to see it too. Yeah, Eric is a nice guy ... definitely interested in making a sale, but not pushy, very helpful.

 

[OldManMusic]

I might have to take a drive up there tomorrow. I've never seen a Bongo at any GC let alone one around here. I'd just like to see what the Bongo 6 feels like in my hands. I'm currently buying a Dargie Bongo fretless HS from Matt (Manfloosy), so I don't think the 6-er will be coming home with me. I'd just take it for a test drive for fun.

Then again, these damn Bongos are addictive...

 

[Old_Guy]

Not that I'm the authority, but my understanding is GC stopped carrying Bongos last year or so (I THINK..). My local GC has two (both 4/HS) hanging on the wall...I'm trying to out-wait the manager..eventually he'll cut a deal to move them. That being said - open invitation - if there's anyone in the Fredericksburg/Central VA area that wants to drop by my place sometimes and try mine, just let me know and we'll make a "play date," - or catch my band at a gig or practice sometime.

 

[Sterling_Bass]

It would be interesting if they stopped carrying Bongos, but it only makes me wonder more why certain stores get the 6's.

 

[MingusBASS]

It would be interesting if they stopped carrying Bongos, but it only makes me wonder more why certain stores get the 6's.

It was a used bass.

 

[nicjimbass]

To the OP (or anyone who knows): does that Bongo come with a case, or no? It's been on the GC used website for a while now, and I've been thinking of getting it, but don't want to shell out another hundo for a case.

 

[five7]

I just called them and they said it had been sold. Only musicman they have is a lavender colored stingray 4 string.

 

[nicjimbass]

I just called them and they said it had been sold. Only musicman they have is a lavender colored stingray 4 string.

Oh, thanks brother! That's a little disappointing, but I think I want an HS anyway...lol.

 

[rizzo9247]

My point is that GC gets bad rapped quite a bit on here, but this salesman, Eric Johnson went the extra mile to let me try out a Bongo. If any GC bigwigs read this, give this man a bonus!

Is Eric that desperate for work? I thought he'd be cleaning up after Cliffs of Dover made it on that geetar hero thingamajig.

 

[snowbum]

Our store has a used 30th Anniv stingray..... it is in really good shape, just needs a setup..... I would get it but I am not allowed to buy anything right now

 

[five7]

That's a problem.

 

[N.F.A.]

Hm... Layaway isn't technically buying something... wink wink...

 

[five7]

Good point!

 

[Old_Guy]

Oh, thanks brother! That's a little disappointing, but I think I want an HS anyway...lol.

Yes, you do want an HS!