Bongo alternatives

[anyonefortennis]

I tried a couple of bongos at a few stores in town and love the sound of them.

Anything else sound similar that I should check out before going for the bongo?

 

[UncleBalsamic]

I suppose you could try a stingray/sterling (I'm really helpful ), but the Bongo can do a few things that they can't. I would probably just get the Bongo unless you really hate the looks which I'm guessing is not the case seeing as you want to buy one.

 

[Double Agent]

I had heard that the G&L L2500 was similar, but when I played one I didn't think it was similar to the Bongo at all(not that its better or worse, they are just very different to me). Between the 4-band EQ and the neo pickups, its pretty much in a class of its own.

 

[anyonefortennis]

Got nothing against the looks. Just wondering what's in the same league before I take the plunge.

 

[Meyatch]

congas?

 

[theophilus762]

G&L L2000/L2500.

I own an L2k and having played several bongos before, it helps that the L2k is a dual humbucker design. However, the basswood + rosewood combo is definitely less aggressive than my maple/swamp ash L2k. Still, the L2k's are so versatile because of the different switches, that it is very possible to achieve a Bongo tone!

Good luck.

 

[Geezerman]

I've found the Bongo to be a singular sounding instrument. There's nothing I've ever heard quite like it.

It has its signature sound, but Its a versatile machine. i love it.

 

[Gubna]

go for the bongo

 

[ggunn]

I'll have mine Feb 8th. It's a Bongo 5 HH+p in Desert Gold. Waiting with bated breath...

 

[Lebowsky]

the bongo is waiting for you !

 

[bovinehost]

You cannot resist the Bongo.

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Well, maybe you can, but I can't.

 

[syciprider]

There is no escape!

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[jinithith2]

Bongo triumphs every time in my little world... I was so convinced for a month that I was going to get a Warwick thumb. and then one day I stumbled into the EBMM forums and I bought a Bongo today...

 

[Dr Stankface]

The Bongo is your friend.

 

[whoneedstherapy]

They do sound fantastic however i have alsways wondered if by owning a bongo you are part drummer due to the name?

 

[BartmanPDX]

I've found the Bongo to be a singular sounding instrument. There's nothing I've ever heard quite like it.

+1. A lot of people here focus on the looks. They miss the boat.

Lost in the discussion is the tone, which is just plain massive. I haven't come across another bass that sounds quite like it.

 

[DeanT]

There is nothing that sounds like a Bongo. Not even other EBMM basses (though they rock too). Do yourself a favor and buy the Bongo. Don't accept anything less than the best bass on the planet.

 

[Stanley Design]

I've owned a Bongo and G&L's. Directly comparing them they are very simular in a lot of ways, and very different in a lot of others.

Simularities include very extensive versatility, professional quality and powerful easy to use preamps.

The differences are that the Bongo has an 18v pre, whereas the G&L's have a 9v. Tonally, the G&L (although clearly a suped up active pre) sounds a lot more organic than the Bongo, which sounds more hi-fi. The L2000 compared to the Bongo will have wider string spacing for sure. The body of the G&L's are the reason my bongo had to go, it was just more comfortable with the smaller body.

Both are super great basses, and they are definately my top two picks right now. Some other things to note is that Bongo's only come in rosewood for fretted, G&L can be maple. Man I loved how the Bongo had just a tad more oomph and definition. The paint on them chips like a bugger though, have to baby it like a newborn to retain the value with a painted headstock and neck. And the basswood body is soft.

 

[BoopersOwner]

congas?

I almost fell out of my chair when I read this. I do agree that MM Bongo is the only thing that sounds like a Bongo though.

-Joe P.

 

[Alvaro Martín Gómez A.]

You definitely need a Bongo.