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Bongo Players?

#21
Oh sure, blame me. :hmm: :p

Here's my teal pearl HH + piezo. :cool:
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#22
I always dug the look of the Bongo, and it was the aesthetics that led me to try and eventually order one. I regret selling mine, although I don't know if the tone was really my thing, in retrospect. Regardless, they're great basses, and probably my favorite mass-market instrument.

Here's my old one (now owned by TB'er smeet):

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#24
aughh, just posted about GASing for one of these then I find this thread.

Ive never heard one, Never Picked one up, but Im making it my lifes work to find one and buy one. Just bought a Stingray 4 weeks ago and I love it to death, never played something as amazing imo. But there is something about the bongo I just like, the reviews are always good except the looks, and I love the looks, I hate that most mas produced bass's look like fenders (dont shout at me :hiding:) and the bongo really stands out.

But... I live in the UK, trying to find a Stingray was hard enough and that wasnt even the 4HH or the colour I wanted. Trying to find a bongo to play is going to be near impossible.
 
#25
Fender32 said:
I'm curious now :hmm:. Can anyone tell me what these Bongos sound like please?

I'm not looking for superlatives here (great, thunderous etc.), I'm wondering which other basses they sound like, or how they compare to say, a StingRay :confused:!?

Cheers :).
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More "Hi-Fi" then a Ray, or Sterling for that matter. the 18 volt pre really does a lot. If you don't like using the tone controls ON the bass, don't buy a Bongo! With the controls, and depending on your pup config, you can get a wide range of sounds. A more linear sound across the spectrum then the others, IMHO.
 
#28
Hey Jobiebass,

I imported mine from the USA (total cost about £800, 3 years ago, I think) but you can get them in the UK. They pop up on ebay occasionally and I know that the Bass Centre and the Bass Cellar in London used to stock them so you should be able to get your hands on them.

In response to the OP, I loved the look of the Bongo but bought it based solely on reviews I found on the internet and the fact that I could have sold it on without loss if I didn't like it once it arrived... I didn't even know that there was such a divide on the Bongo's aesthetics until I joined TB...

Jamie
 
#29
jk3 said:
this bass seems like the ugly kid - who's an amazing athlete.

-have you always liked the way it looks?
-or, did you have to learn to like it?
-or, do you still not like the way it looks, but are hooked on everything else about it?


personally, i havent acquired the taste for the look of that bass, yet. but apparently its tone and playability is amazing (i havent played one).

so i am just curious to know how bongo players feel when it comes to the look...
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I was one of the toilet seat haters, until I played one. It was all over after that. They have to be in the right finish, but the looks are starting to grow on me now. I have an HS-5 and couldn't be happier with it. It has restored my faith in Musicman instruments. :hyper::bassist: I had a stingray 4 years ago, and never could get a good tone outta that thing. :scowl:
 
#30
I remember being stunned by the look when I first saw one, and not in a good way :D I eventually bought an orange 4 HH here from Tim Cole, that Jasper has now. I'm getting a 5HH tomorrow from the local GC due to the blowout pricing. As has been said before, it's the only bass I've ever gotten rid of that I still miss.

I can remember playing with the tone knobs, getting a sound that was just fantastic, and not touching the tone knobs again for a week! :D They are great, great basses.

jim
 
#32
I don't get why the Bongo's appearance gets ripped on so much. IMO, there are so many more basses out there that look so stupid. And anyway, what fun is it playing a bass that looks the same as what everyone else has? (Of course, I own two Fenders).

I agree with the sentiment that it looks better with someone playing it than hung on a wall.
 
#34
I just got a used bongo, and it looks all business to me. The electronics are great. I can play it unplugged and the sustain is excellent. Until now I thought pick guards were superfluous, but I like it on the Bongo. To be honest, and I owned a 60's Jazz, the jazz bass body style to me is a lot less attractive and functional.
I think it's a personal thing like cars. To each their own.
 
#37
GC had Bongos at blowout prices. Green tag price was $940 or $970 and rumor has it that they could be had for less. My local has a burgundy colored HH version. Not my favorite color but I thought at that price, what a deal. I went back today and it was back to regular price of $1459. I talked to my guy there and he told me of the new no discount policy. He was able to drop it to $1300 something but was not interested at that price, especially given color and a couple of dings. Damn! Should have grabbed it when I had the chance.
 
#38
I have a Bongo. I love the tone & playability. I hate the looks. I wish it weren't so ugly. I don't know if I'll gig with it. I don't think my band likes the looks too much either. I don't think it will grow on me.
 

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