Guitar Center used site

[TolerancEJ]

I’m no expert on Musicmans (Musicmen?), so I’m kind of curious what the giveaways are.

When I first looked, the print on the headstock obviously looked suspicious. I also noticed the bridge doesn’t look correct and doesn’t have the MM branding on it.

Just wondering what the other tells are that make it obviously a fake.

Thanks!

Thank you for asking. I want to help TalkBass members, in case they are considering to buy this item believing it to be official.

The first number of features I noticed were on the headstock. An EBMM Bongo is more contoured and I've always thought it roughly looks like a can opener. The Music Man logo should be closer to the end of the headstock, not beside the string tree. The BONGO text on the GC bass is smaller compared to the actual. The tuning keys are different as well. (Official pic below from the EBMM site.) I'm not able to attach the GC pictures for reference, so you'll need to compare directly against the advertisement.

Looking at the back, the bolt-on should have an official neckplate with 5 bolts (pic below). The GC one is just 4 bolts attached directly without a neckplate. There's also a difference between the control cavity of each.

 

[sonojono]

Lol “Bass”

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[filler83]

Someone must be a fan of this site:

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[sonojono]

Someone must be a fan of this site:

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View attachment 3337306

It’s back!

 

[Jim C]

I think mine was $475 NEW

 

[DoctorZee]

"Shows little signs of use and all controls are completely functional." Except the tweeter control knob has mysteriously vanished. Guitar Center strikes again.

 

[jimmyb]

Hopefully, this arrives in the condition they say it is. USA g&l l2500 in "great" condition w/ case. Pulled the trigger and am awaiting its arrival. Fingers crossed.

 

[Semi Actuated]

Hopefully, this arrives in the condition they say it is. USA g&l l2500 in "great" condition w/ case. Pulled the trigger and am awaiting its arrival. Fingers crossed.
View attachment 3345470

If it's in great shape you got an excellent deal on a US L2500. That's not much more expensive than what I see used L2500 Tributes going for.

 

[DoctorZee]

I’m sorry, I know it isn’t the point of this thread, but I will never get tired of pointing out GC’s mistakes.

 

[KJMO]

I’m sorry, I know it isn’t the point of this thread, but I will never get tired of pointing out GC’s mistakes.

View attachment 3345670

There used to be people here who would order it and see which came.

 

[sonojono]

There used to be people here who would order it and see which came.

Good times

 

[Treebeard]

There used to be people here who would order it and see which came.

I have been known to do that =]

 

[sonojono]

OMG IM DEAD

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[iriegnome]

OMG IM DEAD

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That is funny!

 

[SMG]

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If the neck is straight and the truss rod is functioning, this Carvin could be a steal for $300!

 

[Treebeard]

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If the neck is straight and the truss rod is functioning, this Carvin could be a steal for $300!

Those finish cracks look really cool actually.

 

[SMG]

My See Through Ash 70"s Fender P and J both look like that!

 

[LBS-bass]

OMG IM DEAD

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LOL, I have one just like that. Never knew I could plug my bass into it. Learn something new every day!

 

[KJMO]

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If the neck is straight and the truss rod is functioning, this Carvin could be a steal for $300!

I think it's koa, so it would be worth refinishing, imo. Black hardware and a satin finish would look cool.

 

[porterbass]

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If the neck is straight and the truss rod is functioning, this Carvin could be a steal for $300!

I'm somewhat proud of myself. I'm now in hour 7 since seeing your post with the link and I haven't purchased this.