If you had to choose...

[SanDiegoHarry]

I've been looking for a good 5 string slapper... I've played both the Carvin SB5000 and the EBMM Bongo and found them both to be good payers (for slap) and sound good as well... And both are funky looking.

I can get a 2nd hand Bongo 5 for about what a new SB5000 will cost me...

So which would *you* choose and why?

 

[Nobody]

I voted Bongo because since it's used it's already depreciated in value so if you ended up not wanting it you could sell it for what you paid. The new Carvin would depreciate some from what you paid and you can't get that money back.

 

[BioDriver]

Yamaha TRBs are great for slap but between those 2 I'd go with the Bongo, since it seems much more flexible than the Carvin.

 

[gjbassist]

I would go with the Carvin. I for one personally don't care for the way the Bongo looks. The Carvin SB basses have been getting great reviews since their debut. With the Carvin you can order exactly what you want in a bass for color, neck and body woods, hardware, etc.

 

[MrRumbleBoom]

The Bongo does have some nice options, but for me personally, I prefer the look of the Carvin. Also, the Carvin can be configured pretty much any way you want it.

Given the choice of new or used for the same price, I would go new too.

 

[sethlow3]

Both are good basses, but I find Bongos to have an edge in workmanship and tone.

 

[hdracer]

Bongo, great bass and if you ever decide to sell you will not loose anything.

 

[Aspidites]

I would go for the new Brian Bromberg Carvin. But between the two you listed I would go for the SB5000 even though I can't stand the body shape.

 

[Dr. Eagle]

I would go with the Carvin. I for one personally don't care for the way the Bongo looks. The Carvin SB basses have been getting great reviews since their debut. With the Carvin you can order exactly what you want in a bass for color, neck and body woods, hardware, etc.

+1

I really don't care for the Bongo's looks. Plus you can get the Carvin customized to your liking.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

I just can't get passed the way the Bongo looks. You can get more-or-less the same tone from a StingRay 5, right? I'd go w/the Carvin over the Bongo, but StingRay 5 over both.

 

[Aspidites]

I just can't get passed the way the Bongo looks. You can get more-or-less the same tone from a StingRay 5, right? I'd go w/the Carvin over the Bongo, but StingRay 5 over both.

The Bongo has a completely different pre-amp so it is much more versatile than the Stingray

 

[Staccato]

The BMW design, of course! (EBMM Bongo 5 HS - used). It appears to be the more versatile of the two.

Check out this great demo.

Have fun on your quest!

 

[husky123]

Bongo all the way. It's a monster.

 

[Gomeztool]

I have both a Carvin B50 and a Musicman Classic SR5. Craftsmanship wise, the Carvin doesn't come close but the difference in price reflects that.

I also like them both but the SB is a "me too" bass in my eyes. I just to happen like non conformist choices (which is why my Carvin is a B50) so I pick Bongo.

 

[Dan Knowlton]

Well, I must be one of the few that liked the Bongo shape from the start. If I could have gotten past the string spacing I'd have one! The Carvin basses are nice, too - but I just like the Bongo a bit more.

The bottom line for me is that I need a bit more space at the nut.

Dan K.

 

[FunkyMcNasty]

I love the sound of those carvins for slap and they look awesome. I'd get the white pups.