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Peavey Cirrus or MM Bongo?

IotaNet

IotaNet

Dec 8, 2004
3,566
499
64
Minneapolis (Chicago Native)
#1
I am a big Bongo fan. I like the shape, I like the tone and I like the vibe. I already own a Stealth Bongo and it kicks MUCH a$$. What I do NOT like is having multiple versions of the same bass. For whatever reason it feels redundant.

I recently got rid of another bass that was pretty but I didn't like playing it as much so I'm in the market again. At this point, I'm curious and at a crossroads.

I've never owned a Peavey Cirrus and I keep hearing FANTASTIC things about them. I'm tying to decide if I should get another Bongo or if I should take this opportunity to get a Cirrus.

On the one hand, I know the Bongo and dig it a great deal. On the other hand, I already have one so why get another? The Cirrus is supposed to be pretty nice (and a Cirrus will definitely cost less than a Bongo) so now might be a good time to take the plunge.

Anyone have opinions one way or the other?
 
#3
At one point I owned 2 Jazz Basses and 2 Precision P/Js
I understand completely about redundancy and I have decided one bass can cover that particular tone or feel and having two of the same bass is rather overkill to say the least

variety is the spice of life
what are you missing in your stable?
Seems you have the general EBMM basses covered outside the Big AL and Reflex
How about something way off the charts in a 5 string?
The Cirrus is one example
maybe a Warwick, Zon, Spector???
Lakland 55-01??
try a bunch??
 
#5
I have a theory about how to sort out such questions:

Just as there are bassists who are mostly about the right hand and others who are mostly about the left hand (assuming right-handedness...If you're left-handed, reverse the positions), there are instruments that are primarily about the right hand, and others that are primarily about the left hand (I know the concept is imperfect guys, so cut me some slack).

IMO, the Bongo is one of those basses that's mostly about the right hand (i.e. attack, punch, etc.), while the Cirrus is mostly about the left hand (i.e. pitch, fluidity, sustain, etc.). Examples of "right-hand dominant" basses: Nearly all EBMM models, Ibanez ATK, bolt-ons generally, etc. Examples of "left-hand dominant" basses: Zon, Alembic, neck-throughs generally, etc. Right-hand dominant player: Victor Wooten. Left-hand dominant player: Michael Manring. You get the drift...

Which type of bassist are you - mostly? And assuming that this conceptual model actually works for you, do you wish to focus upon and perfect a particular sound and style? Or do you wish to "play against type", and be more well-rounded, less specialized?

FWIW... :hmm:

MM
 
#7
MysticMichael said:
I have a theory about how to sort out such questions:

Just as there are bassists who are mostly about the right hand and others who are mostly about the left hand (assuming right-handedness...If you're left-handed, reverse the positions), there are instruments that are primarily about the right hand, and others that are primarily about the left hand (I know the concept is imperfect guys, so cut me some slack).

IMO, the Bongo is one of those basses that's mostly about the right hand (i.e. attack, punch, etc.), while the Cirrus is mostly about the left hand (i.e. pitch, fluidity, sustain, etc.). Examples of "right-hand dominant" basses: Nearly all EBMM models, Ibanez ATK, bolt-ons generally, etc. Examples of "left-hand dominant" basses: Zon, Alembic, neck-throughs generally, etc. Right-hand dominant player: Victor Wooten. Left-hand dominant player: Michael Manring. You get the drift...

Which type of bassist are you - mostly? And assuming that this conceptual model actually works for you, do you wish to focus upon and perfect a particular sound and style? Or do you wish to "play against type", and be more well-rounded, less specialized?

FWIW... :hmm:

MM
Click to expand...

This topic needs its own thread!:eek:
 
#8
Wow..nothing from me nearly as deep as the whole "right or left dominant" deal, but I hope this helps...

I have owned a cirrus, and currently own a Bongo.

Each are great basses.

My question, what is your pup configuration on the Bongo?

The single H is amazing, and incredibly versatile. If you don't have one, grab it.. it will be worth it. And if you pick up a used one, they can be absurdly cheap.

And fwiw, the cirrus always left me feeling it was a bit sterile, and I always wanted more from it, even if it sounded great.
 
#13
I`ve owned both (still keep the Cirrus)
Both are great basses, with their own distinctive flavor.

Since you already own a Bongo, I`d give the Cirrus a chance. It`s quite to find them cheap in the used market and you can get your money back if you don`t like it.

IMO, is one of the most undervalued basses. Try one and keep both basses.
 
#14
I think you'd be better off with a Cirrus to add to your club. NOT because I own a Cirrus but because as you stated, you already have a Bongo. That way, you can switch up when you NEED to. That's important. I do almost everything with a Cirrus, but there were certain applications where I would whip out the Fortress Masterman 5 just for that completely different sound. -Luke
 
#15
The whole left vs. right hand thing blew my mind and is 100% true. The Cirrus is definitely one of the better basses on the market for your left hand. I originally came from guitar and the low action was a nice transition, although I was somewhat limited in the sense that it's hard to get other basses to play like a Cirrus without spending $$$ on custom stuff.
 
#16
yellofury said:
At one point I owned 2 Jazz Basses and 2 Precision P/Js
I understand completely about redundancy and I have decided one bass can cover that particular tone or feel and having two of the same bass is rather overkill to say the least

variety is the spice of life
QUOTE]


You sound like me...I have 2 Ps and 2 Js...but made one of each active....that makes 'em different though....right?:rolleyes::D
Click to expand...
 
#17
I've owned both...I think the Bongo is a very versatile bass...and the body actually feels a lot smaller than it looks in pictures. Unfortunately, it felt rather cheap to me...which it's not. The Cirrus is a classy bass...I'd get one over a Bongo.
 
#20
For what you're doing,

I'd also consider a Millenium Plus OR a Cirrius with the Millenium preamp.

----

The 2 basses are different vibe.... a bit of the esound really depends how you're delivering the sound.

I'll be back in Jan-- you're welcome to try out any of my Mills or Cirus.. bring your amp by.
 

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