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Played a bongo for the first time!

theophilus762

theophilus762

Nov 4, 2006
1,342
43
39
Arlington, VA
#1
Hey guys,

So whenever I went to GC, I never really thought about playing the Bongo's, until today. Someone mentioned on here how comfortable the necks were, so I decided to check it out for myself.

My goodness, it is the most comfortable I have ever played on. It felt like a D shape instead of C and it was ultra comfortable and ultra playable.

What other basses have similar necks? I can't believe how comfortable it was. The bass felt so easy to play.

Oh, and not to mention, the bodyshape was ultra comfortable too. I wonder if EBMM paid particular attention to the ergonomics of the bass, to implement the idea of function over form.
 
#2
OshKoshJoash said:
Oh, and not to mention, the bodyshape was ultra comfortable too. I wonder if EBMM paid particular attention to the ergonomics of the bass, to implement the idea of function over form.
Click to expand...

I believe that is exactly what they were trying to do. They balance perfectly whether seated or standing. I agree they are very comfy to play, even after long gigs they aren't bad even though they aren't exactly featherweights.

As to your neck question, I prefer the SR5 neck (mmmm, satin), but they are both very comfortable.
 
#4
I have no doubt they must have something going for them. I just can't get past the appearance. I applaud them for taking the "Star Trek" approach and risk of "going where no man has ever gone". Evidently enough people like it. I always wonder what sales would have been if they would have gone with a different look.
 
#5
I love Ernie Ball basses but I honestly think they could have come up with a better name then "Bongo." It sort of reminds me of a shark, should have called it the "Mako." Goes along with the whole "Stingray" fish theme.
 
#8
USAJO said:
Ya know that actually makes sense to me. Now that I think about not only do I dislike the look, I think the name is terrible too.
Click to expand...

It's certainly not as catchy as BTB4300Z-4 or KSGTB5NB or anything, I'd have to agree.

"BoNgo" was the project name when the BMW Design Group was working with the Music Man people to finalize the design. They called it BoNgo for so long that it just stuck.

And I still think it's a cool name.
 
#9
Ha, well it is very clever to name an instrument by another instruments name. I guess it would have been worse if they called it "piano" or "flute" or maybe "snare drum" but Bongo who da thunk?
 
#18
Bongos are hugely underrated IMHO, mostly due to their looks. A lot of guys won't try and/or buy them because the design is so polarizing. IMHO, this is a shame - they're a great playing and sounding instrument, particularly at their price point.

I love mine - it's a Lava Pearl 4HH beauty. It plays and sounds amazing, all for $850 used, with case, and in mint condition.

Alan
 

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