spector euro or MM bongo

[jaco_bass]

ok im craving a new bass

what are the pros and cons of the MM bongo and Spector euro

im really stuck, ive tried both and like them equally

thanks in advance for the help

 

[Margus Alviste]

Quite different basses... What kind of music do you play? Maybe you should try to record using both basses to see which one works better for your style?

 

[jaco_bass]

i play funk,jazz,ska,rock, and metal

 

[milo]

BONGO is ugly.

Why not sting ray MM?

But I would go with Spector.

 

[ysand]

I'd go Spector and change the pre-amp (which is the only drawback in comparison with the Bongo's)
I like the looks more, love the playability, and of course the SOUND!

 

[mattygbass]

BONGO!!!

tone pump preamp on the spectors leave alot to be desired IMO

 

[bassophil]

When you order a new Spector Euro they offer to build in an Aguilar OBP-2 or EMG BQC for 169$ extra (since 2009).
Invalid Link Removed

 

[Margus Alviste]

Check the string spacing as well. Spectors have tighter spacing at bridge.

 

[johnnylager]

Spector. With Tone Pump.

 

[Baryonyx]

Spector. With Tone Pump.

+1

My Zebop had a tone pump and it was one of the most awesome sounding basses I have ever played. It just sounded so effortlessly nice.

 

[Papersen]

I`ve owned both so here`s my comparison:

Body ergonomics:
I personally prefer the more traditional look of the Spector vs the futuristic approach of the Bongo. The concave body is much more comfortable for a constant growing belly like mine.

Neck profile:
Bongo is flatter, with a D shape. Spector is rounder (C shape). I prefer the Bongo.

Weight:
Spector is quite heavy (Alder / Maple) but looks more solid. Bongo is lighter (basswood) but also gets scratched much easier.

Pickups:
IMHO, EMG pickups have a trademark sound, no matter what bass you use. They have a defined, growly, almost scooped sound that`s typical of Spector. Neodymium pickups on the Bongo have more output and are less "purist" than EMG`s.

Electronics:
I find the Tonepump 9V preamp the weak point of Spectors. They`re a bit weak IMO and boost only. OTOH, the 4band EQ of the Bongo is one of the most versatile preamps in the market.

Both are great basses, but it`s just a matter of preference. Try to play both before deciding.

Good luck

 

[Double Agent]

Well, I've owned both and I would say that if you're looking at 4-strings, get the Bongo. If you are looking at 5ers, get the Spector. I have found the EMG P/J setup on the 4-string Spectors is great for very aggressive styles, but its not terribly versatile. The EMG soapbars on the 5-string Spectors are much warmer and more versatile, plus the 35" scale makes for a slammin' low B. Lots of growl with nice, fat lows.

That said, I agree with previous posts that say the Bongo's pre is better. I also think that it is more than possible to get a good tone from the Tonepump, but there are many preamps out there that are better IMO. I have only had EMG preamps in all my Spectors and I am thrilled with the results. If you don't like the Tonepump and don't want the hassle of replacing your preamp, the Bongo might be the better choice for you. So, this probably hasn't helped narrow it down for you at all. Sorry FWIW, you really can't go wrong either way IMO.

 

[bovinehost]

 

[DeanT]

There are no negatives to the Bongo.

 

[SirCanealot]

There are no negatives to the Bongo.

How about I own a HHP and I played a HS in a shop the other day, and now I want a HS? Or maybe a H? :O

 

[bovinehost]

How about I own a HHP and I played a HS in a shop the other day, and now I want a HS? Or maybe a H? :O

Welcome to my world.