I've heard some really bad things about the necks, mostly truss rod issues. How big of a deal with that be living in Florida? I don't want to ever think about setting the neck after I buy it, since i'm buying an expensive guitar for a reason. To avoid shoddy workmanship and bad quality aspects holding me down.
I've owned 3 bongos (2 4s and a 5) and never experienced any neck issues. I adjust the neck a couple of times a year, but I do with pretty much all my basses. I'm in NY, and we have some pretty dramatic weather changes. Cool thing with the Bongo for me is that I just stick a skinny screwdriver in and turn. Takes literally 10 seconds. I'm going to guess that in Fla, where the climate change isn't as dramatic as NY, you're not going to have to do much adjusting.
2 other things; buying a bass with the expectation of never having to adjust the neck is a bit unrealistic. Not sure there's a bass in the world that that would apply to. Not with a wooden neck anyhow. And 2nd, the only issues I ever heard of with Bongo necks was with one guy posting here about his 6 string. I didn't read too much into the thread, so I don't know the details, but I never heard anyone complaining with a 4 or 5.
How comfortable is it while playing in classical position? (body between your legs and resting on the left leg opposed to the right). Does the neck have to be held up with the fretting hand? I rarely use a strap so that's a big deal for me.
By classical position I assume you mean how one would hold a classical guitar. I just checked it out as it's something I've never done.
Neck wasn't going anywhere. It sits perfectly balanced on my left thigh.
How is the general build quality? Does it feel like a well crafted luxury bass? I want something that sounds amazing and looks like a really well designed piece of art. I need even the smallest details on the body to be thought out and perfectly executed.
I believe so. One of the things people talk most about here is the quality control that goes into Musicman basses. I own Warwicks, Fenders, some custom made basses, and have had a little of everything in between. Craftsmanship and quality destroy Fender, and are equal to any Warwick I've ever owned. They look and feel like works of art to me. Never owned a Fodera, but have played them. They feel much different than a MM, so I wouldn't want to compare. Lets just say that Bongos aren't woodsy feeling basses. They feel more like the BMWs they were descendents of.
Any other comments or suggestions are appreciated.
If you're not on musiciansfriend's mailing list I'd suggest you get on it now, and order one from them. You can get 20% off for black friday. If there's anything you're not nuts about with it, you can return it no questions asked.
