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That candy apple red Bongo of yours is a beauty! I don't have a problem saying it looks like a toilet seat, but calling it ugly is out of bounds. And personally, I prefer to compare it's general shape to that of a Grecian urn.
Really? You’re going disrespect 5- and 6-string Bongos? Here?
Ever play a RIC 5 ? Major Fail.!!! I can't even Imagine a Ric 6 String Bass.
I know you’re kidding. But just in case, I’d never disrespect any EBMM bass. I just have my preferences.
I went from 4s to 6 string basses in 1992 and stayed with 6ers exclusively for 10 years. Then, I switched to 19mm spaced 35” scale Lakland 5ers, for a hard rock gigging band. I wanted to have less strings to deal with while moving around. And, I also wanted to (at some point) be able to transition easily to 4 string basses, without a string spacing adjustment to be made. All the “cool” basses and vintage basses were 4 strings. And, I got tired of saying no to them due to the occasional need for the B string. When, around 4 years ago, I joined another original music rock band that utilized DADG and CGCF tunings, I switched to 4s, and rarely touch my 5s. I don’t miss the B or high C at all, and love being able to shop for vintage basses, knowing they’ll be played.After Years of doing Clinics for Fender as a Rep I found that there were two main series of Concerns for players. The first was a HUGE surprise for me. Here in the Northeast and as far down as Virginia MANY dealers wanted absolutely NOTHING to do with Colors other than Black, White, Torino Red and Subtle Sunburst. Why? "My Customers don't want any Sissy Colors so I don't carry any". That was problem #1. As far as Basses.....Same thing on the Colors for basses and getting them to even CONSIDER 5 and 6 string basses was an Act of War. As a result, MANY dealers went out of business when the Internet hit and players found out that MUCH Cooler stuff existed.
My recommendation to those still mentally connected to 4 strings is to buy, or even BORROW a 5 string and go do a gig with it. IMPORTANT!! Leave your 4 string at home! If you bring it with you your fear of the unknown will send you reaching for what's familiar half way through the first tune. After a couple of gigs with a Bongo 5 or ANY Ernie Ball / Music Man 5 you'll wonder Why you didn't make the move Years ago.
Bonus Points. Not all 5's are Created Equal. I LOVE Ric Basses as long as the Goofy Flag is off, you don't use the word "Dope" to describe it... and the PUP Covers are on.
Mastering a 6 string Bass is a tough thing to do and can carry a MAJOR intimidation factor. ..... but if it's a Bongo it's gonna live in your Heart immediately.
IMHO, EB REALLY nailed the Perfect "Factory" Bass with a Fully Loaded Bongo 5. That Low B is absolutely Bassilicious.
Maybe then, you might want to refrain from calling others’ basses “unattractive” and “meh.”
No, I’ll state my opinion, especially when I plainly say that it’s my opinion by using words like “I find” or “my preferences”. I’m not a troll or hateful or in any way try to hurt feelings on TB. Some people just seem to be looking for a reason to get angry over nothing.
