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Would you trade this Jazz bass for this Bongo?

#62
Jakobus22 said:
Absolutely right. Feels like I'm unmasked. I just like the Bongo so much that I'm thinking about giving 5-string basses another chance. And considering the reactions....
Click to expand...

...BUT - most of these other reactions seem to be value-based opinions, whereas your desire for a 4-string drove you to trade for the Fender in the first place, right?

I'm a Fender guy but that Bongo sounds very appealing. I can't see your pic, but if it's a dual humbucker 5-string I would love to have that one on my guitar stand!

Time for some serious soul-searching...
 
#67
I've played a few Bongos at a local dealer here in town and the Bongo is my next bass purchase, whenever I can muster the cash. If I had the opportunity to trade any of my basses for no cash for a Bongo 5, I would not hesitate to do so. Personally I love the way they look, the way they play and most importantly the way they sound.

I'm interested in hearing a review once you complete the trade!
 
#68
hmmm

The J bass will have better long-term appreciation (I sold my 1998 delux recently for $970!) but the Bongo might be a better player...

And do *not* put a badass bridge or any of that silly stuff on that J-bass - the stock bridge & electronics are fine.
 
#70
As an owner of pretty much the same bongo (mine is an 07), I'd say go for it!

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#74
I would have gone for the Bongo as well.. For three reasons:

1) I'm not really interested in 4-string basses anymore.
2) I've never played a Fender Jazz that could touch my Lakland JO.
3) The Bongo, while looking like a plastic space mutant with fetal alcohol syndrome, is definitely more versatile, more unique, and is one of those instruments people will remember you by (for better or worse).

I've never even taken the time to pick up a Bongo, but I'd still do the trade.
 
#78
Jakobus22 said:
That's exactly what I was looking for :D
Click to expand...

Good call! And I must be honest, after years of looking at Bongos (especially yours, which is surprisingly classy-looking), they're really starting to grow on me. I'm kind of hooked on the 35" scale since I discovered it, but I can't help wanting to give one of these things a try anyway... Hmmm..

Damn you, TalkBass... :D
 
#79
Hi all,

first post and long time lurker!

I had to reply to this post as I made the SAME swap!

Only difference was, I had a 4 string Bongo..Same colour and everything though.

I loved the Bongo, and in my opinion it is a superior bass. The thing was, I play a lot of slap bass and found it uncomfortable with the front pick up being so close to the neck. That's it!
I know I could have lowered the front pick up, but I play fingerstyle over for front pick up for more bassy tones, and to be honest I really didn't want to change the guitar set up.

I had my Bongo for 2 years but just couldn't get over this annoyance. I had the bongo on ebay twice at a very reasonable price, and although I had loads of emails telling me the sell price was too low, I never got over the reserve.

In the end I took it to a guitar shop in Newcastle and made a straight swap for a new Mexican Fender Jazz. The store owner was clearly happy, and to be honest so was I.
The Jazz is the most simple, comfortable and playable guitar I have owned, and I'm having a whale of a time with it.

Like I say, the Bongo is technically superior guitar, very well balanced and its range in sound is incredible.. But I still wouldn't change back.


Amafi
 

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