SBMM Bongo

[Kev]

5 hours ago, NickA said:

Quite .... why would you buy a downgraded version.  In some cases the east Asian versions are just as good ( or better ..eg Squire in some examples) but when they're using cheaper woods, simpler construction and downgraded parts..... just buy a nice used original, it's not like they wear out ( tho my 23yr old Warwick does need new pots)

 

Not only that, but buy a used original, the way things are now it'll probably be worth more if you move it on in a few years, whereas a SBMM will get you back half your investment maybe.

 

5 hours ago, Russ said:

Used Bongos are quite rare, and not cheap. The people who like them REALLY like them and tend not to part with them. I sold two of mine for the same money I paid for them.  

 

This new SBMM version is probably down to the Bongo having somewhat higher visibility in recent times, with the likes of all-bass Australian prog outfit The Omnific using them.

 

I've seen plenty whilst looking at the Musicman used market around the £1400 mark in the last 12 months, the difficulty is more getting one in the finish you want.  

 

I'd expect they'll probably sell well, at least initially, I just wish we didn't get such a bad end of the deal price wise.  $699 would be fantastic, even with VAT on top.  It wasn't that long ago we used to moan about $=£ and the exchange rate, now that would be a dream!

[NancyJohnson]

I loved my old 5HH, but the EQ was mental on it, which kind of ruined the experience.  Admittedly, I adore the shape, but at £3K+ for a MM, nah.

 

My only real opinion on any Sterling vs Music Man debate is that I've seen a few MM Stingrays live and I've seen a handful of Sterling Stingrays in action and while they look similar, the Sterling models are just missing something tonally; quite thin, not as full and not as burpy as the Music Man models.  Now this might be down to Sterling users not sharing the same level of attention to set up/tone in as much of that curated by Music Man owners, but they just didn't have the oomph/rumble.

 

I suppose if I could coerce my brother-in-law to pick up one at sub-$800, then maybe it could be a decent platform for customisation, but that would obviously come later.