Can YOU identify this bass?

[Spivonious]

I think the strange color and strange options (like only the B-string going through the body and 8000 knobs and switches) and lack of markings is pretty strong evidence that it's a homemade custom.

[jim777]

Bongo basses, as well as anything else Ernie Ball/Musicman, are really nice playing instruments. The Bongo is just ugly as hell!

You won't find a better playing or better sounding toilet seat ANYWHERE!

First thing I did. http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=468720

They don't seem to know either. Maybe it is a homemade custom?

Could be, any hints at all under the backplates? Bartolini makes cheaper pickups abroad for Korean instruments that want the name, check to see if the pickups are USA or imports. The USA pickups will have the model number sort of etched by hand on the bottom (like someone did it with a nail) or hand written on a little sticker.

I'm trying to get a handle on the knobs as well, is it vol, vol, blend, then 3 way EQ? Not sure about the switches. Is there any brand indication on the preamp circuit (I'm assuming it must have one as it's so busy)?

[jim777]

Tough to find a good pic, but it looks like the Carvin through body 5 string necks do have 12th fret dots that far apart. If no one on talkbass could tell you what it is, I'm thinking it's a one off. It sure like like you bagged a winner though!

[Tekky]

Not sure about the knobs. I haven't plugged it in. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I own 3 basses but no bass amps. I guess I can plug it into my G-DEC and give it a whirl though. I'll do that and check the pickups (the inside of the control cavity is completely copper shileded - the small one is a battery cavity) a little later.

[jgcable]

Tough to find a good pic, but it looks like the Carvin through body 5 string necks do have 12th fret dots that far apart. If no one on talkbass could tell you what it is, I'm thinking it's a one off. It sure like like you bagged a winner though!

Looks like a Carvin to me too. When you take the rear cavity covers off are there brass threaded ferruls set into the wood?

[El Chiguete]

Email Carvin to see what they say.

[nhspike]

There bunches of custom dudes working out of their garage, or even music stores.
I say it's likely a well made custom job.
Looks like it plays nice, as much as I can tell from a pic anyhow.
Quality shines through the pixels.

[toejam]

Email Carvin to see what they say.

Carvin wouldn't know. They sell body and neck blanks so anyone could build their own and shape it any way they please.

[bloodlust]

Bongo basses, as well as anything else Ernie Ball/Musicman, are really nice playing instruments. The Bongo is just ugly as hell!

IIRC, it was also "designed" bmw, according to guitar world anyway

[Tekky]

Carvin wouldn't know. They sell body and neck blanks so anyone could build their own and shape it any way they please.

True. I gave it a shot though. May just be pissin in the wind but just figured I had nothing to lose other than a few moments to type the e-mail.

[LouSiffer]

Looks alot like these by design. Not completely identical, but, maybe a predecessor?? http://www.humanbase.de/content/framesE.htm

[LouSiffer]

Okay...no it doesnt...nevermind.

Didn't Cort use a cavity cover like that on their basses. Can't see the headstock for certain. Does it look like it has been reshaped?