Bongo Owners

Kramsey · #1 12-28-2008, 02:56 PM

What gauge strings do you use on your Bongo? I've got a Bongo 5 and this is the second time i will be replacing the strings. The last ones i got were really loose but they were the D'addario super soft .040-.125. So just curious...what gauge strings do you use?

ptuckerbass · #2 12-28-2008, 03:05 PM

I use D'Addario or Ernie Ball 45-65-80-100-130 nickel roundwounds. The Ernie Balls have a little more mid-punch to them, but the D'Adarrios are excellent as well. The 130 B-string really helps with the tautness and focus given the 34" scale of the Bongo.

I've tried stainless roundwounds a few times, but IMO nickel is the best match for the Bongo's electronics.

CiskoKid · #3 12-28-2008, 09:45 PM

I've been using DR RoundCore. I think that they are great.
I have my bass strung as E A D G C (45 on the G, and 105 on the E)
I had a push/pull passive/active volume control/swith installed.
When I pull it up, it disconnects the active preamp. In passive mode there is just the pickup going trought a volume control and then out the jack to the amp. I gives me a truer sound of the bass. When I want the original active sound I just push the swith in.
All of the active controls return.
....
I also put in a HipShot brass bridge. I gives the low strings real clarity and definition.
At first the bridge was too low and the strings hit the fretboard.
Hipshot provided me with a steel plate to put the bridge on top of.
Now everything is beautiful.
I think that this would work great for a low B string.

phat5 · #4 12-29-2008, 08:22 PM

I'm currently using TI JF-345's. Other strings that work for me on the Bongo are: EB's Power Slinkys 50-135, and Reg Slinkys 45-130, D'Adarrio ECB81-5 Chromes 45-132, and D'Adarrio XL nickel wounds, 45-130. Although I favor Ken Smith nickel Burners, they just didn't convince me on the Bongo, nor did the LaBella nickel Slappers. If you like stainless, the DR Hi-Beams sound amazing on the Bongo, just make sure to get the .135 B string, the .125 and .130 felt a bit floppy.

Fnord Explorer · #5 12-29-2008, 08:30 PM

I'm getting a Bongo here at the end of the week. It seems like Ernie Balls are the common string for them. Will those strings work well for slap tones?

Marley's Ghost · #6 01-16-2009, 09:51 AM

Just got my Bongo5. I was thinkin about DR Nickel Lo Riders, but they don't make a set in the factory EBMM gauge (45-65-80-100-130). I wanted to jump up to 45-65-85-105-130, and was wondering if anyone else has done this and if it required tooling of the nut and intonation adjustments.

summersalt7 · #7 01-18-2009, 09:49 AM

DR Fatbeams on the Bongo! Perfect.

phat5 · #8 01-18-2009, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marley's Ghost

Just got my Bongo5. I was thinkin about DR Nickel Lo Riders, but they don't make a set in the factory EBMM gauge (45-65-80-100-130). I wanted to jump up to 45-65-85-105-130, and was wondering if anyone else has done this and if it required tooling of the nut and intonation adjustments.

Hey MG, don't sweat the gauges, I used the Power slinks on my Bongo (.050-.135) without modding the nut. The only adjustment you may need to perform, is setting the relief of the neck; do this FIRST. You may want to check out the EB web site, there's a setup procedure in the FAQ section.

anyonefortennis · #9 01-18-2009, 03:30 PM

DR sunbeams 45-65-85-105-125. Perfect string IMO.

mntngrown · #10 01-24-2009, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phat5

I'm currently using TI JF-345's. Other strings that work for me on the Bongo are: EB's Power Slinkys 50-135, and Reg Slinkys 45-130, D'Adarrio ECB81-5 Chromes 45-132, and D'Adarrio XL nickel wounds, 45-130. Although I favor Ken Smith nickel Burners, they just didn't convince me on the Bongo, nor did the LaBella nickel Slappers. If you like stainless, the DR Hi-Beams sound amazing on the Bongo, just make sure to get the .135 B string, the .125 and .130 felt a bit floppy.

Thanks for the list phat5, I just got a used Bongo5, and wonder of all the sets which you think has the best sounding B, i.e. not muddy or weak, compared to the other 4 strings. I don't worry about the feel, just the sound. Thanks!

LeonD · #11 01-24-2009, 01:06 PM

I just got a fretless Bongo two weeks ago. I think it came with EB strings which sound OK.

Based on all the good recommendations, I'm going to try some DR Sunbeams. Should be here mid week.

LeonD

MegaBassET · #12 02-05-2009, 03:22 AM

Don't shoot me!!!
I'm currently using Musik Produktiv strings.
6 Euros for a set of 5.

ET

bassistgook · #13 02-05-2009, 02:22 PM

Remember everyone the music man company is owned by earnie ball. Every music man comes with slinky strings till someone changes them