Pre-amp issues (Stingray and Bongo)

[Asomodai]

Hey guys.

Usually i can sort these issues out myself but i am having problems with both my Musicmans when used with my rack setups.

I have a Bongo Stealth 5 HH and SR5.

Both are completely stock, both have fresh batterys in. I run the rack setup EQ and bass pre-amps flat.

My pre-amps used in my rigs are an Ampeg SVT IIP and Trace Elliot SMX Gp12.

Whenever i hit any note on the low B and E i get alot of distortion, this happens on both basses. I understand that the bongos Pre-amp is very powerful, but i didnt expect the Stingrays to be as powerful.

Is there a Gain/Trim pot on the basses pre-amps that i can turn down? I would prefer not to mess around with the volume pots if possible, i would rather the problem be fixed permanently without having to find the correct volume level on the volume pot everytime i want to play the basses. Turning down the rack pre-amp gain does nothing to help, even on the lowest setting, it still creates a horrible sound.

Is it typical to have to run the basses at less then 10 on the volume pot?

I have also adjusted the pickup heights, didnt really work to my satisfaction.

I have never had these problems when using my fender jazz usa deluxe 5 or my Pedullas. (Which run at 18volt)

Cheers!

[73jbass]

I've seen Sterling Ball recommend not running the volume control on the bass at 100%. I run all my Music Man basses at 100% with no problems at all. Suggest trying the basses in a different rig and see what results you get.Or using the preamp input pad.

[boogie8008]

if its only the low strings you may need to pull back a little on the bass boost, otherwise turn the volume down. EBMM's are super hot and running them at 10 will clip some amps.

[G RICH 5]

Try lowering the pickup a little on the bass side.

[Handyman]

Is your bass' pre-amp clipping, or is it the your Ampeg that's clipping?

[FunkMetalBass]

Try lowering the pickups on each. Sounds like you're overloading the bass' preamp.

[supersonic_hn]

Hello there. I have bongo 5 HS . Have the same problem. I use Ampeg svt3 pro. But I have reduced the problem with this idea.

I figured it out that EBMM Bongo EQ settings are so madly powerful and especially the bass-boost pot. So, I use maximum let's say, not more than 75% of bass pot on my guitar. ( my settings on amp are flat - except middle pot which is reduced at 30% ) . And I was experimenting with everything and I think that only that pot is little problematic. So , do not turn it all the way down, but only at half - and maybe more 20% from half ( flat ) ...

Also, lower the magnets, at for example 5-6 mm from bass string ( treble string 1 or 2 mm higher ) - that's for HUMBUCKER. Single coil they reccomend little lower, but I prefer same -or even higher - maybe 1 mm higher


That's how I THINK, I solved my problem