OK, first a little history. I had only heard of the MusicMan Bongo 3 years ago when I walked into my local GC and saw one hanging on the wall. I picked it up, plugged it in, and was truly impressed by what I can only describe as a big, full, piano-like tone coupled with incredible flexibility. I put it back because....well, as I told the salesman, "I can't get over the look of it".
Fast forward to today. I've always been thinking about that sound, and over time, came to really dig the look (kind of like Sam I Am and his legendary green eggs). In that time I have bought:
-Not one, but 3 Spectors
-G&L L-2000
-Stingray HH
I liked them all, but never loved them (although the Spectors are really, really good). All this time I'm thinking "I'll look into a Bongo next year".
Well, next year finally came.
Friends, let me tell you that this bass is the real deal. Mine is a 4 string HH with an Egyptian Smoke finish (awesome). The first thing I noticed picking it up (bought it from the great guys at Bass Central) was the weight- I haven't weighed it, but it is easily the lightest bass I own (lighter than the Spectors, and even my passive Fender). Then, plug it in. BAM! Right off the bat, everything flat with blend knob midway, it just kills. I start dialing in "my tone" (blend up the bridge pickup a tad, roll back the low mid a hair, boost the upper mid about 25%), and whoa! Punch and growl like you wouldn't believe. I start playing around- blend to emphasize the neck pu, increase low mid and treble, and it's like a whole new instrument. The combination of blend and the 4 band eq is just incredible. It has such a huge variety of sound, while at the same time maintaining it's own "character". I guess it sounds closest to the G&L L-2000, but unlike the G&L (fine instrument, BTW), it has so much more mid presence. It's sick.
So I take it to rehearsal. After our first song, everyone in the band says "Dude, you sound awesome." After two more songs, everyone (including my drummer, who never picks up a bass) wants a turn playing it. These guys have been exposed to my entire arsenal, past and present, which includes a Ric 4001, Fenders, Warwick, Stingray (H and HH), and the aforementioned Spectors and G&L. They were thoroughly impressed.
In conclusion, I must simply say this- if you are thinking about getting a Bongo, DO IT! I promise you won't regret it. Hats off to the Ernie Ball Music Man company for producing this fine instrument. And, to those who don't like it because of the look I say, don't get it! Just because I don't want it to become so commonplace that everyone has one (like Fender)
Cheers! I've found my voice!
Fast forward to today. I've always been thinking about that sound, and over time, came to really dig the look (kind of like Sam I Am and his legendary green eggs). In that time I have bought:
-Not one, but 3 Spectors
-G&L L-2000
-Stingray HH
I liked them all, but never loved them (although the Spectors are really, really good). All this time I'm thinking "I'll look into a Bongo next year".
Well, next year finally came.
Friends, let me tell you that this bass is the real deal. Mine is a 4 string HH with an Egyptian Smoke finish (awesome). The first thing I noticed picking it up (bought it from the great guys at Bass Central) was the weight- I haven't weighed it, but it is easily the lightest bass I own (lighter than the Spectors, and even my passive Fender). Then, plug it in. BAM! Right off the bat, everything flat with blend knob midway, it just kills. I start dialing in "my tone" (blend up the bridge pickup a tad, roll back the low mid a hair, boost the upper mid about 25%), and whoa! Punch and growl like you wouldn't believe. I start playing around- blend to emphasize the neck pu, increase low mid and treble, and it's like a whole new instrument. The combination of blend and the 4 band eq is just incredible. It has such a huge variety of sound, while at the same time maintaining it's own "character". I guess it sounds closest to the G&L L-2000, but unlike the G&L (fine instrument, BTW), it has so much more mid presence. It's sick.
So I take it to rehearsal. After our first song, everyone in the band says "Dude, you sound awesome." After two more songs, everyone (including my drummer, who never picks up a bass) wants a turn playing it. These guys have been exposed to my entire arsenal, past and present, which includes a Ric 4001, Fenders, Warwick, Stingray (H and HH), and the aforementioned Spectors and G&L. They were thoroughly impressed.
In conclusion, I must simply say this- if you are thinking about getting a Bongo, DO IT! I promise you won't regret it. Hats off to the Ernie Ball Music Man company for producing this fine instrument. And, to those who don't like it because of the look I say, don't get it! Just because I don't want it to become so commonplace that everyone has one (like Fender)
Cheers! I've found my voice!
