Which is more versatile? I'm looking for great low end, punchy mids, and crystal clear highs. Right now I'm leaning towards the Bongo, but still can't decide.
-Roy
-Roy
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Bongo vs. Sterling vs. L-2000
- Thread starter Surprise Panda!
- Start date
I'd say it's a toss-up between the Bongo and the L2k as far as sound goes. I voted L2k because I feel it has a more universal aesthetic.
MikeBass
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- Nov 4, 2003
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Are you talking about the HH Music Man models or single pick-up ones??
Either way I still voted L2K.
There are a TON of wiring mods that are real easy to expand the tone options.
Plus, all the options that you can tack on like quilt tops, different neck profiles etc......
Check out the G&L sponsored forum here on TB.
With EBMM, you're limited to no more than color & # of pick-ups (which is pretty tough to mod from what I hear).
Well, the 24 fret neck on the Bongo too.
I almost pulled the trigger on a Sterling, I love those basses, but scored a L2k that is loaded with options for about the same price used.
Killer L2K's can be found used for about the same, maybe a bit less, than both EBMM models you listed.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the Sterling and Bongo, but for me the L2K won.
Either way I still voted L2K.
There are a TON of wiring mods that are real easy to expand the tone options.
Plus, all the options that you can tack on like quilt tops, different neck profiles etc......
Check out the G&L sponsored forum here on TB.
With EBMM, you're limited to no more than color & # of pick-ups (which is pretty tough to mod from what I hear).
Well, the 24 fret neck on the Bongo too.
I almost pulled the trigger on a Sterling, I love those basses, but scored a L2k that is loaded with options for about the same price used.
Killer L2K's can be found used for about the same, maybe a bit less, than both EBMM models you listed.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the Sterling and Bongo, but for me the L2K won.
I voted other...my vote goes for the Carvin B4 or B5 with HB2 bridge and neck humbuckers. Or you could go with the LB70 or LB75 (both neck-through-the-body models)with the same pickups...
I've got a Bongo HH and an L2K. They're both waaay versatile with tons of tonal option. They're also both very different so you best try before you buy. I give a nod to the L2K 'cause its sound its closer to the sound in my head.
yeah I realized that as well.
super lows, great mids, and amazing highs, with lots of versatility, and all fatness, growl, and punch all together!
really now just get a tribute l2000. it'll do you lotsa good.
that said, I think bongo is the greatest musicman bass. Still, l2000 is great as well. Sterling.. not so much. I favor l2000 for the looks.
Yup
For the tone you describe I'd suggest the Bongo. Good lows, semi-parametric mids and clean and clear highs. That being said I own an L-2500 and wouldn't trade it for anything. It's not as "clean" sounding as the Bongo but thats part of it's charm IMO. The G&L is a very versatile bass, does a huge P-bass sound, an acceptable Jazz sound and everything in between. I only have limited experience with the Bongo but I don't remember it being as aggressive and raw sounding as the G&L.
I voted Bongo
One , because I just acquired one and really like it .
Two , I had an L-2000 and the electronics were noisy ( hissss) and I would pick up AM radio with it . The bongo has typical , as I have experienced , EBMM dead quiet electronics ,. NO hiss , NO bible beaters carrying on through my bass and amp .
Did I like the fit , finish and playability of the L-2000?
YES
I could not deal with the noise . Do a google for noisy G&L electronics.For what the G&L goes for it I felt I should not have had to shield it , they ( G&L )should.
maybe they are better now .
One , because I just acquired one and really like it .
Two , I had an L-2000 and the electronics were noisy ( hissss) and I would pick up AM radio with it . The bongo has typical , as I have experienced , EBMM dead quiet electronics ,. NO hiss , NO bible beaters carrying on through my bass and amp .
Did I like the fit , finish and playability of the L-2000?
YES
I could not deal with the noise . Do a google for noisy G&L electronics.For what the G&L goes for it I felt I should not have had to shield it , they ( G&L )should.
maybe they are better now .
Lakland 5502, imho it is one of the most versatile Basses around... I have one and I have been very satisfied with it...
I voted Bongo. Almost bought one last year, but couldn't get over the look. Now, I love the look and think about that mistake every day. Soon, it will be mine. Oh yes, it will be mine.
Sterlings I think are excellent for midrange, but a little weak on the lows and have the typical EBMM high zing.
L2K- great looks, but I agree that they hiss a lot (at least the ones I've played have).
Sterlings I think are excellent for midrange, but a little weak on the lows and have the typical EBMM high zing.
L2K- great looks, but I agree that they hiss a lot (at least the ones I've played have).
