I was looking for a new bridge for my 5-string, which has 15mm spacing and there's no room to go wider, and it was nearly impossible...Kahler or Schaller seemed to be the only choices.
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John Myung Signature Bongo? (And some thoughts on string spacing)
- Thread starter MAJORA64
- Start date
- Feb 8, 2005
- 3,636
- 1,053
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Bag End - Dean Markley - Thunderfunk
Not exactly new but if you can find an original Wilkinson bridge, they can get that tight. I have one on my piccolo and since the strings are so small, I have it set (nominally, I use edge-to-edge spacing) at 15mm.
Well I have the Schaller now
but thanks for the tip, Marcus!
I sent an e-mail to Kahler regarding the string spacing on their 2450-N6 bridge and they replied saying,
"Yes, the minimum string spacing is 13.97mm (.055 inches) Cheers!".
"Yes, the minimum string spacing is 13.97mm (.055 inches) Cheers!".
John Myung of Dream Theater from Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Podcast interview from the 10th. "News in a few days" they said, lol, the suspense is killing me. Can't wait to see it!
Podcast interview from the 10th. "News in a few days" they said, lol, the suspense is killing me. Can't wait to see it!
I was really interested in this bass because of the string spacing but this is a real setback for me!
-No tone or bass control whatsoever. Why choose that?
-I don’t like the split woods on the neck. Think it looks ugly.
-No finish options. Only black. Not too fond of the all black pickups.
That’s a bummer cause I was looking for a second 14mm spaced six string for a long time and I like the Bongo bass. Lets hope they bring out a Bongo 6 with 14mm and more common specs and more finishes soon!
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Here are my thoughts on the design. Pros: I think it looks pretty sharp to be honest, I dig the pickup covers, and I like fretboard a lot! Glad it's a thin spaced 6'er. Neutral: Although the bass and high-mid controls on my standard Bongos are some of the best I've ever heard, I could probably just get an EQ pedal. Cons: Lack of other colors, black is cool but I hope other colors will come out, perhaps as part of the BFR thing they do ever few months?
All this said, I'm in love. Add this to the GAS list.
All this said, I'm in love. Add this to the GAS list.
That same link was posted already above that video.
What I find ugly from an optical viewpoint about the split fretboards woods is that they didn't divide it exactly in halves. There is more rosewood than maple. I wonder why they choose to do it like that?
Also not sure what the benefit or goal is with that divided wood fretboard? I think a fretboard with one wood looks much nicer.
The answer is in the interview above, John liked the idea of the golden ratio and incorporated the idea onto the fretboard. As someone who's interested sacred geometry I find it neat.
ok thanks. That's a bit far-fetched but it's Myung's choice so what can we do...
I can live with the fretboard but I am not sure if I can do without a tone knob. I use that a lot on all my basses. I tend to roll down the tone of as I play on the bridge pickup solo (which is my choice for 75% of time) and when I use the neck pickup or both together I roll the tone back in. Also I like more treble when slapping and less when playing fingerstyle.
I guess it works if you want that overdriven compressed sound of Myung but when you want a more versatile sound I think you will miss a tone (and bass) control.
Pattituci — East—Sheehan—Flea— etc etc - it’s a signature model cuz that’s what da artist uses - I think it’s an awesome statement on the evolution of an incredible bass - some peeps love Cindy Crawford’s mole - some don’t - but hey It’s Cindy - I have 2 bongos - both single H - as I found the HH to be Toooo much - I m guessing the controls reign that in ? Long time coming though and EBMM took the time to get it right
I actually think the split wood is a super interesting idea! I’ve actually thought about this before – what if you want a different sound on different strings?
Whether or not you are a fan of it, it’s really cool to see Ernie Ball trying something new. Who knows? It might be a valuable collectors item one day if it doesn’t takeoff in the main stream progressive scene.
The Ibanez Gerald Veasley model has 14mm spacing. The Japanese model, I believe is manufactured by Sugi which is a very high quality. There's also a less expensive Indonesian model.
Gerald Veasley | ARTISTS | Ibanez guitars
Love the fretboard! I'm glad Myung finally got his EBMM signature after such a long wait. I wonder if there will be a lower price-point Sterling release at some point, as they did with Petrucci's guitar models.
A more affordable six string from Ernie Ball would be incredible. I’ve played a six string Bongo at a local bass shop and I’m not sure if there’s a nicer production 6er out there. Sure, the string spacing or the look might not be someone’s thing, but the variety of tones you can get is just incredible. I think the demand for extended range basis is definitely growing, especially if someone can deliver a high-quality instrument at a reasonable price and Ernie Ball has proven that they can do that with their more budget-friendly models.
I know. I have this bass for two years now. Love it. But was thinking about a second 6 string with the same spacing. But I think I will pass because of the lack of bass and treble control. I just don't see the point of leaving those out.
