John Myung Signature Bongo? (And some thoughts on string spacing)

[MAJORA64]

The website also sez "simplified control layout with preprogrammed equalization", perhaps there's some voodoo in the bass' electronics that are boosted or cut depending on the pickup selection? Or maybe it's in regards to the preselected pickup blends?

I don't really care about tone knobs. The only fear I have about this bass is if it'll be more expensive than a standard Bongo 6'er. They're pretty expensive in Canada.

 

[Les Fret]

The website also sez "simplified control layout with preprogrammed equalization", perhaps there's some voodoo in the bass' electronics that are boosted or cut depending on the pickup selection? Or maybe it's in regards to the preselected pickup blends?

I don't really care about tone knobs. The only fear I have about this bass is if it'll be more expensive than a standard Bongo 6'er. They're pretty expensive in Canada.

It says 2999$ or something. About the same price as a normal Bongo 6.

 

[TolerancEJ]

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 own a Bongo HS 6 in the PDN Honey Roasted finish. Love it!

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.

I also admire Veasley's models. I'd prefer the Japanese model but I'll wait for one to appear on the used market.

 

[MoonDoggy]

So not to derail this thread, but it's a related topic... For decades MM claimed they would never do a signature bass. They hand out signature guitars like candy: Petrucci, Morse, Lukather, Albert Lee, Jason Richardson, etc (All very worthy of signatures IMO). But they claimed their basses sell well enough without signature models. Then they release what I believe was their first EVER signature bass to Joe Dart this year. I had never even heard of this dude. After looking him up, he's good, but I didn't see him worthy of being MM's first artist Ever to receive a signature model. I can think of many others that should've gotten it first, like Myung, Levin, and many more. I had even heard rumors that Flea left MM and went to Modulus because Modulus gave him a signature where MM refused.

So does anyone know why MM had a change of heart about signature basses (other than the smart financial move)?

 

[Les Fret]

I also admire Veasley's models. I'd prefer the Japanese model but I'll wait for one to appear on the used market.

I would also like to have or try that Japanese model but they are insanely expensive, 6200 euro!! Halve of that price would be more appropriate.
I really wonder if they sold more than two for that price...

 

[melloncollie]

So not to derail this thread, but it's a related topic... For decades MM claimed they would never do a signature bass. They hand out signature guitars like candy: Petrucci, Morse, Lukather, Albert Lee, Jason Richardson, etc (All very worthy of signatures IMO). But they claimed their basses sell well enough without signature models. Then they release what I believe was their first EVER signature bass to Joe Dart this year. I had never even heard of this dude. After looking him up, he's good, but I didn't see him worthy of being MM's first artist Ever to receive a signature model. I can think of many others that should've gotten it first, like Myung, Levin, and many more. I had even heard rumors that Flea left MM and went to Modulus because Modulus gave him a signature where MM refused.

So does anyone know why MM had a change of heart about signature basses (other than the smart financial move)?

Well the interesting thing they used to do (and still do) is that each signature model was a new model and not just a slightly modified version of something they already made. They started doing “artist series” instruments a couple of years ago which were modified versions of models they already made. These mostly appear to be limited addition or limited run instruments and not a full part of the regular line. They’ve had two artist series basses but still no signature models. Like a completely new model that becomes part of the line.

and if I remember the rumor correctly flea didn’t want a signature stingray he wanted the stingray to be the flea signature.

 

[Stevorebob]

So not to derail this thread, but it's a related topic... For decades MM claimed they would never do a signature bass. They hand out signature guitars like candy: Petrucci, Morse, Lukather, Albert Lee, Jason Richardson, etc (All very worthy of signatures IMO). But they claimed their basses sell well enough without signature models. Then they release what I believe was their first EVER signature bass to Joe Dart this year. I had never even heard of this dude. After looking him up, he's good, but I didn't see him worthy of being MM's first artist Ever to receive a signature model. I can think of many others that should've gotten it first, like Myung, Levin, and many more. I had even heard rumors that Flea left MM and went to Modulus because Modulus gave him a signature where MM refused.

So does anyone know why MM had a change of heart about signature basses (other than the smart financial move)?

Might have something to do with Brian Ball’s ascent to CEO in late 2019. Or not.

 

[SleepyShark]

So not to derail this thread, but it's a related topic... For decades MM claimed they would never do a signature bass. They hand out signature guitars like candy: Petrucci, Morse, Lukather, Albert Lee, Jason Richardson, etc (All very worthy of signatures IMO). But they claimed their basses sell well enough without signature models. Then they release what I believe was their first EVER signature bass to Joe Dart this year. I had never even heard of this dude. After looking him up, he's good, but I didn't see him worthy of being MM's first artist Ever to receive a signature model. I can think of many others that should've gotten it first, like Myung, Levin, and many more. I had even heard rumors that Flea left MM and went to Modulus because Modulus gave him a signature where MM refused.

So does anyone know why MM had a change of heart about signature basses (other than the smart financial move)?

Speculation - I would imagine Myung’s signature bongo likely took more resources to get into production. I know they’ve talked about this thing for years. I imagine retooling costs, engineering costs, etc. weren’t super cheap.

Dart’s stingray is really just a simplified Stingray with a special preamp as far as I can tell. As far as whether or he’s worthy of a signature model, he’s a really damn good player. He’s also incredibly well respected among younger players. What he does, he does very well. I know that wasn’t the point of your post at all, but yeah.

Signature models can be a bit of a trap for brands, but I think EBMM does it better than the other major brands. There’s usually a really cool twist that gets added to an already stellar instrument.

 

[gzarruk]

Signature models can be a bit of a trap for brands, but I think EBMM does it better than the other major brands. There’s usually a really cool twist that gets added to an already stellar instrument.

Well, they do offer the 2nd best selling signature guitar line ever made (the Petrucci models), and they're 2nd only because the Les Paul is still considered a signature guitar.

 

[Jeremy piquette]

Just bend the other direction

Its not even bending, even a slide or a little vibrato and it happens.

 

[gzarruk]

Its not even bending, even a slide or a little vibrato and it happens.

I used to own an EBMM Sterling 5 and I had the same issue. I had to be VERY careful playing the G string or it would just pop out of the fretboard.

 

[IronLung1986]

So not to derail this thread, but it's a related topic... For decades MM claimed they would never do a signature bass. They hand out signature guitars like candy: Petrucci, Morse, Lukather, Albert Lee, Jason Richardson, etc (All very worthy of signatures IMO). But they claimed their basses sell well enough without signature models. Then they release what I believe was their first EVER signature bass to Joe Dart this year. I had never even heard of this dude. After looking him up, he's good, but I didn't see him worthy of being MM's first artist Ever to receive a signature model. I can think of many others that should've gotten it first, like Myung, Levin, and many more. I had even heard rumors that Flea left MM and went to Modulus because Modulus gave him a signature where MM refused.

So does anyone know why MM had a change of heart about signature basses (other than the smart financial move)?

I doubt there's any reason beyond it being a smart financial move, which is honestly a good enough reason on its own. Giving one to Joe Dart was good business because it puts the Music Man name in the hands of one of the most popular bass players among young people - the future of their customer base. Sure Tony Levin should have got one first, but that wasn't going to win them as much new exposure. And who knows maybe Tony didn't even want one.

 

[MAJORA64]

I have my fingers crossed that maybe they'll include the Myung model in the Ball Family Reserve someday so that more colors come out. Barolo would be nice, as would Grabber Green or silverburst. I dunno, it's fun to daydream. Also, on the website shop it sez USA exclusive. I live in Canada, so, what gives?

 

[TolerancEJ]

I have my fingers crossed that maybe they'll include the Myung model in the Ball Family Reserve someday so that more colors come out. Barolo would be nice, as would Grabber Green or silverburst. I dunno, it's fun to daydream. Also, on the website shop it sez USA exclusive. I live in Canada, so, what gives?

It'll eventually be available to us. We're always late getting new models. If this model is successful, maybe they'll issue new finishes.

 

[SheeHAMM]

I placed an order...through a friend living in the US. (I live in South Korea.)
Had I done it sooner, I would be receiving the bass in weeks. But now it's going to be a 3-month wait.

 

[Sid Fang]

I've got huge hands. I loved everything about my Schecter Stiletto 5er *except* the 16.5mm spacing, which was just too tight to be comfortable for my right hand playing fingerstyle (my left hand loved it). Can't imagine wanting to play something even narrower. If I played with a pick, it might be different.

 

[MAJORA64]

I placed an order...through a friend living in the US. (I live in South Korea.)
Had I done it sooner, I would be receiving the bass in weeks. But now it's going to be a 3-month wait.

It'll be worth the wait. When I ordered my black HS 6'er in July of 2016 I didn't receive it until March 2017, something about a new wood law crossing boarders or something. But when I finally got I was a happy camper, still love it!

I've got huge hands. I loved everything about my Schecter Stiletto 5er *except* the 16.5mm spacing, which was just too tight to be comfortable for my right hand playing fingerstyle (my left hand loved it). Can't imagine wanting to play something even narrower. If I played with a pick, it might be different.

Funny story, I have small fingers, and I happen to have a Schecter Stiletto Studio 6'er that I got in 2011 with the same spring spacing. After retiring the bass for a year or two as I was playing my Bongos I picked it up one day and it was more comfortable than I ever felt it because of the 16.5mm spacing (I think Bongos are 17.5mm?). That's part of the reason I started this thread, the Myung spacing is interesting and it's interesting to talk about string spacing in general, find out what's comfortable for other people.

 

[Sid Fang]

Funny story, I have small fingers, and I happen to have a Schecter Stiletto Studio 6'er that I got in 2011 with the same spring spacing. After retiring the bass for a year or two as I was playing my Bongos I picked it up one day and it was more comfortable than I ever felt it because of the 16.5mm spacing (I think Bongos are 17.5mm?). That's part of the reason I started this thread, the Myung spacing is interesting and it's interesting to talk about string spacing in general, find out what's comfortable for other people.

Do you play with a pick? Do you ever slap? I play guitar with a pick, and am very happy with guitars with narrow necks and tight spacing, and I reckon bass would be the same. On the other hand, while I don't slap myself, I have the impression that most bass slappers hate tight string spacing.

 

[Les Fret]

I've got huge hands. I loved everything about my Schecter Stiletto 5er *except* the 16.5mm spacing, which was just too tight to be comfortable for my right hand playing fingerstyle (my left hand loved it). Can't imagine wanting to play something even narrower. If I played with a pick, it might be different.

I have exactly the opposite. I can't imagine why anyone would want a larger than 16.5mm string spacing on a six string. Makes the whole instrument and neck much more bulky and cumbersome. Smaller string spacing also means a smaller neck and that has some advantages for playing chords. Both for left and right hand I see advantages of a tight string spacing. I don't see any disadvantages of the small spacing.

I love the 14mm spacing of my Ibanez GVB and will never go back to larger spacing for a six string. I can perfectly slap on it by the way.

But string spacing is a highly personal thing.

 

[MAJORA64]

Do you play with a pick? Do you ever slap? I play guitar with a pick, and am very happy with guitars with narrow necks and tight spacing, and I reckon bass would be the same. On the other hand, while I don't slap myself, I have the impression that most bass slappers hate tight string spacing.

I used to long ago, but I haven't played with a pick for a long time, I utilize three fingers. I rarely ever slap, I'm pretty bad at it however much I practice, lol. I'll admit that lately I'm tempted to try out the pick again on my 4-string after listening to Nightwish a bijillion times. Love Marco.

Also on the EBMM forums there's a thread talking about the Myung model and I picked up this interesting tidbit from user brash47, hope he doesn't mind the c/p:

I had a walk through of all of the Dream Theater stage gear during one of their concert tours.

His bass tech explained the lack of tone control as this.

John has a tone that he uses. Its set in stone on all of his basses so that there is never an accident change

If any tone needs to be modified, that's what an eq on his set up is for, not his bass.

This makes sense to me. There is enough fatigue from just playing his set day in and day out. I would imagine that having added tone "decision fatigue" each song would be an issue.

The music they play is pretty finite in terms of live performance. If tone is set during sound checks. Then the band will always know how he and each other sound and its the same every night.

Brash

PS I'm about to piss myself with excitement for this bass!!!!!!!

I love the 14mm spacing of my Ibanez GVB and will never go back to larger spacing for a six string. I can perfectly slap on it by the way.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the GVB have guitar tuning EADGBE than standard 6'er bass tuning? I thought I read somewhere that was the case.