On the fence about sterling ray 34

[Mrtoodamnsabre]

No way lol the Specials are uber versatile as is the bongo, probably the most flexible EQs I've ever used.
The bongo is more modern/hi-fi while the Specials are round and warm.

I think the pre specials were warm too! It's a reputation thing lol 2h vs h thing, but the pre 2018 ones I played with the double alnicos are actually almost too warm and wooly, which is a great problem to have lol. The stingray, even the 1h was extremely versatile imo

 

[Stevorebob]

Lots of opinions by folks who have never played a Bongo. The pickup blend of an HH Bongo won't mid scoop like a StingRay with both pickups selected. The Bongo does not offer coil selection. The Bongo 4-band pre affects different frequencies than the 3-band StingRay. And the 24-fret neck moves the Bongo pickups out of the StingRay sweet spot.

Bongos are more smooth-mid focused with a high end that pings if provoked.

 

[Stevorebob]

And some of y'all might check out the forum rules, specifically the ugly bass rule and the Bongo addendum. Might be a good idea.

 

[godofthunder59]

I have a stingray special 5 HH and a bongo 5 HH. My wonderful girlfriend just got me the new fender Adam Clayton 50 watt bass amp. My guitar player complained about my B string being too muddy. I was using the bongo with this amp. I personally thought it sounded good. The Adam Clayton amp won't be the only amp I use though. Only certain times. People have different opinions as to whether amps like that can handle the low B string. I have a fender American special 4 string jazz bass that's not doing anything for me. The strings were dead sounding with no sustain. I put new strings on it and it still sounds dead. I played it for 10 years and never really payed attention until I got my stingray special. I guess music man basses ruined my love for fender basses. And I tried another fender bass disappointed too. So my question is will the 1000 dollar sterling ray 34 sound close to the stingray special? Will I probably at least like it better than the fender? Trying one out at a store isn't really an option. I just know the music man basses work really good for me but I'm not so ready to pay over 2000 for a new stingray special either

Rule #1 of bass, never allow a guitar player critique your tone or gear.

 

[Cory rich40]

Ok final thoughts. I used the stingray today with the Adam Clayton amp. The guitarist said it sounded great, but the B string was still a little muddy. Nothing really bad. Then I used the bongo on channel 2 and he thought there was a world of difference for the better. I can definitely get by with using the B string sparingly. I'm no longer gassing so much for a sterling but I might would trade my fender American special 4 string for a full stingray 4 string. Y'all were right. I definitely have all I need.