I found a five string Bongo in my area with double humbuckers. I was very impressed as I was with the four string DH Bongo. I took a lot time playing it today. I turned into one of those guys I don't like at Guitarcenter! 
I'm glad i took time though because the Bongo's controls take a while to figure. I was able to get close to the Stingray sound but not exactly the same. To me, the bridge pickup soloed sounded like a jazz bridge pickup or any other two pickup bass.
Quality wise, the Bongo is absolutely first class like any other Ernie Ball/Music Man bass. The odd looks seemed to matter less and less as i got into the great sound of this bass. Anybody who just looks at it and refuses to check it out is cheating themselves. This bass is a heck of a player. It does compare very favorably to the Lakland 94-55. The Lakland is a more elegant looking instrument, but it doesn't sound or play any better. One thing to note, however, is that I don't believe the Bongo's pickups necessarily much more output than the Bartolinis on the Lakland. In fact, pretty much had to run most of the eq pretty close to full to get a powerful sound on the Bongo, much like I had to do with the 94-55.
Finally, I would note tht initially, the neck pickup really got in the way when I ws slapping and plucking. I adjusted and I believe that if I buy one, I'll be fine. Still, when I tried a SR5 for comparison, the SR5 felt much more comfortable as a slap machine. Oh well, I have owned SR5 before and that makes a difference. Still, it's odd that my neck pickup on my Tribute L-2500 doesn't bother my slapping. All said, I still have major GAS for a Bongo five.
I'm glad i took time though because the Bongo's controls take a while to figure. I was able to get close to the Stingray sound but not exactly the same. To me, the bridge pickup soloed sounded like a jazz bridge pickup or any other two pickup bass.
Quality wise, the Bongo is absolutely first class like any other Ernie Ball/Music Man bass. The odd looks seemed to matter less and less as i got into the great sound of this bass. Anybody who just looks at it and refuses to check it out is cheating themselves. This bass is a heck of a player. It does compare very favorably to the Lakland 94-55. The Lakland is a more elegant looking instrument, but it doesn't sound or play any better. One thing to note, however, is that I don't believe the Bongo's pickups necessarily much more output than the Bartolinis on the Lakland. In fact, pretty much had to run most of the eq pretty close to full to get a powerful sound on the Bongo, much like I had to do with the 94-55.
Finally, I would note tht initially, the neck pickup really got in the way when I ws slapping and plucking. I adjusted and I believe that if I buy one, I'll be fine. Still, when I tried a SR5 for comparison, the SR5 felt much more comfortable as a slap machine. Oh well, I have owned SR5 before and that makes a difference. Still, it's odd that my neck pickup on my Tribute L-2500 doesn't bother my slapping. All said, I still have major GAS for a Bongo five.
