Sterling or Bongo

[Dr. Cheese]

I don't necessarily belive that the thread started on the assumption that both basses were great. I think the assumption was that both basses were good, but which would be best. Under those circumstances, we are invited to give our opinions. You gave yours, I gave mine. That what discussion is about.

 

[Worshiper]

That preamp is amazing. Nothing else out there compares.

Now forgive me if this is a bit (or a huge) noob question, but what exactly is a preamp?

 

[PilbaraBass]

Now forgive me if this is a bit (or a huge) noob question, but what exactly is a preamp?

A preamp is short for pre-amplifier. Preamps are present in basses with "active" electronics. Here the pickups are fed through a small battery-powered amplifier (pre-amp). This amplifier affords the bass a much better signal/noise ratio on the output as well as much more flexible tone controls. Also, active electronics are a MUST when basses are equipped with low output signal type pickups such as piezos.

Passive electronics (magnetic pickups + volume pots + simple RC circuit type tone controls) do not have pre-amps.

Most of your high-end basses come with pre-amps because greater flexibility in sounds. Many purists still swear by passive for a more "organic" or "vintage" tone.

I have basses with both and can appreciate the merits of both schools.
(I DO lean towards active electronics, however)

 

[HeavyDuty]

Now forgive me if this is a bit (or a huge) noob question, but what exactly is a preamp?

It's the music that leaks out of the jack of your bass when you warm up without plugging in.

 

[bovinehost]

It's the music that leaks out of the jack of your bass when you warm up without plugging in.

I thought that was mojo that leaked out.

 

[Worshiper]

oh, I see. I was aware of active/passive. I have both, but I didn't know that an active has a preamp. Interesting. Thanks guys.

 

[embellisher]

And while most active preamps with EQ have two or three bands, the Bongo has a 4 band EQ. And it is very powerful. I have always liked sweepable mids, but I never imagined how much better two mid bands would be, even with fixed frequencies.

 

[Worshiper]

Ok, here's the deal. i went to the store last night and put down my deposit. He is going to call me sometime today and let me knwo how ling it will be for Ernie Ball to make it. Unless they have a stock one lying around I have to wait 3 months Oh, well. I'l appreciate it more when I get it. I ended up getting desert green four string bongo with white pearloid pickguard and HH pickups. I'll keep you guys posted. Pics to come.

 

[bassmonkeee]

Ok, here's the deal. i went to the store last night and put down my deposit. He is going to call me sometime today and let me knwo how ling it will be for Ernie Ball to make it. Unless they have a stock one lying around I have to wait 3 months Oh, well. I'l appreciate it more when I get it. I ended up getting desert green four string bongo with white pearloid pickguard and HH pickups. I'll keep you guys posted. Pics to come.

Desert Green? There is no desert green. And, the Envy green was a limited edition that is no longer available. Do you mean Desert Gold? If so, you can probably find one in any Guitar Center--you'd think it was the only color they are allowed to stock...

I had to wait 6 months for my fretless Bongo, and it was worth every second.

 

[Worshiper]

sorry...I do mean desert GOLD. And I checked my local guitar center. They just have the five string model. Not that five string is bad, I'm predominantly a five stringer myself. I just have a serious issue with buying instuments from guitar center. i feel like they have been used way too much and not handled with the care i would give my own brand new instument.