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THE BONGO CLUB (Part 2, 3 and infinity)

Confession time.

2nd part of my confession I think I've already mentioned here several times. In the past (most of my Bongo playing days) I now know I made the mistake of always adding EQ as opposed to dialing back, AND not using active switch on my amps. That worked for original material, but when I brought the Bongo to cover gigs doing that, well... it didn't really work too well. My new Bongo rule is to start with all the EQs about 1/3 of the way up, and work my sound in from there. It makes a world of difference.


Best. Hint. Ever.

I am very grateful for this post Joe. I tried that yesterday with my home rig and the Bongo sounded so organic, it was the boobies! Still hyped. Just a bit of low mids and treble dialed in more than, bass and high mids at about 1/3. Perfect. Fantastic sound. I was dialing back the EQ before, but left the other knobs at center detent. With all knobs set to middle position, the Bongo already sounds like its on steroids, a bit too much with my rig. But with everything turned down a bit somehow the character of the tone really shines. Very nice.

Thanks a lot!
 
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A little white ice action.
20150506_075828_zpsix7dhfw3.jpg

Ooooohhhh... white ice is perdy. Mine's straight white, but damn if you don't have me thinking...
 
Hi folks.

I'm about to shoot a Bongo 6, HS, 2nd hand, pretty mint. I've read many things about its eq, but how does it sound flat? I once owned a basswood made bass and wasn't too fond 'bout the sound. So, should I pull the trigger since I don't mess around too much with an onboard pre?

Thx for your help.
 
Hi folks.

I'm about to shoot a Bongo 6, HS, 2nd hand, pretty mint. I've read many things about its eq, but how does it sound flat? I once owned a basswood made bass and wasn't too fond 'bout the sound. So, should I pull the trigger since I don't mess around too much with an onboard pre?

Thx for your help.

I'd suggest trying one out, or if you can't then listening to tons of YouTube vids. They have a definite character that's all their own. Set flat they can lean toward the aggressive side. Rolling back just a bit on the EQ mellows them out.

We're all Bongo lovers here, so we're gonna say go for it. Whether you'll like it or not is your call.
 
My rule of thumb when I'm unsure is if it's an awesome deal and I know I can resell it for at least as much as I paid, I'll buy it. If not, I'll pass and wait for that awesome deal.
Here in Europe, especially in Luxembourg/neighborhood there won't be 'that' deal. EBMM is quite expensive over here. Here's 2nd hand, mint 6er, HS, in black. About 2499€. That must be damn expensive accross the pond :)
 
Hey guys, looks like I might be picking up a Bongo. I've never played a painted neck before though and it feels kind of sticky to me. Are there any tricks to getting around this or is this something that you just get used to ?

I think it is something you get used to. Fortunately, it is the satin finish as opposed to a high gloss. I had an all white Carvin SB5000 that I ordered with the painted neck once and it was satin as well. I think in time you will adjust to it. Not nearly as sticky as the high gloss neck on my p-bass project. The p-bass neck looks good, but definitely feels sticky at times. I wonder if you used some talcum powder on your fretting hand if it would help a little? A lot of billiard players use it, so might help. I've never personally felt the need, but if it continues to be bothersome, might give it a shot. Enjoy the Bongo! Fun bass to play. :)
 
I think it is something you get used to. Fortunately, it is the satin finish as opposed to a high gloss. I had an all white Carvin SB5000 that I ordered with the painted neck once and it was satin as well. I think in time you will adjust to it. Not nearly as sticky as the high gloss neck on my p-bass project. The p-bass neck looks good, but definitely feels sticky at times. I wonder if you used some talcum powder on your fretting hand if it would help a little? A lot of billiard players use it, so might help. I've never personally felt the need, but if it continues to be bothersome, might give it a shot. Enjoy the Bongo! Fun bass to play. :)

Thanks bassman, I'll get some powder or talc and give it a shot. I think I'm going to dig the Bongo
 
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0000 grade steel wool. rub it up and down the neck and its supposed to take off that tacky feeling. Be careful though, it appears to me the Bongo has very thin paint which i guess is why most of them have chips missing all over and alot of the necks have paint actually rubbed off. The paint on the Bongo neck feels pretty smooth to me. My main bass is a Dean Z Tour and I think they painted that neck with a roller. THats thick.
 
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0000 grade steel wool. rub it up and down the neck and its supposed to take off that tacky feeling. Be careful though, it appears to me the Bongo has very thin paint which i guess is why most of them have chips missing all over and alot of the necks have paint actually rubbed off. The paint on the Bongo neck feels pretty smooth to me. My main bass is a Dean Z Tour and I think they painted that neck with a roller. THats thick.

Yup, this is a used bass and there is 1 chip and a couple of dings already. Should be easily fixed though.