Went ahead and ordered a Firemist Purple Bongo 6 because I know I'll regret it if I miss out on one 
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So... 4 years later, I sold my Bongo 6. 
Do I have to turn in my number?
It remains the best-sounding bass I've ever touched, but the low B and E strings were overpowering and hard to record, the one-piece non-reinforced neck required constant adjustments to cope with canadian weather (sadly, that also means all EBMM basses are off-limits to me until they fix that )... And as much as it pains me to say this, it just wasn't as comfortable to play as my Ibanez SR1206. So when the desire for a 5-string and a more traditional sound struck (=> Fender Elite Jazz V), the Bongo is the one that went. On the plus side, I sold it to a friend (who lives in a less extreme climate), so I know it's in good hands.
Still, that tone was killer. I think this is the best track I recorded with it:
Do I have to turn in my number?It remains the best-sounding bass I've ever touched, but the low B and E strings were overpowering and hard to record, the one-piece non-reinforced neck required constant adjustments to cope with canadian weather (sadly, that also means all EBMM basses are off-limits to me until they fix that
)... And as much as it pains me to say this, it just wasn't as comfortable to play as my Ibanez SR1206. So when the desire for a 5-string and a more traditional sound struck (=> Fender Elite Jazz V), the Bongo is the one that went. On the plus side, I sold it to a friend (who lives in a less extreme climate), so I know it's in good hands.Still, that tone was killer. I think this is the best track I recorded with it:
I ended up getting another Sting Ray. Needed two bases with the same sound for two tunings at shows. Love the Bongo -- will always be a main player. But a Bongo is a Bongo, and a Sting Ray is a Sting Ray. Neodium, Bongo p'up placement, 18v four-band and basswood just ain't gonna sound like Alnico, Sting Ray p'up placement, 9v three-band and ash. Not like I needed much encouragement to acquire another Music Man.
Have you tried Sterling, Big Al etc.? Thanks.I ended up getting another Sting Ray. Needed two bases with the same sound for two tunings at shows. Love the Bongo -- will always be a main player. But a Bongo is a Bongo, and a Sting Ray is a Sting Ray. Neodium, Bongo p'up placement, 18v four-band and basswood just ain't gonna sound like Alnico, Sting Ray p'up placement, 9v three-band and ash. Not like I needed much encouragement to acquire another Music Man.
Haven't been able to try either recently. I've played a Big Al and would love to have one, but they're hard to come by these days. Have not seen a Sterling to try.
My current needs require two bases with near identical sounds. The sure thing was a second Sting Ray, since that was the best sound for this project. Bongo was great, just a little to refined. The Sting Ray can get more primitive.
Fell RIIIIIIGHT off the wagon... managed to find a Desert Gold HH bongo.
Ohmagads.
Offloading my sapphire black HH to a mate.
Pics when it arrives.
Ohmagads.
Offloading my sapphire black HH to a mate.
Pics when it arrives.
Spike, have you tried both out? I've never put flats on my bongo but I have got a set of cobalt flats on my Big Al and I do love the vibe.
I'm going to end up stringing one of the two for BEAD with rounds but I don't know which one yet.
I have tried both chromes and Ghs bright flats and found I really like DR Nickle low riders. I play 30% pick and 70% finger and I find the low riders give a nice balance when I turn down the treble on the Albert when I use the pick, and they have a great growl.I think I will try the Cobalt flats on the Bongo.
Thx, that was done by Marty Bell, photos don't do it justice, under stage lights it just pops!
Annnnd it's done. I have relapsed.
2005 Desert Gold Bongo HH.
I have rarely been so content.
2005 Desert Gold Bongo HH.
I have rarely been so content.
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Bongo and flats is a great combination. My neptune blue PDN (4-string HSp) is strung with TI flats. My Big Al SSS works better with rounds. Those are both sweet basses.
Thanks a lot! Had to dig around for it.
Got some dings but nothing major.
Side note, putting a question to the community.
I've got a Big Al SSS (full maple neck)
And
A Bongo HH.
Planning on keeping rounds on the Big Al and Flats on the Bongo.
I am planning on stringing one up BEAD with the lower 4 of a 5 set.
Recommendations on which nut should start fearing the file?
I guess it's a question of whether you want your low B round or flat.Before I picked up my 5's I bought a Big Al 4sss which I still own. I proceeded to convert it to BEAD and it worked out great. But in the process I did'nt file enough material away from the nut and when installing the B string the nut cracked and broke off. I have since replaced the nut and have it strung with standard strings and use it for the fast and technical tunes that don't call for any notes on the B and/or when I sing the lead part. So my point is you can't go wrong converting either one , just be careful to file away enough material on the nut...or just get a 5er;-).
How do you find the string tension with the B string? I have halfwounds on right now and wanted to put on flats. I heard that T1 Jazz Flats have a light tension though and worried about buzz on the B.
Also since this is my first post I'll share my a picture of Bertha (aka Momma B)
View media item 13483
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Here's my recent acquisition. She's up in the classifieds on a feeler.
For Sale/Trade - FS Feeler EBMM Bongo 5 2014 PDN Neptune Blue
For Sale/Trade - FS Feeler EBMM Bongo 5 2014 PDN Neptune Blue
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Nice looking Bongo, congrats! I have to admit i keep grabbing one of my Bongos to play too, they're just so comfortable and sound fantastic.
