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It does inside a bit but I’ve yet to take it outside or in a gig yet but it really is a brilliant.
I just traded in my Ibanez SR500 (Mohogany) and ordered a used red Bongo 4 HH from Guitar Center over the weekend (the store I was at ordered it from another GC for me after I traded my Ibanez in). Not sure which red it is from the photos, the Cherry or the Lavapearl, but I'm thinking Cherry. Man that Lavapearl sure looks sweet! Do they also call Cherry Red Candy Red or are those different colors? Hopefully the bass is in as good as condition they claim it is - they said that it is like-new. I also took back my MB LM-III (it was having issues) and ordered a new Aguilar TH500 that I'll be running with my two Markbass Marcus Miller 102 cabs. I'm thinking that it should be a pretty killer sounding rig. I actually used to own a Black Bongo 5 HH for a couple months about 6 years ago, but sold it because I'm just not that good of a 5 string player and prefer 4 strings. I regretted selling it because I really did like the bass. I should have kept it and just practiced more to get better at playing a 5er.
Anyhow, since it has been such a long time since I've owned a Bongo (and it was only for a few months) I was wondering if any of you could share some advice on eq'ing the bass. I just play in a classic rock band with a mixture of some modern rock (early - mid 2000's) and a few country songs thrown in the mix. I also slap in a few songs to add a little funk to our mix, but only a couple times a night. I remember the Bongo has a real strong output signal and I've seen that mentioned in some of the posts above. Am I better off setting the Bongo flat and eq'ing with the amp or setting the amp primarily flat and eq'ing with the bass? Also, what's the best way to tame the high output signal? Sorry for the long-winded question, but I thought it wouldn't hurt to get a little advice from long time Bongo players. Thanks in advance!
Anyhow, since it has been such a long time since I've owned a Bongo (and it was only for a few months) I was wondering if any of you could share some advice on eq'ing the bass. I just play in a classic rock band with a mixture of some modern rock (early - mid 2000's) and a few country songs thrown in the mix. I also slap in a few songs to add a little funk to our mix, but only a couple times a night. I remember the Bongo has a real strong output signal and I've seen that mentioned in some of the posts above. Am I better off setting the Bongo flat and eq'ing with the amp or setting the amp primarily flat and eq'ing with the bass? Also, what's the best way to tame the high output signal? Sorry for the long-winded question, but I thought it wouldn't hurt to get a little advice from long time Bongo players. Thanks in advance!
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Just roll down the volume on the Bongo or use the active input on your amp of it has one. The Bongo EQ is very flexible and for me is usually enough, but that doesnt mean you cant use your amp eq as well. It will most likely have different frequencies to play with and can be used to further tweak your tone. Use your ears and dont be afraid to make big cuts or boosts on the Bongo. (The bass knob does push a lot of low end though so do actually be careful with that one.)
Thanks for the advice! It's very much appreciated. I believe the TH500 had a -10 db button. I wonder if that would help tame the beast.
Here is a photo of my Bongo. It arrived two days ago. Guitar Center said it was in like-new condition and they actually were not over-exaggerating for once on the condition. It still had the protective film on the pick guard. The bass looks like it has only been played a couple of hours and the Musicman form fitting Bongo case looks like it never left the house! It is just plain red (no lava pearl or sparkle finish), but I think she's a looker anyways. Sorry for the glare on the bass, but the room was dark and I had to use a flash.
Sorry for the glare on the bass, but the room was dark and I had to use a flash.
I had an all day band practice Sunday and it was my 1st extended playtime on the Bongo besides a little noodling around the day after it arrived. I'm still amazed at the condition of the bass and case. I virtually feel like I got a new bass at a used price!!! I did have the bass set up by the guitar/bass tech that I have been going to for years the day before practice, because it didn't arrive set up to my liking. I also had him put on a new set of Super Slinky strings.
So, here is my report after a 6+ hour practice on Sunday. I absolutely love how the Bongo plays and sounds!! The notes came through evenly and loud and clear no matter where I played on the neck. Since the bass projected so well and played so smoothly my fingers weren't the least bit sore after playing for so long (I don't use a pick). I admit that my calouses aren't quite what they used to be because I've just recently got back into playing after retiring from bass for about two years due to a real bad band situation. Kinda took my heart out of playing for quite a while, but I'm glad that bass found it's way back into my life. I used to play a 93 Pedulla Thunderbass for 22 of my 34 years of playing (I sold it when I retired) and I never thought that I would own another bass that played as good as the Pedulla did. Well, I was wrong - the Bongo matches the playability of the Pedulla and is even more versitle with the tone variations that I can get out of it. I really don't care that some people don't like how they look because I think they look pretty darn cool. My bandmates really liked it as well, and I'm pretty sure I'll get compliments on it when we start gigging again in a couple of weeks. By the way, I'm back with my old band from before I was with the (bunch of jerks) band that led me into retirement. They are quite happy to have me back and I feel the same way about them.
So, here is my report after a 6+ hour practice on Sunday. I absolutely love how the Bongo plays and sounds!! The notes came through evenly and loud and clear no matter where I played on the neck. Since the bass projected so well and played so smoothly my fingers weren't the least bit sore after playing for so long (I don't use a pick). I admit that my calouses aren't quite what they used to be because I've just recently got back into playing after retiring from bass for about two years due to a real bad band situation. Kinda took my heart out of playing for quite a while, but I'm glad that bass found it's way back into my life. I used to play a 93 Pedulla Thunderbass for 22 of my 34 years of playing (I sold it when I retired) and I never thought that I would own another bass that played as good as the Pedulla did. Well, I was wrong - the Bongo matches the playability of the Pedulla and is even more versitle with the tone variations that I can get out of it. I really don't care that some people don't like how they look because I think they look pretty darn cool. My bandmates really liked it as well, and I'm pretty sure I'll get compliments on it when we start gigging again in a couple of weeks. By the way, I'm back with my old band from before I was with the (bunch of jerks) band that led me into retirement. They are quite happy to have me back and I feel the same way about them.
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Just picked up my first Bongo this afternoon. Found it in a pawn shop, listed for $800 Canadian (~$600 usd).
The finish has a small chip in the bottom where it looks like someone dropped it and some light scratches but other than that it's perfect. Plays amazing and sounds even better.
The finish has a small chip in the bottom where it looks like someone dropped it and some light scratches but other than that it's perfect. Plays amazing and sounds even better.
perfect score! Congrats.
Instead of turning down the volume, what I always did on my Bongos was dial back every EQ knob by about a third, then cut/add to taste. That made for a more natural sound if needed, for example in acoustic sessions when you don't want the bass to stand out so much. The center detent sound on the Bongo with everything set to noon and volume full on is definitely not a "flat" sound at all. It is already heavily boosted.
Instead of turning down the volume, what I always did on my Bongos was dial back every EQ knob by about a third, then cut/add to taste. That made for a more natural sound if needed, for example in acoustic sessions when you don't want the bass to stand out so much. The center detent sound on the Bongo with everything set to noon and volume full on is definitely not a "flat" sound at all. It is already heavily boosted.
NBD!! Scored a Barolo Purple bongo 5 with a flamed and roasted maple neck... so much bass porn right now
That's my dream Bongo right there. I just picked up a 4 string Bongo the other day but would love a 5 string, especially with a roasted neck. I definitely prefer the feel of my Stingray neck compared to the painted Bongo neck.
Just giving you guys a heads up-
www.talkbass.com/threads/rare-dargie-delight-5hs-mm-bongo-free-shipping.1407098/
![thumbnail[1].jpg](https://www.talkbass.com/attachments/thumbnail-1-jpg.3439733/ "thumbnail[1].jpg")
www.talkbass.com/threads/rare-dargie-delight-5hs-mm-bongo-free-shipping.1407098/
Just got it in, Kermit, nestling
with my "Lady in Red"...
I bought a Bongo 5 HH off GC’s website today. It is Mystic Purple with a crazy figured birds eye maple neck and an ebony fingerboard. As new in the case. It should arrive Thursday.
