THE BONGO CLUB (Part 2, 3 and infinity)

[PrimitiveMan]

Pardon my ignorance gang, but are the pickups on an HH Bongo in different places than they are on a Stingray HH?

Definitely, the bridge pickup is further towards the bridge. This is actually what I love about the Bongo, you can get that burpy bridge sound, but its still full. Not sure if the neck pickup is different position or not, but the bridge is for sure moved further back

 

[Stevorebob]

Pardon my ignorance gang, but are the pickups on an HH Bongo in different places than they are on a Stingray HH?

Definitely, the bridge pickup is further towards the bridge. This is actually what I love about the Bongo, you can get that burpy bridge sound, but its still full. Not sure if the neck pickup is different position or not, but the bridge is for sure moved further back

Yes, due to the 24-fret neck, both pickups are closer to the bridge than on a StingRay.

 

[JeroB666]

I've been using Hi Beams on my Bongo 6 and I get constant compliments on its sound

How do these compare to the Daddario nickle XL? Ive been wanting to try the Hi beams but haven't heard much feedback.

 

[metron]

Definitely, the bridge pickup is further towards the bridge. This is actually what I love about the Bongo, you can get that burpy bridge sound, but its still full. Not sure if the neck pickup is different position or not, but the bridge is for sure moved further back

Yes, due to the 24-fret neck, both pickups are closer to the bridge than on a StingRay.

Thanks guys! Thats good news. I think the 24 fret neck was throwing it off for me. One day I might try an HH Bongo 5. It’s on my short list of 5ers anyways.

 

[PrimitiveMan]

Thanks guys! Thats good news. I think the 24 fret neck was throwing it off for me. One day I might try an HH Bongo 5. It’s on my short list of 5ers anyways.

It's been a little over a month since I got my 5 HHp. It's kind of ruined other basses for me. It just sounds so good

 

[N4860]

I had a hh bongo for about 8 months and loved it but it was a 4 string and I play 5 string primarily so I sold it and got a 5 string bongo which is hs. I prefer the HH but the hs is solid too.

 

[Monyet]

I have a Caprice coming in and it feels like cheating. Wanted one because two out of my three bands would be served better with a more vintage P-bass-like tone. Got a sweat deal on a black one and I could swear my Bongo started to sound more perfect the moment I hit the order button.

Still in doubt whether this was a good choice and hoping I won't be found strangled in my sleep with a set of DR-lo-riders.

 

[Monyet]

I had a hh bongo for about 8 months and loved it but it was a 4 string and I play 5 string primarily so I sold it and got a 5 string bongo which is hs. I prefer the HH but the hs is solid too.

What would you say makes the difference? I understand the HS is like the most "polite" and versatile Bongo and the HH has a fatter tone? I'm asking because eventually I will purchase a second Bongo and I'm inclined towards the HS version because although I love the in your face aggressive tone of my single H, I understand sometimes a more subtle approach might be appreciated by you know, other people in the band.

 

[JeroB666]

Seriously tho, anyone have a good review on comparing Daddario nickel XL and DR hi beams?

 

[Hendricks97]

I love the hi beams and have never liked any D'addarios

 

[Monyet]

Seriously tho, anyone have a good review on comparing Daddario nickel XL and DR hi beams?

I can't get my tone and most importantly my touch with d'Addarios. They are just too supple when they shouldn't and the sound is meh. Nickel slightly improves this.

I used to play on hi beams until I switched to lo riders say twenty years ago. Same problem but not as bad as the d'Addarios. I just love the stiffness, responsiveness and burpy tone I get out of lo riders. Hi beams had a nice zing and more darkness than the d'Addarios.

This is my personal opinion, tone and feel are subjective. My friend always uses d'Addarios. He plays with a pick a lot, I'm almost exclusively finger style. Maybe that is something to consider as well for you.

 

[JeroB666]

I can't get my tone and most importantly my touch with d'Addarios. They are just too supple when they shouldn't and the sound is meh. Nickel slightly improves this.

I used to play on hi beams until I switched to lo riders say twenty years ago. Same problem but not as bad as the d'Addarios. I just love the stiffness, responsiveness and burpy tone I get out of lo riders. Hi beams had a nice zing and more darkness than the d'Addarios.

This is my personal opinion, tone and feel are subjective. My friend always uses d'Addarios. He plays with a pick a lot, I'm almost exclusively finger style. Maybe that is something to consider as well for you.

I've been playing with Daddarios for 15 years, but I've heard people rave about the Hi beams!

I mostly play fingerstyle, say similar to Janek Gwizdala but also do lots of tapping and slapping.

Since where I am there isnt much variety in terms of strings, was really curious on the DR string.

Might order a couple different sets and give it a try.

Thanks for the response!

 

[PrimitiveMan]

I love hi beams in general, but still not sure if they are best for me on my Bongo. Putting on a set of Pure Blues next week instead. I'm really growing to like the Pure Blues as I've used them on other basses.

I've use Hi Beams on most basses though. They are great, especially after a day or two if breaking in.

 

[JeroB666]

I love hi beams in general, but still not sure if they are best for me on my Bongo. Putting on a set of Pure Blues next week instead. I'm really growing to like the Pure Blues as I've used them on other basses.

I've use Hi Beams on most basses though. They are great, especially after a day or two if breaking in.

I've also heard good things on the pure blues, I know Henrik Linder from dirty loops uses them and he gets a killer sound.

I hate to ask but since my reference point is the Daddarios...How do they compare?

 

[PrimitiveMan]

I've also heard good things on the pure blues, I know Henrik Linder from dirty loops uses them and he gets a killer sound.

I hate to ask but since my reference point is the Daddarios...How do they compare?

Haven't played Daddarios in a really long time. Since I switched to DR over 10 years ago I haven't used much else. To me DR just gets a really sweet and dynamic sound, and last me a long time.

The Pure Blues are very similar to Hi Beams, just a little smoother in sound and feel.

 

[PrimitiveMan]

Basically I don't remember enough of the Daddarios to comment.

 

[JeroB666]

Basically I don't remember enough of the Daddarios to comment.

That works for me. I’ll order a set and give it a try on the Bongos!

 

[Jscriv]

So. I found a used bongo at my local GC. Finally got to put my hands on one. Holy hell are these things sweet. GAS is real and I'll be back for my number sooner than later!

 

[Monyet]

So. I found a used bongo at my local GC. Finally got to put my hands on one. Holy hell are these things sweet. GAS is real and I'll be back for my number sooner than later!

What kind of pick-up configuration did the object of your GAS have?

 

[PrimitiveMan]

Looks like Paul Bender (Hiatus Kaiyote) is using a Bongo 6 now- some cool soloing here