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I'll start with my Firemist Purple 4 string.
I'll start with my Firemist Purple 4 string.
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The STERLING Bongo Club
- Thread starter ninjatanzen
- Start date
What a wonderful idea!! Here's mine (sorry...it's the only image I have of it). These are some amazing basses~
pyrat56host #2 on the list!
It seems I can't edit my second post. Perhaps I was thinking of another forum where you could. I'll enter them in comments as we go
It seems I can't edit my second post. Perhaps I was thinking of another forum where you could. I'll enter them in comments as we go
I don't know overall. I think they're still relatively new, so it may be a little time to tell. From what reviews I've seen, people are pretty happy with them.
For mine, the black tuners are not ideal. One in particular feels like it's stuck/going to break prematurely real bad. I had another Sterling with chrome hardware that had that issue as well, one of the early-covid models. The ones where plastic was left in the tuner gears (but wasn't the whole issue). I will say I love the look of the black tuners, and if they break I'll replace with something different.
The paint finish seems very well done, there aren't sharp frets/fret sprout on mine, the neck is very smoothly sanded. I have some gripes with mine, but I'm learning to like it as time goes on. I plan to swap the pickups out for passive MEC at some point as well. Biggest hurdle for me is getting rid of excessive fret buzz at a decent action.
Again, it seems I'm the odd one out with issues currently. And even so, I wouldn't say it's a bad bass. I do find myself playing it a good amount.
Biggest takeaway would be to try before you buy. If you can't do that, try to purchase from a place with a good return policy. I think that probably goes for most basses? Easier said than done of course
pyrat56host #2 on the list!
It seems I can't edit my second post. Perhaps I was thinking of another forum where you could. I'll enter them in comments as we go
No issues w/ mine...in fact, it's one of the easiest basses I have ever done set-up on (minimal) and definitely the most comfortable bass I have owned in almost 50 years. I play it daily and all my other bass get is "maintenance" play. SO glad I took the leap~
I've wanted one of these so bad for years... YEARS I have been waiting and hoping and approximately 6-9 months before they finally announced they would finally make these, I was fortunate enough to own and purchase the EBMM model, effectively killing my GAS for the Sterling Bongo but I must say, the Purple looks amazing and if/when I am in the market for a 5 string, I might just pull the trigger
I've wanted one of these so bad for years... YEARS I have been waiting and hoping and approximately 6-9 months before they finally announced they would finally make these, I was fortunate enough to own and purchase the EBMM model, effectively killing my GAS for the Sterling Bongo but I must say, the Purple looks amazing and if/when I am in the market for a 5 string, I might just pull the trigger
I feel you on that! About 15-20 years ago I went to a small and local show. A band called Frank White played, and their bassist had a Bongo running through a classic Ampeg SVT + 810 setup (if memory serves correctly). The look of that weird bass putting out such full, nasty tones really caught my attention. I wanted one ever since! I may have yearned over the amp and cab for many years too.
There are some spectacular EBMM models out there. I've only scratched the surface of the EBMM Bongo thread, but it's been a pleasure browsing so far.
If you ever get that 5 string, join on up
I have a EBMM but I would still like to try the Sterling.
That's another beautiful purple! If you get the chance to try a Sterling, I'd be interested to hear your thoughts.
I really like those fret inlays as well. Inlays are so hit or miss for me, but those suit the bass nicely.
I actually bought the Sterling to determine if the EBMM Bongo was an investment I was willing to make and the answer is a resounding "YES!". I'm very happy w/ the Sterling and I know the MusicMan will exceed my expectations. Also...your purple EBMM Bongo is stunning. Thanks for sharing~
While I wait to purchase the MEC pickups, I tried wiring my Bongo in parallel instead of series. The difference is subtle. Parallel has a bit more honk and highs, with a little less low. It still sounds terrible to me. Like it's flat and has no character. I had considered a pre-amp swap, but would rather go passive if I'm going to change things around on the bass.
Pardon the quick and terrible samples. It goes Series, Parallel, Series, Parallel (pick, pick, slap, slap). Recorded through a SM57 on my GBE 600 with Carvin cab loaded with Celestion Pulse XL 10.20. For what it's worth, my Warwick and Sire both have no issues sounding so muddy/bass heavy through this setup.
Wiring this. Take the black and white cables (soldered together, taped, and hidden in wire jacket) and separate them. Black to green, white to red+bare. The schematic I had showed it as red to green, but that was incorrect.
Pardon the quick and terrible samples. It goes Series, Parallel, Series, Parallel (pick, pick, slap, slap). Recorded through a SM57 on my GBE 600 with Carvin cab loaded with Celestion Pulse XL 10.20. For what it's worth, my Warwick and Sire both have no issues sounding so muddy/bass heavy through this setup.
Wiring this. Take the black and white cables (soldered together, taped, and hidden in wire jacket) and separate them. Black to green, white to red+bare. The schematic I had showed it as red to green, but that was incorrect.
you gotta read......everyone uses their mobile devices....definitely one way to make a living....another world...
Wrong thread, I believe
Wrong thread, I believe
Right you are, apologies..Wrong thread, I believe
