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To Bongo Users::
- Thread starter bamaky1
- Start date
i thought they were kind of weird looking. then i played one and got used to the looks real quick. incredibly powerful instruments. 
I can see why they aren't for everybody. They don't look like a Fender and in my experience it is difficult to get a really natural, wood-tone. It's the preamp that shines. The 4band eq makes it extremely versatile and the low-end clarity and definition is unlike anything that I've heard. I've had mine for about 3 months and am blown away every time I pick it up.
They're not kidding. I'm not huge on the looks but the balannce, weight and feel are all really good. The bass itself sounds amazing! Very punchy and articulate, the onboard EQ can really go a long way in giving you pretty much any sound you want. I'd love to get one at some point.
I had one...it was weird, ill-balanced and kind of Star Trek looking...but the EQ as mentioned was incredible. Still, it lasted a year and went away (overseas in fact).
- Dec 5, 2002
- 4,165
- 2,254
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Ernie Ball Music Man/Sterling By Music Man
I like mine because it drives a certain segment of TB slap-effin' crazy.
No, okay, I had no idea that a bass could be so divisive, believe me.
I like mine (four or five, I think) because they balance well, they feel great on the strap, they're easy to play, the B string rocks and the tone is everything I ever wanted. Maybe not for everyone, I agree, but you don't know until you try one.
And especially in a band situation, a live mix. Woo-hoo, as they say.
Jack
No, okay, I had no idea that a bass could be so divisive, believe me.
I like mine (four or five, I think) because they balance well, they feel great on the strap, they're easy to play, the B string rocks and the tone is everything I ever wanted. Maybe not for everyone, I agree, but you don't know until you try one.
And especially in a band situation, a live mix. Woo-hoo, as they say.
Jack
I agree with Bovinehost. I dont have the 5 string, but the 4 string rocks just as hard
I could not really appreciate it until it was in a live mix. It has a certain fullness in the tone, but still allows one to hear each individual note. Playing at home, it doesn't stand out (to my ears). I'd still bet it would sound better made of ash. I'd take the weight. This is reportedly not the case though. I'm probably alone in this - I'd prefer it with 22 frets over 24. It balances well, the playing position of the right arm is nice and comfy. I de-intonized my nut which works much better for me.
Finally, to my hands, the neck dimensions and string spacing just absolutely work for me as does does the SR5 specs - even a little better. I always have to throw that in there.
Finally, to my hands, the neck dimensions and string spacing just absolutely work for me as does does the SR5 specs - even a little better. I always have to throw that in there.
The 18 volt, 4 band eq sounds fantastic. You can get any tone you want from it.
The neck rocks. Plays like butter.
I love the Bongo w/the Stealth look.
It only weighs 9 lbs. All of the hardware is top notch.
And finally, it is a Music Man.
I think that about covers it.
The neck rocks. Plays like butter.
I love the Bongo w/the Stealth look.
It only weighs 9 lbs. All of the hardware is top notch.
And finally, it is a Music Man.
I think that about covers it.
The 9 volt, 4 band eq sounds fantastic. You can get any tone you want from it.
The neck rocks. Plays like butter.
I love the Bongo w/the Stealth look.
It only weighs 9 lbs. All of the hardware is top notch.
And finally, it is a Music Man.
I think that about covers it.
IIRC, the preamp on all Bongos is 18v.
I have never played an instrument that felt more right than the Bongo. The body is contoured and comfortable, almost like it is part of you. The neck likewise just feels right, not too thin and not too thick. The sound is versitile and has a fullness that is always present. It comes from the factory built right, there are no quirks that you have to learn to live with. It may look weird to some gents, but the ladies seem to think it looks sexy. What more can you ask for?
Is it right for everyone? No, and that is why you need to pick one up and play it. You will know in short order if a Bongo fits or not.
Is it right for everyone? No, and that is why you need to pick one up and play it. You will know in short order if a Bongo fits or not.
very well said. from the moment i played one, i had to have one. with all the fuss over this bass both good and bad, as soon as i saw one i tried it out. a week later, i bought one.
since then, it has become my main bass.
it can do anything. the palette of sounds you can squeeze out of a bongo is incredible. the EQ is amazing, almost intimidating at first- but once you have it figured out (and the learning curve is very short) you can get any tone you can imagine. as much bottom as you want, as much mid range growl as you want, as much high end shimmer as you want... it's all right there.
the bongo sounds good clean, the bongo sounds good with some drive or fuzz on it. i use it for both bands i am in, neither of which are similar. one is a heavy stoner rock kind of thing, the other is a sort of instrumental/proggy/jammy rock kind of thing, the bongo handles both with ease.
and it just feels incredible. the neck, the string spacing, the weight and balance- there is not one thing i do not like about my bongo. it feels like an extension of my body.
like black lake said, you will know right away if this is the bass for you. try one out!
- Dec 5, 2002
- 4,165
- 2,254
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Ernie Ball Music Man/Sterling By Music Man
Same family, different animals. If you have specific questions, I'd be glad to try to answer.
Jack
- Jul 3, 2004
- 1,300
- 641
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Ernie Ball MusicMan Guitars
No, you're not...
That's the big issue for me and the show stopper.
I have the Ray 4 HH...I love and the only bass I use live. I can't do 24
I love the Bongo, love it, sound feel..but the notes aren't in the same place on a 24 fret..People will argue and say 'they are, get used to it'...but I can't argue with the law of physics...bridge, neck and the 12 fret are in a different spot..I'm grabbing 1 fret too high when I play.
but damn, I can look at it can't I?
I really wanted to like the Bongo. It came in an HH setup before HH was introduced on the Stingray.
Then the HH Stingray came out, and that was the end of that.
I noodled around on a Bongo at GC once, and loved the feel of it. Played real nice, and sounded great.
After the HH Ray came out, I A/B'd with the Bongo, and it seemed like Ray had more clarity. The Bongo sounded more muddy to my ears. But maybe I didn't twiddle with it long enough.
Then the HH Stingray came out, and that was the end of that.
I noodled around on a Bongo at GC once, and loved the feel of it. Played real nice, and sounded great.
After the HH Ray came out, I A/B'd with the Bongo, and it seemed like Ray had more clarity. The Bongo sounded more muddy to my ears. But maybe I didn't twiddle with it long enough.
