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Well how about a BONGO CLUB? (Pics inside)

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#823
I just got this back from Pat Wilkins:

BillyBassmintfull.jpg


BillyBassnakedfullback.jpg


BillyBassnakedbody.jpg


The pickguard has screw heads glued to it so I can use it without a pickguard without having to settle for visible screw holes. :ninja:
 
#826
Well, I'm officially in... Picked the bass up from a Ebay seller Friday... Pearl blue 5 HS w/faux abalone pick guard. He was a guitar player who got it in trade, didn't know much about it - didn't really play it...

It was strung with normal B-G strings, but *tuned to E - C*. And yes, someone had ratcheted up the tension on the neck to compensate. Happily, EBMM puts that truss adjuster in a very handy/easy to manage spot... I tuned it back down, tweaked the truss and used it all weekend to work on tunes for an upcomming gig.

My first thoughts:
  • The output on this bass is crazy hot - I need to snoop around to see if there's a trim pot to pull it back to match my other basses;
  • The knobs are VERY loose - as in very easily turned. Not wild about that, but I figure I could install a felt grommet under the knob to help with that...
  • It is not a very comfortable bass to sit with - that bottom horn digs into my leg... but standing it's very comfy;
  • The sound is pretty darned huge - good for funk / R&R. Will be fun to use for dance gigs;
  • It's not as light as I thought it might be - what with the basswood body... but it's not terribly heavy. To real complaints there.

I'll post pix as soon as I have them...
 
#828
BigOldHarry said:
The output on this bass is crazy hot - I need to snoop around to see if there's a trim pot to pull it back to match my other basses.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately there is no trim pot. Sterling actually preaches about not cranking the volume up full on active basses and setting it around 75%. So the best thing to do is to leave your gain on your amp set for your other basses and adjust the volume on the Bongo so it doesn't clip the amp. Thankfully, backing off the volume will not change the tone.
 
#832
Melvin7822 said:
Unfortunately there is no trim pot. Sterling actually preaches about not cranking the volume up full on active basses and setting it around 75%. So the best thing to do is to leave your gain on your amp set for your other basses and adjust the volume on the Bongo so it doesn't clip the amp. Thankfully, backing off the volume will not change the tone.
Click to expand...

I did the same for some time after getting my first Bongo, but I noticed that still got a bit of distortion when recording, no matter how much I lowered the bass volume. The best solution: Don't get too excited because of the incredible power of the Bongo and put the 4-band EQ in flat position. Use that setting as a starting point to make slight adjustments to suit your taste. That way you can put your Bongo's volume knob at maximum without clipping the amp. No recording distortion as well.
 
#833
Melvin7822 said:
Unfortunately there is no trim pot. Sterling actually preaches about not cranking the volume up full on active basses and setting it around 75%. So the best thing to do is to leave your gain on your amp set for your other basses and adjust the volume on the Bongo so it doesn't clip the amp. Thankfully, backing off the volume will not change the tone.
Click to expand...

Yep, that's what I had to do. Both basses still sound great too.
 
#837
I just got my 2nd bongo yesterday, a 5string HS. great basses.

Question for anyone owning a bongo HS, does the balance knob turned all the way towards the headstock solo the neck single coil?
I think there is a problem with the wiring on this one, as turning mine all the way towards the headstock volume slowly fades to nothing, then mutes the bass.

I've tried new batteries, checked for loose wires hmm.
 
#838
The one I had would solo the neck pup as my HH does, sounds like you have a wiring glitch, no way should it operate the way your explaining. I had a electrical problem with one of my 25th's and I took out the whole assembly pretty easily and sent it to Music Man instead of the whole bass. I would call them and explain what's happening to your bass, maybe it's something simple.
Sucks to have stuff like that happen but at least their CS department is one of the best. Good Luck
 
#840
laneline said:
The one I had would solo the neck pup as my HH does, sounds like you have a wiring glitch, no way should it operate the way your explaining. I had a electrical problem with one of my 25th's and I took out the whole assembly pretty easily and sent it to Music Man instead of the whole bass. I would call them and explain what's happening to your bass, maybe it's something simple.
Sucks to have stuff like that happen but at least their CS department is one of the best. Good Luck
Click to expand...

Laneline, Thanks for the info. I am getting ahold of music man too monday, luckily it's new, under warranty so they got me covered.

That is a most excellent roasted neck on that LTD bongo
 
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