Bongo Dilemna

[xring]

At the risk of sounding stupid, I'm going to address this issue. I've got a Bongo 5 HS that I thought I was happy with, until I got a single H SR5. Around the same time, I happened to put Blue Steels on both basses. Now I can't set the SR5 down. It has enough bottom I can dial in, and when I play near the bridge and dig in, it just growls and cuts through everything. Everytime I pick up the neglected Bongo, I feel it sounds like a preamp with strings if I had to describe it. Doesn't have personality like the SR5. I'm not here to knock the Bongo, as it's quite popular, and I do have to sell it. I guess I'm checking to see if something as simple as strings can make or break a bass? I guess that I'll try some flats on the Bongo as a last reprieve, or go back to some Slinky's unless it moves first. Any advice from anyone to help me appreciate this beast? That (is) a serious question.

[MrMusashi]

flats on the bongo will give ya a different beast and then you can enjoy mm goodness in all imaginable variations

the oohmf, the thumppp.. ahhh.. i love it!

MrM

[mynan]

It's not stupid. It's just preference. Although I think the Bongo is more versatile and the low-end clarity makes it for me, I can understand you vibing on the bite of the single H SR5.

[bovinehost]

It's not stupid. It's just preference.

Exactly right, although strings can really make or break a given bass. I read all the time about guys going into Guitar Center, playing a bass and saying, "Oh, it was terrible!" Well, duh. It's strung with rounds, it may have been there 12 months, the temperature has lept hither and yon and no one's adjusted the truss rod since it left the factory. (This goes for any bass, not just our preferred brand.)

But I'm preaching to the choir. We all (I think) know this already.

You know me. The Bongo is my weapon of choice, but that doesn't mean it's going to meet your expectations as exactly as it does mine. And sometimes I like to pick up one of my SR5s and enjoy the difference. They're different basses. It depends on what kind of mood I'm in, so I don't really feel like I need to off all my SR5s or all my Bongos or whatnot.

Keep what makes you happy, of course, but try some different strings and see if you get a completely different vibe. It's good to have choices, especially if you're choosing between a Stingray 5 and a Bongo.

Jack

[koogie2k]

Not so sure if "strings" will make a difference as to what you described. My reasoning...if there is any....those two are different animals. Your ears are going to tell you what sounds good to you. Once you find "the one" you will stick with it and look for reasons why the other one is not for you. I love the single H bongo....I have played several other EBMM basses...and I love them all...but the single H bongo is the one my ears go back to. That is me...if the other one is for you ...by all means....play the hell out of it.....

I don't use flats. Never have. Big Poppa told me what to use as he knows what I play. I have never looked back. I just think you have found the bass for you....and that is not a bad thing...after all...it is still an EBMM....you can't go wrong either way....

[DTG]

i bring my sr5 and my bongo to every gig now, i usually start with the sr5 and then change to my bongo.i dont know which i like more i cake make up my mind all i know is i like them both more than my other basses.

keep them both if you can......

i just started using steel wound strings on my bongo,it sounds super bright and punchy :-)

[oli@bass]

I guess I'm checking to see if something as simple as strings can make or break a bass?

Yes they can. When I got my fretless 30th SR4 I immediatley put EB flats on it, because so many here recommended flats and to me it felt as a natural match for a fretless bass. And though I liked noodling around on that 30th, it never really grew on me. It felt lifeless somehow, not resonant, without the "growl" and "mwah" I expected from a fretless StingRay, especially one with a mahogany body. I began to dislike the sound so much, that I nearly put up that bass for sale.

Then I had a private discussion with MrMusashi, who owns the same fretless model. And he strongly recommended to put roundwounds on it. I did that right after reading his PM. That bass sounded like a different instrument and kept me playing it for two hours of pure joy, riding the growl, drowning in mwah! That fretless will stay!

So, strings can make or break a bass. However, there are other aspects: I'm a sucker for the StingRay tone, always have been. I had two Sterlings, and couldn't help but trying to make them sound like a 'Ray. They wouldn't. I checked out the StingRay5 but it sounded different as well.

Bottom line: The Bongo might need different strings to appeal to you. Or you're just so much into the SR5 tone, that there's no need for anything else.

[tkarter]

IMHO any brighter strings than the slinky's on a bongo is going to be hard to love unless you really like that sorta thing.

Diming the volume also makes the bongo go places it shouldn't.

tk

[xring]

IMHO any brighter strings than the slinky's on a bongo is going to be hard to love unless you really like that sorta thing.

Diming the volume also makes the bongo go places it shouldn't.

tk

I agree. The current strings are losing their newness, and sounding a lot less harsh. I'll seek out a less bright choice. I never dime the volume or any other control on my basses. Especially the Bongo as it can overdrive the pre. If your contols are maxed, you need to readjust the controls on the head. A little really does go a long way on this bass. I was finding some nice tones with some settings I've never tried at rehearsal today. Totally rolled off the front PU, added some bass, and a little low mid, for a much drier tone than I'm used to hearing. I actually liked it. Whoda thunk? I'm not one for making major tweeks during a tune, and I'd rather point and shoot without sounding generic. There are too many choices on this pre. I must sound like a spoiled brat. Jury's still out.

[jlepre]

I think you should trade it for a very nice Fender Pbass 5 Deluxe...(inside joke)

[xring]

I think you should trade it for a very nice Fender Pbass 5 Deluxe...(inside joke)

[philthygeezer]

I have two Bongos, same config. One has flats, one not. Flats sound better IMO.

[MingusBASS]

I recently put some flats on my Bongo5 HHp and it certainly gives it a different vibe. Not better really, but pretty cool. We'll see how long they stay.

[Dr Stankface]

Flats on a Bongo is great. I too prefer the SR5 over Bongos for the growl and versatility. It's always good to have something a little different in your arsenal though.

[xring]

I recorded Sunday service with the Bongo, as I have also done with the SR5 and a Squier Affinity 5 jazz recently. I was able to listen carefully and the Bongo sounded...cough cough...umm...good. Real good. Solid bottom, clear mids. I was a little surprised.
Stage tone, and tone from the rear of the sanctuary are very different, in a good way. I'll keep that in mind as it was an eye opener. From past experience, I tend to EQ stage sound so that it is a little too thin, which always seems to be just right as you get further from the stage of course.
The sense of urgency to trade it off is fading a little. Sure makes life simpler.