Bongo5 HH vs. Bongo5 HS ?

**SherpaDave** · 07-11-2009, 08:55 AM

Bongonians,

I'm new to the forum and recently got my 1st Bongo5 and I'm loving the palate of tones it has.

I've seen Bongo5's with HS configs, and was wondering if anyone has had experience with comparing the HH to an HS and what their impressions were.

If you could also use in your replies any references/styles of music that you think each of the pickup configs has an advantage over the other it would be greatly appreciated.

**strummer** · 07-11-2009, 08:56 AM

I prefer the HH, it's much more in your face and aggressive.

**MingusBASS** · 07-11-2009, 09:01 AM

I would also say that the HS is a little more civilized than the HH. That being said, it still can make buildings fall and yaks explode.

**SherpaDave** · 07-11-2009, 09:28 AM

How would you describe the sound differences to someone who wanted to buy a bongo5 but didn't know what type of pickup config would be best for their playing style/music ? Thanks for the previous replies but "civilized" and "aggressive" are a good start, but I'm looking more for which pickup config you would choose and for what type of music you would choose it for.

**strummer** · 07-11-2009, 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by SherpaDave

How would you describe the sound differences to someone who wanted to buy a bongo5 but didn't know what type of pickup config would be best for their playing style/music ? Thanks for the previous replies but "civilized" and "aggressive" are a good start, but I'm looking more for which pickup config you would choose and for what type of music you would choose it for.

It's not a matter of type of music at all, any Bongo can do any type without much effort. What we're trying to relay to you is more of a general difference, and has nothing to do with the kind of music you want to play.
cheers
m

**maddog** · 07-11-2009, 10:50 AM

there's also the single H...

**GreyDad** · 07-11-2009, 10:51 AM

You see, the fundamental flaw with this thread is the belief you can get away with only one Bongo....

**adouglas** · 07-11-2009, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by MingusBASS

it still can make buildings fall and yaks explode.

Exploding yaks.

Yep.

That just about sums it up.

**Kristopher** · 07-11-2009, 11:18 AM

Are there any sound clips around that we can point Dave to?

**GreyDad** · 07-11-2009, 11:25 AM

Ed Friedland's review of the Bongo 6 was done with an HS (okay, it's not a 5 but what the heck):

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS0mQDmQzAs"]YouTube - Ernie Ball/Music Man Bongo 6 String Bass[/ame]

Should give an idea at least

And here's the very cool Mr Stan Sargeant playing his beautiful lefty 5HH:

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLyV5JLvxM0&feature=related"]YouTube - Ernie Ball - Stan Sargeant Plays A Bongo[/ame]

Love his playing, can't get my head around his technique though

This chap has an interesting slap sound on a Bongo 5HH:

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rfVh3yJ6r0&feature=related"]YouTube - Slap Music Man Bongo Bass[/ame]

I'll see if I can find some Bongo 5HS somewhere

Neil

PS Ah, of course, here's Thiago and Felipe and a Dargie Delight Bongo 5HS:

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko9UaQNY6BI&feature=related"]YouTube - Bad Salad - Song #02 Demo - Instrumental Section - Music Man Bongo Dargie Delight[/ame]

Not sure that will help you but it's a great vid

**Zippydog** · 07-11-2009, 11:30 AM

Originally Posted by GreyDad

You see, the fundamental flaw with this thread is the belief you can get away with only one Bongo....

amen to that!

It is best to accept early on that one Bongo is not enough. The sooner you come to terms with this the better off you'll be (well, maybe not financially).

That being said, I've got both HH and HS and because they're both so flexible, it really is hard to nail either one to "one sound". This is what the guys here are trying to say to you. Obviously, the HH and HS are more similar than dissimilar, but there is a clear difference between them.

Best way to think of it might be on two levels. First level would be overall "personality" - think of this as the character of the bass. Second would be what I'd call "tone shaping". Think of "tone shaping" as the result of tweaking pups and E.Q.

Here's a crack at the difference as I see/hear it...

HH
Personality: Tone and sound is full, punchy and forward. "hi-fi" clarity and dynamic range.
Tone Shaping: Adjusting the tone and pups shapes this personality to just about any sound you want.

HS
Personality: Very similar to the HH, but a bit more laid back, reserved or polite. I read once in a thread here that it can sound more "fender-y". Tone Shaping: Tonal variety is also infinately possible with the HS. The single H on the neck seems to enable a more laid back mix of possible sounds vs. HH, but make no mistake - you can coax a pretty aggressive sound from the HS if you want it.

This may read like more of the same abstract descriptions you've already got. If that's the case, get out and go play them both. You'll see.

**MrMusashi** · 07-11-2009, 04:58 PM

and then you got the h.. if you think the hh is aggressive you aint heard nothing yet

MrM

**rizzo9247** · 07-11-2009, 07:23 PM

I'm having too much fun with my HH to worry about getting a HS...maybe another few weeks

First time I noticed Stan Sargeant strings his Bongo in the "non-traditional" direction (It's not a lefty joke either!).

**RocketRalf** · 07-15-2009, 05:09 PM

I think we are overdue a single video of the two, HS vs HH on the same video running the same gear, slap and then finger style, come on someone here must have both and be able to do it! Please!!