Bongo fretless tips? advice, anyone?

**funkychicken** · 12-29-2009, 08:52 PM

Hey! first forum post!
so here's the deal. I've decided to go with a bongo 5 fretless. it will be my first fretless model and my first musicman (I finally have enough saved up for one

). I'm just looking for tips on fretboard care, string suggestions, and also, what pickup configuration. I'm currently thinking something with a piezo, but I'm not sure yet. Are there any noticeable differences between configurations? I appreciate any advice. thanks in advance.

**maddog** · 12-29-2009, 09:30 PM

I like the singleH 3 band myself.

Currently liking regular slinkys on her.

probably going to try some power slinkys on the next string change.

As for as fingerboard care, just like a fretted. Wipe it down with some good lemon oil conditioner stuff when looking thirsty.

**adouglas** · 12-29-2009, 09:32 PM

Mine is an Hp and it's flippin' awesome.

Definitely go for the piezo.

I use the stock Slinkys on it.

**oli@bass** · 12-30-2009, 07:03 AM

Can't comment on the Bongo, 'cause I'm playing 'Rays, but on the string choice: I've been playing roundwound strings for over twenty years, and especially like Super Slinky nickel roundwounds. But on the fretless I started to really like the EBMM Group III flats. They produce good "growl" and "mwah" and have lots of sustain but produce much less string and fretting noise. Also, the Group III flats are similar to Slinkys regarding tension. On top of that, flats don't produce any marks on the fretboard and can be set to have even lower action than rounds.

I suggest you try both. The flats may feel odd at first but give them a couple of days playtime until they're broken in and feel more smooth.

**MrMusashi** · 12-30-2009, 11:23 AM

no.. rounds for fretless basses!

a fretless bongo on the other hand would leave me in biig problems.. hehe

MrM

**Duarte** · 12-30-2009, 11:41 AM

I love the idea of an HSp Bongo. I have an HS and sometimes just wish it was fretless, the pickups are prefect for it. Of course, the Piezo is widely recommended for fretless basses - but I don't particularly see the need.

**rizzo9247** · 12-30-2009, 12:08 PM

Yes! Another excuse to post this:

5HHp with rounds (slinkies). Had it a couple of months before I sold it. It was amazing but needed the cash at the time.

+1 on the Piezo for fretless...

**projectapollo** · 12-30-2009, 01:44 PM

I'd go with either Group III or IVs flats. I have the TI Flats on my Sterling fretless and they are a joy to play, very expressive. I understand the EB Group IVs are quite similar to the TI flats for much less cost. There is a seller on Amazon at the moment selling the Groou IVs for $22. I think you'll be playing the fretless for nuance and fell rather than power and punch. That's what second Bongo would be set-up for!!

**funkychicken** · 12-30-2009, 03:49 PM

thanks for all the tips guys. do they offer HSP? that seems like it would give the most tonal variety. and how bad are the roundwounds on the fretboard? 'cause i think i may want to go roundwound. also, lined or unlined? I like the unlined look, but being my first fretless, it might be trickier to master.
and rizzo and maddog, nice pic's :-)

**maddog** · 12-30-2009, 04:31 PM

I went unlined on my first fretless and have no regrets.

if you're staring at the fingerboard while playing, you're doing something wrong.

they come from the factory with super slinkys so you'll get to try roundwounds at the start.

My fingerboard shows wear from them but still plays fine.

**oli@bass** · 12-30-2009, 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by maddog

if you're staring at the fingerboard while playing, you're doing something wrong.

Damn!

**maddog** · 12-30-2009, 05:47 PM

don't take it the wrong way.

just gets down to fretting a note versus thinking the note.

it was eye opening and enlightening when my low brass instructor took my horn away and made me play a passage with just the mouthpiece.

I started thinking the music instead of playing it.

**funkychicken** · 12-30-2009, 06:17 PM

i see your point maddog. i usually look at the board while pracicing, but at gigs i just stare into the crowd. my main concern is higher up on the neck, where the notes are spaced closer together. but the side dot inlays should be fine.