New 2nd Bongo 5 ... what config?!

[Zippydog]

Well, um...yes...this is one of those lame "what setup should I get" pleas.

I'm a grown man reduced to a dithering idiot by the task. Yep, I've done the searches and listened to the clips...still can't quite get there and could use some POVs from my knucklehead brothers who have "been there".

Background:
I've currently got Bongos in two flavors: one 5HH and one 5HS. I was not prepared to like the HS as much as I do, but it has become my "go to" bass. I just like the more "laid back" and smooth nature of the HS setup vs. the HH's up-front slam...in my applications the HS is just tasty.

So, the question becomes what do I replace the 5HH with? ...note: BIG extra pressure here, as the replacement will be a Dargie II Bongo 5.

Favorites:
Well, the front runner is either a 5H or perhaps another 5HS. I could be talked into another HH, but the H is appealing since its the "road less traveled" for me and the HS is a "sure thing". Another point for the H is that I once had a fretless Stingray 5H for a bit and while it sounded amazing, I was a terrible fretless player so off it went. Also strongly considering springing for an Hp or HSp for that added Piezo tonal seasoning. Thoughts on this option strongly considered!!

For those who have played these configs, your thoughts?
I've got to land quickly. Thanks, all!


P.S. Anybody got interest in a black 5HH?

 

[MrMusashi]

if you go dd2 you should get the piezo as well

if you want rare and collectible, go fretless.. unlined.. and single h
if you want safe go hs, fretted and perhaps piezo. then you can sell the hs instead of the hh..

but then again, those are just internet opinions.. in this case i value them dearly because they are mine

MrM

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Well, if you know what you like, why not go for that? The only one I have experience with is my HH and it sounds pretty good. If you know you like the HS the best (of the two), then I'd get an HS.

You may always wonder if you should have went for another model, but if you get one of the other configurations and decide you like your HS better, you'll be kicking yourself for not getting an HS in the new finish.

 

[HeavyDuty]

H is where it's at, IMO!

 

[bassmonkey]

If the HH is not suiting your current gig, then the H will be a definite no-no for you. Very aggressive sounding bass, in a good way.

 

[MingusBASS]

Get another HS.

 

[adouglas]

Variety is the spice of life.

If you get another HS you're basically just making a fashion statement. You'll wind up playing the color you like best and the other one won't get used.

I'd go 5H or 5Hp simply because it sounds so different. You may find that for certain things it's perfect.

You also might really like the lighter weight.

 

[oli@bass]

Given that the DD2 board is ebony, I'd reconsider a fretless... given that you actually like playing fretless but just don't have enough practice.

Also, if fretless, I'd go unlined, because there's less marks on the fretboard that will trick you into looking instead of listening to what you're playing. I thought I had to get lines in order to be able to play fretless but found out that an unlined board is much easier for me, because I don't constantly check with the fret lines -- which is futile anyway because depending on viewing angle, you might be quite off the mark.

So, I'm all for the "uncharted area" as well. Worked for me.

 

[MingusBASS]

Variety is overrated. I would try the Single H before you buy one. Chances are you'll prefer one over the other anyway and the only reason you'll play the other one is to justify keeping it. I know because I've been there. The single H I owned is now in Sweden.

 

[strummer]

If the HH is not suiting your current gig, then the H will be a definite no-no for you. Very aggressive sounding bass, in a good way.

I'll second this, loving my HH's and now also my H, but I can't really say I love my HS even though it is a great bass. So if you like HS, I vote get another, with piezo maybe.

 

[jlepre]

HH/p? (look down...) hehehe
EDIT: Ooops I just read of your dislike for fretless...my bad.

 

[Zippydog]

thanks all!

adouglas makes a worthy point about a second HS being...well, a second HS...

Leaning more HH vs. H, maybe HHp...
I've read that the 2 PUP setups do a better job with the low B on 5 strings.

can't...quite...land.....agh!

 

[strummer]

I've read that the 2 PUP setups do a better job with the low B on 5 strings.

Erm, what?

The single H handles the B just fine, the only thing I find myself doing is adding a bit of bass eq, but it's just a tiny bit and probably because I'm used to the "tear down the house" sound of the hh.

 

[adouglas]

+1

erm, what?

The single h handles the b just fine, the only thing i find myself doing is adding a bit of bass eq, but it's just a tiny bit and probably because i'm used to the "tear down the house" sound of the hh.

 

[Zippydog]

okeeeey.

Not having played the 5H (can't get my mits on one locally), I absolutely defer to those who have.

 

[Zippydog]

ok, guys.
I've put my money down on a Dargie 2 Bongo 5HHp.
Ebony board, Piezo PUPs...sweet!

Really looking forward to it!

 

[GreyDad]

I've just gone all Envy Green