Bass Control
Well-known member
If you're going bongo, I would get sterling silver or sapphire black. Both are great finishes!
- Thread starter Movielife
- Start date
ML,
I have had a chance to experiment with both the SR5 HS and the Bongo 5HH in a music store.
My opinion is that the 'Ray offers that classic EBMM sound and is very versatile instrument for many playing styles.
The Bongo on the other hand is a completely different animal. It is able to both tickle the ear ever so slightly and also provide the wettest of willies. The preamp and the tone controls are pretty endless. You can dial in a variety of different sounds and be as suggestive or aggressive as you would want.
You will find similar characteristics with your Big Al SSS purchase too as they have similar preamp set ups, just that the BA has the passive/active, and pick up selection features. I just got mine a few months back and have just now realized its full potential after experimenting with the different sounds for a while.
SO, that being said, you will find yourself with a completely different instrument than you have with your 'Ray if you opt for the Bongo. I would suggest considering adding the Piezo too as I have been blown away by this feature on the basses I've tried with it.
I have had a chance to experiment with both the SR5 HS and the Bongo 5HH in a music store.
My opinion is that the 'Ray offers that classic EBMM sound and is very versatile instrument for many playing styles.
The Bongo on the other hand is a completely different animal. It is able to both tickle the ear ever so slightly and also provide the wettest of willies. The preamp and the tone controls are pretty endless. You can dial in a variety of different sounds and be as suggestive or aggressive as you would want.
You will find similar characteristics with your Big Al SSS purchase too as they have similar preamp set ups, just that the BA has the passive/active, and pick up selection features. I just got mine a few months back and have just now realized its full potential after experimenting with the different sounds for a while.
SO, that being said, you will find yourself with a completely different instrument than you have with your 'Ray if you opt for the Bongo. I would suggest considering adding the Piezo too as I have been blown away by this feature on the basses I've tried with it.
Movielife
Well-known member
Thanks for the input 
What im looking for is a more 'aggressive' more hifi ish instrument....more piano-like tone. I love my Rays for that classic MM tone, but id like something different as well. I realise re: the tone goal that:
A) The Sterling gets a bit closer as its ceramic
B) The Bongo does it and then some!
What im looking for is a more 'aggressive' more hifi ish instrument....more piano-like tone. I love my Rays for that classic MM tone, but id like something different as well. I realise re: the tone goal that:
A) The Sterling gets a bit closer as its ceramic
B) The Bongo does it and then some!
Kamakiriad
Well-known member
The Sterling 5 is a FABULOUS bass. I almost bought one - had it on layaway last year. But looking at your current line up, a Bongo is my recommended choice. It won me over in the end. Tone wise, also, I think it's closer to a piano - generally, very rich, smooth, and round. The HH is also the best way to go for variety, and like many others have said, go piezo too if you can.
As for finishes, I can see Candy Apple Red looking quite stunning!
It won me over in the end. Tone wise, also, I think it's closer to a piano - generally, very rich, smooth, and round. The HH is also the best way to go for variety, and like many others have said, go piezo too if you can. As for finishes, I can see Candy Apple Red looking quite stunning!
fly
Well-known member
i'll throw out some Sterling love.........great sounding basses.
but the bongoloids are probably gonna win you over anyways.........
but the bongoloids are probably gonna win you over anyways.........
Movielife
Well-known member
Oh heck just read a very glowing review of the Sterling 5 HS! Difficult choice this one.
keko
Well-known member
Well, I don't know, I'm confused now
...I mean, I own Sterling HS 5, and it's awesome bass!Yes, ceramic pups can give You this piano tone, but all Music Man basses with fresh slinkies do have similar tone when not amplified!
Of course it would be the best to have them all, I mean one SR, one SL, one Bongo, one RX, one BA...but that's crazy thinking, or not?
Maybe I'm too subjective, 'cause I already own Sterling HS, so my desire is to have one Bongo now for example?
I'm really sorry my friend, but it's all Yours, I mean a final decision!
Bongo HH was on my mind 'cause of different pup configuration, but maybe You are right, Sterling HS could be perfect pair to Your SR HS, ...alnico vs ceramic, paralell vs series...yeah!
strummer
Enormous Member
Bongo 5 HH
OldSchool Noob
Well-known member
I have all three of the basses you've mentioned and I think your best NEXT choice (not necessarily your final one) should be the Bongo HH.
The Bongo is such a unique, all-purpose, flexible yet killer bass that you simply need to have one -- especially if you get one with the Piezo option. No knock against the Sterling (I've got one and I love it!) but your next EBMM ought to be a Bongo, hands down.
The Bongo is such a unique, all-purpose, flexible yet killer bass that you simply need to have one -- especially if you get one with the Piezo option. No knock against the Sterling (I've got one and I love it!) but your next EBMM ought to be a Bongo, hands down.
Gratuitous Family Shot:
Movielife
Well-known member
I have all three of the basses you've mentioned and I think your best NEXT choice (not necessarily your final one) should be the Bongo HH.
The Bongo is such a unique, all-purpose, flexible yet killer bass that you simply need to have one -- especially if you get one with the Piezo option. No knock against the Sterling (I've got one and I love it!) but your next EBMM ought to be a Bongo, hands down.
Gratuitous Family Shot:
Wow!
Thanks. I think I agree with you. I need something new and different.
By the way, and this is for everyone.
Bongo HS or HH? It seems the HH gets more love. Is that neck bucker muddy at all?
Thanks
Movielife
Well-known member
Im seriously considering NOT getting another 'Jazz style' bass for the one I just traded in and going all out and getting a Bongo 5HH and a Sterling 4 or 5. Probably a 5 HS.
adouglas
Well-known member
What is this "muddy" thing of which you speak? Not part of the vocabulary.
As in, no.
OldSchool Noob
Well-known member
Not one bit. Not in the least.
