B-C-C# help on Bongo

[shakinbacon]

Hello all,
I could use some tips on eq'ing the Bongo (assuming this will address my question). I am finding the notes B-C-C# are a bit muddled/muffled compared to the rest of the notes on the bass and B string. It doesn't seem to matter which strings I use, although the effect is minimized with roundwound Slinkies.

I am not complaining as it actually sounds good, but I was wondering if there is something I could do to get more definition to those notes. It doesn't matter much if I'm using headphones or an amp, or an amp + a PA. I find those particular notes want to be plucked gently for more of a "drone" sound, whereas the other notes have the punch/cut I'm looking for.

Here is my setup:
Bongo 5HHp with coated Slinkies. Amp set flat.

Action set to factory specs
Bridge pickup height 6/32" from strings, neck 7.5/32" (a little closer than factory)
Volume 75%

Main EQ:
20% increase from detent on mag/piezo knob (thus more magnetic pickup signal)
center detent for pickup blend and Lo/Hi mids
30% boost from detent on bass and treble.

Alternate EQ:
Volume 75%
20% increase from detent on all knobs but treble which is at detent

I play fingerstyle over the bridge pickup or between it and the neck.

I know this kind of question is difficult to answer online, but I appreciate whatever suggestions you can offer.

Thanks,
shakinbacon

btw, I used the Bongo with the "alternate" setting last night for band practice and it killed. The coated slinkies worked very well.

 

[mynan]

What amp are you using? If we're talking about the notes below D on the B-string, your amp may not be able to produce those notes articulately. I have never liked the sound of those notes on any bass, but the amp makes a big difference. Have you tried not boosting the lows?

 

[shakinbacon]

What amp are you using? If we're talking about the notes below D on the B-string, your amp may not be able to produce those notes articulately. I have never liked the sound of those notes on any bass, but the amp makes a big difference. Have you tried not boosting the lows?

I am using a Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 through an Epifani UL2-112. I don't want to argue but I tried many setups and this was the best low B I've heard for my budget.

I like the thickness of boosting the lows, so generally I haven't tried not boosting them. I'll give it a try.

 

[mynan]

Sounds like your amp/cab setup should do it.

 

[mynan]

Keep in mind that average frequency range of a normal healthy human is from around 20 to 20,000 Hertz. Low B is around 31 Hertz...pretty close to being out-of-range. The lower you go, the less those notes are going to jump out and grab you.

 

[cellkirk74]

I will try this later on as I also have a shuttle 6.0. I found the B-string of my Bongo to be very articulated. Even a little better than on my sr5

 

[mynan]

i found the b-string of my bongo to be very articulated. Even a little better than on my sr5

+1

 

[Ken Baker]

Here's my 2 bits worth...

Your amp should be able to produce the low end reasonably well, though you may have to give the bass control on the amp a little nudge as most 12" drivers loose sensitivity (loudness) and clarity at the low end of a bass guitar's range.

I have three 5 string basses here to choose from, all really good instruments that include a Bongo 5HHp. All handle that lowest of low a little differently. One thing that I have found is a great help with all three is to make certain that the bridge attachment screws/bolts are nice & snug. That bridge-to-body coupling makes a HUGE difference in how well the bass rings; particularly the very low end.

Ken...

 

[MK Bass Weed]

I need to adjust my attack on the B to get it to sound consistent with the other strings...It's bigger, takes a little while to get going, longer to slow it down..

I raise the height on the saddle..a Tad...a wee bit..and beat the hell out of it.

Ymmv

 

[jlepre]

I have that exact setup,and also play 5ers. I had a Bongo HH/p for a short time, and had no problem getting those notes loud and clear. Try backing off the low eq on the bass. Remember, less is more on this pre-amp. Start flat and slightly add from there. Also, start flat on the amp as well. I hope this helps.

 

[shakinbacon]

its helping

Did a bunch of experiments with headphones (supposedly 20-20kHz... the kids asleep so I can't blast the rig )


I raised the action of the B string, adjusted my technique to hit it a bit harder, lowered the neck pickup to 8/32, set eq flat

all this helped a bit

however, turning off piezo seemed to have an impact on the "envelope" of the notes

I'd say backing off the lows and turning off the piezo are having the most effect

I'll report back after Sunday's church service gig. Hopefully it works

Thanks everyone

 

[cellkirk74]

You may also try to boost the mids on the amp a tiny bit at about 350 Hz. The bassboost has no big effect as long as you do not boost it on the amp too. I don't think that it is necessary because you can use the Bong's preamp to do this.

How do you set your gain on the amp? I have both at 12 and it sounds good.

 

[Grand Wazoo]

Did a bunch of experiments with headphones (supposedly 20-20kHz... the kids asleep so I can't blast the rig )


I raised the action of the B string, adjusted my technique to hit it a bit harder, lowered the neck pickup to 8/32, set eq flat

all this helped a bit

however, turning off piezo seemed to have an impact on the "envelope" of the notes

I'd say backing off the lows and turning off the piezo are having the most effect

I'll report back after Sunday's church service gig. Hopefully it works

Thanks everyone

Bacon, did you take notes of all the settings as they were before you made the changes to saddle heigth and pickup distance from the strings?? If you have, please return it all back to those defaults and try again. Often "fiddling" with a tried and tested setup can get you in a lot of trouble. If it ain't broke... don't fix it.

Finally, may I ask you to refit back a set of regular slinky's code no#2836 (the lime green package) and then report to me, I believe that with your coated strings finally on their last leg this is where this whole "it's all in your head" misshaps are originating. Try that, then either thank me if I was right, or feel free to curse me if I am wrong. Cheers

 

[shakinbacon]

Bacon, did you take notes of all the settings as they were before you made the changes to saddle heigth and pickup distance from the strings?? If you have, please return it all back to those defaults and try again. Often "fiddling" with a tried and tested setup can get you in a lot of trouble. If it ain't broke... don't fix it.

Finally, may I ask you to refit back a set of regular slinky's code no#2836 (the lime green package) and then report to me, I believe that with your coated strings finally on their last leg this is where this whole "it's all in your head" misshaps are originating. Try that, then either thank me if I was right, or feel free to curse me if I am wrong. Cheers

Yeah I took notes. The changes were minor and actually get it more toward factory settings.

When I get some money I'll try the 2836s again.

Thanks

 

[shakinbacon]

You may also try to boost the mids on the amp a tiny bit at about 350 Hz. The bassboost has no big effect as long as you do not boost it on the amp too. I don't think that it is necessary because you can use the Bong's preamp to do this.

How do you set your gain on the amp? I have both at 12 and it sounds good.

Everything on the amp is flat. Doesn't matter if I use an amp or direct into a mixer though (also flat).

 

[shakinbacon]

Played some more with amp loud.

I think the key is to not use the piezo (for the tone I'm after) as it emphasizes different frequencies (more overtones? I dunno) and to raise the action of the B string a bit - it just needs more oomph to get going.

Its close.


Thanks everyone again for the help! Made my day

 

[DaddyFlip]

You might want to check this thread with a grain of salt:

http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-basses/40610-gb-shuttle-9-0-anyone-played-one-yet.html

It has to do with the 3.0/6.0 lowpass crossover frequency compared to the 9.0/12.0. Maybe there is something inherent to the smaller Shuttles that limit low B performance. However, I have the 12.0 and I am not satisfied with those notes, but only open B and frets 1&2. They just sound dead to me.

Looks like you've done a lot of work. Hope you find it.

 

[shakinbacon]

You might want to check this thread with a grain of salt:

http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-basses/40610-gb-shuttle-9-0-anyone-played-one-yet.html

It has to do with the 3.0/6.0 lowpass crossover frequency compared to the 9.0/12.0. Maybe there is something inherent to the smaller Shuttles that limit low B performance. However, I have the 12.0 and I am not satisfied with those notes, but only open B and frets 1&2. They just sound dead to me.

Looks like you've done a lot of work. Hope you find it.

Thanks DaddyFlip

I've read that before, don't think its it as I hear it with headphones too. However, a tweak to the bass knob on the shuttle was enough to get the 6.0 to act like the 9.0 was my recollection.

I appreciate your insight and help.

 

[shakinbacon]

Eureka!!!!!!!

Took some fiddling and feedback from the soundman, but I think I nailed it.

I first tried using only the magnetic pickups and it lacked note defintion (surprised me, could be the room). Guess what was the ticket? Adding piezo and using the post out of the DI (for some tube tone from the Genz Benz Shuttle). I went to 20% boost from center detent on piezo knob (so that there was more magnetic signal than piezo), adjusted my playing to dig in a bit on the B string (which I had raised the action on slightly) and it was awesome. It absolutely killed. The soundman said "I wish you guys could hear how it sounds where I'm at... its really good"

hurrrrrrray!!!!!

Thanks everyone for the helpful suggestions. Much appreciated. I love this bass, I love this forum.

And here I was thinking I didn't need the piezo option

shakinbacon

 

[Grand Wazoo]

mumble mumble...

Told ya!!