Best Strings For My Bongo

[BigStrings]

Couldn't decide which forum to put this in, but thought more Bongo players might hang here rather than the string section. Just got my double H and is it ever impressive looking, Sapphire Black, Moonstone pickguard and a rosewood fretboard. Love it! However, I'm curious as to what the opinions are out there as to the best strings to put on this beauty. It's not that I don't have a clue as I normally use D'Addario's .105 to .050 but have heard some say that flats sound really good on their Bongo. I used to play them many years ago but gave them up when I realized that rounds had better tonality and seemed to stay livelier longer. Have things changed? Are flats better today than they were 35 years ago? On top of that, my D'Addario .105 E string is giving my a little fret buzz when I dig in, which is usually the way I play. I've played and played with the action and don't want to put it any higher to get rid of it, kind of a compromise but I'm still not happy about it. I also have a Sterling with the same strings and same action (string height) and I can dig in all I want without a hint of string buzz. Anyway, getting back to the flats, just wondering if I might be able to kill two birds, get rid of the string buzz and enjoy good tonality and playability. Any opinions out there?

 

[strummer]

Couldn't decide which forum to put this in, but thought more Bongo players might hang here rather than the string section. Just got my double H and is it ever impressive looking, Sapphire Black, Moonstone pickguard and a rosewood fretboard. Love it! However, I'm curious as to what the opinions are out there as to the best strings to put on this beauty. It's not that I don't have a clue as I normally use D'Addario's .105 to .050 but have heard some say that flats sound really good on their Bongo. I used to play them many years ago but gave them up when I realized that rounds had better tonality and seemed to stay livelier longer. Have things changed? Are flats better today than they were 35 years ago? On top of that, my D'Addario .105 E string is giving my a little fret buzz when I dig in, which is usually the way I play. I've played and played with the action and don't want to put it any higher to get rid of it, kind of a compromise but I'm still not happy about it. I also have a Sterling with the same strings and same action (string height) and I can dig in all I want without a hint of string buzz. Anyway, getting back to the flats, just wondering if I might be able to kill two birds, get rid of the string buzz and enjoy good tonality and playability. Any opinions out there?

About the buzz: Get a little more relief into the neck and you should be fine.
About the strings: I have messed around with some different types since I got my Bongo a year ago, and I'm now back to exactly the strings the bass came with: EB Slinkys. Can't beat them in my book.
Lots of guys here use flats, but I think it just makes the bass to thud-throb-boom

 

[Oldtoe]

I've tried to like other strings, flats included, but I always go back to DR Hi-Beams 40-100. Fantastic sound and playability. Last a good, long while, too.

 

[shamus63]

Can't remember if I've changed out the strings on the Stealthy One yet; but even if I had, I've been using Slinkys with nothing but positive results.

 

[Psychicpet]

I've just put Rotosound Nickels (.105-.045 for the E to D and a .130 for the B) and am quite suprised that it's taken me this long to try Rotos, they're makin' me happy
but as stated earlier, Slinky 5s sound and feel great too.

 

[Aussie Mark]

D'Addario Chromes are a great flat for active basses, and have more brightness than most flats, so they're probably a good option for someone like yourself who is a little wary of trying flats.

 

[Darth Tater]

Flats on a Bongo? That's blasphemy. Why buy a bass with such great tone only to put tone killing strings on it? Buy a $300 P bass if you need a bass with flats, put some good strings on the Bongo so it can sing.

I use DR Low Riders on mine but will try SIT Power Nickels next.

 

[Jazzbassman23]

My Bongo (as did all new Bongos) shipped w/EB Slinky's, and it sounded amazing. I'm not tampering w/success. In fact, I just restrung it yesterday morning.

 

[maddog]

Flats on a Bongo? That's blasphemy. Why buy a bass with such great tone only to put tone killing strings on it? Buy a $300 P bass if you need a bass with flats, put some good strings on the Bongo so it can sing.

I use DR Low Riders on mine but will try SIT Power Nickels next.

I take exception to your comments sir. Have you actually tried some decent flats on your bongo?

 

[Aussie Mark]

Flats on a Bongo? That's blasphemy. Why buy a bass with such great tone only to put tone killing strings on it?

I believe that's a direct cut and paste from a 12yo Talk Bass visitor we had a few months ago.

 

[HeavyDuty]

Flats go great on Bongos!

My standard string for years was Fender 9050Ms, but they don't make a low B. So, when I started switching over to fivers I tried EB Group I flats on both my Bongo and my SR5, and really like them. They're breaking in quite nicely - I'm one of those flatwound people that never change strings unless they break.

Great tone, lots of thud, and the high tension I like.

 

[TSanders]

I thought the H/SC Bongo I had sounded good. Then I put flats on it, and thats when it sounded good. Im a new covert to flats, and really didnt think theyd be my thing. Put my first set on, and doubt Ill ever look back.

 

[Darth Tater]

I take exception to your comments sir. Have you actually tried some decent flats on your bongo?

Don't need to. I've been playing for too many years and I know what I like. I've never liked flats on any basses I HAVE tried them on over the last 20 something years, the Bongo ain't gonna be any different. I just can't deal with that dull lifeless 'thud'.

I've actually got flats on my Zon Sonus right now, and they are mainly on there still just because they were like $50 and I can't justify throwing them out just yet!

I tried to like flats, just can't do it. If I need that sound I can just roll down the treble and keep my rounds!

 

[TSanders]

Don't need to. I've been playing for too many years and I know what I like. I've never liked flats on any basses I HAVE tried them on over the last 20 something years, the Bongo ain't gonna be any different. I just can't deal with that dull lifeless 'thud'.

I've actually got flats on my Zon Sonus right now, and they are mainly on there still just because they were like $50 and I can't justify throwing them out just yet!

I tried to like flats, just can't do it. If I need that sound I can just roll down the treble and keep my rounds!

I sure am glad I musta got a different batch than you, cause my flatwound strung SR5, def doesnt sound like a dull lifeless thud.

 

[midopa]

Right now I've got another brand on my Bongo (forgive me, BP!), but will get some good ol' EB Super Slinkies on the beast the next go around. I looove the sound of "dead" EB strings - thick and punchy!

 

[Bill]

I played around with a few different types of strings, and I, too, came back to the good ol' EB Slinkys on my SR4 & SR5.

My Jazz Bass, however, has TI flats.

 

[AnthonyD]

D'Addario Chromes are a great flat for active basses, and have more brightness than most flats, so they're probably a good option for someone like yourself who is a little wary of trying flats.

+1...

I was a big round-wound fan myself but made the switch following my own "tonal search" earlier this year. I've choosen Chromes for my Sterling after trying a few brands. I find them great for the 60s~70s rock/pop that I mostly play.

I found the Chromes took just enough of the "edge" off while retaining a fat, full range. And while I am no slapper-monster, I enjoy the occasional thumb & pop -- these strings handle it nicely.

I use TI's on my Bongo (fretless), and prefer their softer feel for the mellower, moaning stuff.

Your choice will depend upon your needs and most importantly, your ear!

 

[Aussie Mark]

I tried to like flats, just can't do it. If I need that sound I can just roll down the treble and keep my rounds!

Where's the "deja vu" smiley?

 

[JimB52]

I like the Hybrid Slinkys on most basses, but love them on my Bongo HH 4

 

[JessRobinson]

TI-Flats here. My HH4 sounds terrific through my SWR rig - Bass 750 and Goliath Jr III. I can dial in any tone that I like - warm, punchy, ringing, etc.

And the TI-Flats feel SOOOOO good on my fingers!