Bongo Basses - Volume issues

[Silastar]

Hello to the community!

So I'm the proud owner of 2 MM Bongos (one 5 Strings and one 4 strings), both HH. The 5 strings one I got from Bass Central and the 4 strings one was a present and purchased second Hand.

Here is my issue: the 5 strings one is perfect and purs like a Kitten (ok, more like a an angry tiger). The 4 strings one, however, seems to have a volume issue. Let me explain: when pushed to the max volume on the bass, I get a overdrive noise and Peaking on my amp, while the 5 strings doesn't. Could it be an issue with the Preamp of the bass or the pickup configuration that is too "high"?

I would appreciate any help on this matter!

 

[sanderhermans]

You should check the pickup height and also the batery's in both basses. Mayebe your 5 string is running out of juice? For measurements and setup instructions go to the ebmm website under FAQ "how do i set up my musicman bass" pickups should measure 6/32" from plastic cover to botom of the g string. Neck pickup is 8/32".
Another thing to mention is that the bongo has verry high output level, using full volume boost can overdrive some preamps. Of course this doesnt explain the difference between the 2 basses. If i where you i would check batery's first and then a complete setup so they are both back to factory spec. I do this about 2 times a year.

 

[JayDawg]

All of my Bongo's run very hot. I currently own 3 and have owned 3 others. It honestly sounds like something is wrong with your 5'er. Possibly a dead or low battery?

Keep in mind the Bongo was not designed to simply max everything out because the pre-amp in it is so hot. With these basses, a little goes a long way. On your 4, also try turning down your volume at the amp or the master gain and that should help cut out distortion if your basses volume is maxed out.

 

[Movielife]

They are VERY hot basses. I imagine it is pickup height and the 4 string having pickups closer to the strings, hence more volume.

 

[uOpt]

Can you clarify whether you rip's first stage is clipping (as opposed to the in-bass preamp)?

If so, how do you know? Most bass preamps (in the rig, not in the bass) don't have VU meters.

 

[Silastar]

Thanks for the replies, guys!
I have an Ampeg SVT-3 Pro, and I can see the peak red light.

I've changed the batteries on the Fiver, and still the same. Since they are active, I select of course the -20 db option on the amp.

I will check the pickup height, but from what I've seen, the pickups are tuned exactly at the same height. And can this affect so dramastically the volume output?

 

[sanderhermans]

Pickup height can really change the output pretty hard, depending on how much difference there is on the height.... i have an ampeg svt7 and they peak really fast, this is why i only use the amp as power amp and my sansamp as preamp.

 

[Silastar]

Thanks for the responses guys! Issue solved Pickup height ajusted, now it purrs like a big cat