Bongo EQ -vs- Amp EQ

[Buzzman]

When using a bass with such a powerful EQ as the Bongo, are you pretty much leaving your amp flat?

Buzz

 

[TSanders]

Heres my routine that has been used with the StingRay 4/5s, Sterlings, and Bongos that have come through my hands.

I start in every new venue with bass and amp flat. I first boost the bass knob just a little past flat on my bass. I like the extra oomph that even a little boost gives you with EB preamps.

Then with the bass guitar eq flat with the exception of the slight bass boost, I adjust the amp eq to what best suits the venue.

Then any on the fly, or tune to tune changes are made on the basses active eq.

Thats just what works best for me.

 

[Golem]

Heres my routine that has been used with the StingRay 4/5s, Sterlings, and Bongos that have come through my hands.

I start in every new venue with bass and amp flat. I first boost the bass knob just a little past flat on my bass. I like the extra oomph that even a little boost gives you with EB preamps.

Then with the bass guitar eq flat with the exception of the slight bass boost, I adjust the amp eq to what best suits the venue.

Then any on the fly, or tune to tune changes are made on the basses active eq.

Thats just what works best for me.

Pretty much my approach as well, when dealing with any ax whose "native tone" rocks my boat. Some basses need some "tone-aide" and I own them for other priorities [highly portable, weather-proof, whatever], but with a Bongo or any ax whose tone I love, I agree with the above.

That said, there is something to keep in mind about using the EQ controls on *both* the amp and the ax: The frequency centers usually differ between the amp and the ax's controls. There may or may not be a difference in the number of EQ bands, but there's usually a difference in the centers. This means you may find some interesting EQ contours can occur.

Some of these contours may be useful, others may be annoying. An annoying contour often gives the impression that one or more tone knobs [on either ax or amp] is acting abruptly and strangley. If you keep either the ax or the amp very close to flat, or flat with only one band cranked, the annoying contours should not occur.

 

[shamus63]

With the Bongo, flat across the board.

The Bongo's EQ is truly active, and even slight changes affect the overall tone.

 

[Buzzman]

With the Bongo, flat across the board.

The Bongo's EQ is truly active, and even slight changes affect the overall tone.

If I am understanding you correctly, you leave the Bongo EQ flat?

Buzz

 

[shamus63]

If I am understanding you correctly, you leave the Bongo EQ flat?

Buzz

My bad...I meant on the amp.

Just now eating lunch...brain should function again soon.



BTW ~ I was in Detroit (staying in Jackson) last May for my brother's wedding.

Call me crazy, but I dug it out there!

 

[Mobay45]

I start with both the Bongo and the amp set flat. I adjust the amp to what I want to hear in the beginning and will make small adjustments from the bass as the night goes on. That's what makes sense to me.

 

[Bubba Love]

I do it mostly on the bass pre-amp, unless I'm doing something with a soundman and my amp's DI'd. Then I mostly trust him with how my bass sounds and just worry about my stage EQ with the amp.

 

[strummer]

When using a bass with such a powerful EQ as the Bongo, are you pretty much leaving your amp flat?

Buzz

Yes, I do.

 

[Oldguy]

Uhh, sorry, beginner question: when you say you leave the EQ "flat", either on the amp or the Bongo, what does that mean?

 

[strummer]

Uhh, sorry, beginner question: when you say you leave the EQ "flat", either on the amp or the Bongo, what does that mean?

All knobs are centered (at zero), so that there is no boost or cut anywhere in the eq range.

 

[Jazzbassman23]

On the bass, each control (except volume) has a mid-point that can be felt when the knob is rotated. Putting it at the mid-point is considered flat. Same thing on the amp. Put all the EQ sliders in the middle.

 

[Buzzman]

BTW ~ I was in Detroit (staying in Jackson) last May for my brother's wedding. Call me crazy, but I dug it out there!

Lived in Jackson in "84-85"

Michigan used to have 4 seasons, now it's just Hot or Cold. Currently COLD!

Thanks for your input.

Buzz