Movielife
Well-known member
Afternoon all. After years of intrigue, I received my Bongo earlier this year. I opted for the 5 HH as I have many Musicman basses with the H in the sweetspot.
Firstly, let me start off by saying it has pretty much floored my expectations. I can only describe it as the Stingray’s big, bad brother. It does possess the ability to sound like a Stingray, (well, the right ball park) and overall definitely has the Musicman DNA. Those H’s sound exactly what I expected them to, and more.
The shape and ergonomics are top class. This is what instrument evolution should yield; a modern bass with stacks of tone. I really like the curved body and the paintwork. The neck is very comfy, and the factory action is superb. Low, but not too low. The new tuners also add a touch of class.
I am currently searching for a new band after moving for career reasons, and my job is super busy, so at the moment I just jam to tracks through my amp/cab or through headphones. The other day, I thought, ‘hey lets check out what classic rock tones this bass can do’. So, through the Genz Streamliner, I added a hint of grit, just enough to give you that old fat tubey tone. Sure enough, this bass responded. Playing with a plec, with the balance set to about 60:40 (60 being towards the neck) it was getting into a J bass tone park, and I was frankly shocked at how close it could get there. The EQ on the bass was bass flat, hi mid slight boost, low mid slight boost, treble to taste.
Next, playing to a Bruno Mars, I wanted that warm thuddy old school ‘flats’ tone, but without flats. Y’know, with a little muting on the bridge. Sure enough, solo the neck pup, take the treble way down, boost the bass a tiny bit, lower the hi mids, and perhaps low mids to taste, and there you have it. Mute with your hand and use a plec, and there it is! Without the plec and no muting, fingerstyle, it yielded that warm supportive tone.
Then, 50:50 the pups, all EQ flat, and its a very precise modern Musicman tone. Solo the bridge with a little low mid and bass boost, and its a very cutting aggressive Musicman tone.
The EQ on this thing is flat out brilliant. Nothing too harsh or ‘plastic’ sounding. I recently played another humbucker+humbucker type bass, (non-Musicman) which was actually more expensive, and that is for the 4 string version. The pre-amp sounded a little ‘cheap’ compared to the absolutely superb and very silent Bongo circuit.
If you think about it, for the work and sheer quality of the electronics on this thing, the Bongo, also sporting great paintwork and hardware, and a painted neck/headstock, is a damn good buy.
Firstly, let me start off by saying it has pretty much floored my expectations. I can only describe it as the Stingray’s big, bad brother. It does possess the ability to sound like a Stingray, (well, the right ball park) and overall definitely has the Musicman DNA. Those H’s sound exactly what I expected them to, and more.
The shape and ergonomics are top class. This is what instrument evolution should yield; a modern bass with stacks of tone. I really like the curved body and the paintwork. The neck is very comfy, and the factory action is superb. Low, but not too low. The new tuners also add a touch of class.
I am currently searching for a new band after moving for career reasons, and my job is super busy, so at the moment I just jam to tracks through my amp/cab or through headphones. The other day, I thought, ‘hey lets check out what classic rock tones this bass can do’. So, through the Genz Streamliner, I added a hint of grit, just enough to give you that old fat tubey tone. Sure enough, this bass responded. Playing with a plec, with the balance set to about 60:40 (60 being towards the neck) it was getting into a J bass tone park, and I was frankly shocked at how close it could get there. The EQ on the bass was bass flat, hi mid slight boost, low mid slight boost, treble to taste.
Next, playing to a Bruno Mars, I wanted that warm thuddy old school ‘flats’ tone, but without flats. Y’know, with a little muting on the bridge. Sure enough, solo the neck pup, take the treble way down, boost the bass a tiny bit, lower the hi mids, and perhaps low mids to taste, and there you have it. Mute with your hand and use a plec, and there it is! Without the plec and no muting, fingerstyle, it yielded that warm supportive tone.
Then, 50:50 the pups, all EQ flat, and its a very precise modern Musicman tone. Solo the bridge with a little low mid and bass boost, and its a very cutting aggressive Musicman tone.
The EQ on this thing is flat out brilliant. Nothing too harsh or ‘plastic’ sounding. I recently played another humbucker+humbucker type bass, (non-Musicman) which was actually more expensive, and that is for the 4 string version. The pre-amp sounded a little ‘cheap’ compared to the absolutely superb and very silent Bongo circuit.
If you think about it, for the work and sheer quality of the electronics on this thing, the Bongo, also sporting great paintwork and hardware, and a painted neck/headstock, is a damn good buy.
My Sterling HH PDN & Bongo (Mahogany & Basswood) are on the fairly warm category. Although... a reason to buy a Big Al would be nice 
