Bongo H vs. SR5H. What can I expect?

[b-unit]

As an extreme fan of the tone of my single H SR5, what differences in tone can I expect when my single H Bongo5 arrives. I have never been able to try a lefty Bongo and have only heard someone else play an HH model. I specifically ordered a single H based on the praise here on the forum from single H fans and the fact that I really don't like to tweak a lot when playing.

I usually set both my SR4 and SR5 dead flat and just groove on the tone. I am really looking forward to the Bongo having the same configuration of pickup and tone controls but what can I expect to hear?

I realize the pickup material, pre amp and body wood is different so I don't expect the Bongo to sound exactly like a Stingray but would love to hear from those who have compared the two instruments in the single H configuration.

 

[Duarte]

From my experience...it's like a StingRay...but MORE.

 

[maddog]

from my experience...it's like a stingray...but more.

+9000

 

[7broccos]

I have both,love both.The Bongo Has a wider range of sound, the high and low mid's is mouth watering.You can dial it right in it is like having 2or 3 basses in your hand. congrats!

 

[b-unit]

Ooooh that sounds good! I like the sound of "more"! haha

 

[steve f]

To my ear the Bongo sounds a bit more focused than a Stingray, a bit warmer than a Sterling, and more powerful and flexible than both.

 

[b-unit]

That makes sense as my SR4 sounds warmer to me then the SR5 which i guess is due to the Ceramic vs Alinco magnets. I have read that the Bongo is not designed to have the volume knob dimed which will be a little different to me as I usually juts have it turned up all the way and never touch it.

I can't wait for this baby to arrive. I have had the odd moment of thinking that I should have ordered an HH version so that I have something different then my Ray5 but I am such a huge fan of the one pickup tone and have never been happy with two pickup basses so why not stick with what I know is going work for me.

It will be really cool to compare the Bongo to the SR5.

 

[Manfloozy]

It will be really cool to compare the Bongo to the SR5.

Please do! I would love to hear your thoughts, it is hard to describe tones sometimes but so far I have found the way forumites describe them to be very interesting and helpful.

And I think there are a lot of people on the boards that will say that the single H was the ONLY way to go on that Bongo, so I don't think you should worry about that one bit.

 

[b-unit]

I just noticed the Bongo you have on order there Matt. That is going to be incredibly sweet!

I am so jazzed to know I have a new EBMM instrument on order. Its hard not to frequent this sight without drooling with GAS!

 

[strummer]

You can expect the equivalent of a kick in the nuts. Thankfully not your nuts.

 

[Manfloozy]

I just noticed the Bongo you have on order there Matt. That is going to be incredibly sweet!

I am so jazzed to know I have a new EBMM instrument on order. Its hard not to frequent this sight without drooling with GAS!

I hope so... I am actually very nervous. I'm good with the unlined fretless thing, but I am scared to death whether I'll be able to adjust back to a 5'er or not. And if I do, and I like the 5'er, what about the other 4 banger's I already have? Its a good kind of problem to have... I just don't know yet which axe will get the ... well.... axe.

 

[Deaj]

That makes sense as my SR4 sounds warmer to me then the SR5 which i guess is due to the Ceramic vs Alinco magnets. I have read that the Bongo is not designed to have the volume knob dimed which will be a little different to me as I usually juts have it turned up all the way and never touch it.

I can't wait for this baby to arrive. I have had the odd moment of thinking that I should have ordered an HH version so that I have something different then my Ray5 but I am such a huge fan of the one pickup tone and have never been happy with two pickup basses so why not stick with what I know is going work for me.

It will be really cool to compare the Bongo to the SR5.

Given your stated preference I believe the single H was a wise choice. You should get ready to be happy. The Bongo is an amazing instrument in every way.

 

[Big Poppa]

You can expect the equivalent of a kick in the nuts. Thankfully not your nuts.

Perfect quote!