Bongo, HH or HS??

[drgroovenstein]

I'm going to pick up a bongo, just can't decide HH or HS. I only had the chance to play an HS for an insignificant amount of time at the local GC, but I dug the playability. Sure, slap wasn't easy, but I can see how I can adapt. It actually might be easier with the HH, maybe I can use the neck H as a ramp or something. I also like the idea of having a 24-fret EBMM.

So, how would you describe the tone differences? Which did you pick, and why did you make that decision? Any regets?

Oh, and I have an SR5 HH on order, should be here in July sometime. I know it is a different animal...

 

[maddog]

HH = Godzilla
HS = Hannibal Lecter

Both are monsters just one is more refined than the other.

 

[drgroovenstein]

Might be a good idea to get the HS then, as I play rock and p&w stuff. I have to be able to play nice.

 

[shamus63]

If you get a hankerin' for a B5 HH, check this out:
http://www.ernieball.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14786

 

[drgroovenstein]

Yah, would be a 5, but I dunno if I like the DG. I'm more low key than that heh

 

[oddjob]

Single H... sometimes less is more (and it is BP's Bongo of choice )

 

[maddog]

Single H... sometimes less is more

+2pi

 

[sandman@midlife]

I ordered the Bongo 5H.

Becuse Jack told me to.


Tony

 

[drgroovenstein]

what's different between a bongo 5H and a SR5?

 

[maddog]

what's different between a bongo 5H and a SR5?

abs(Bongo5H - SR5) = 9V + (magic bongo mojo)

 

[drgroovenstein]

Now your speaking my language!

 

[maddog]

Serious answer is Bongo has an 18V preamp and the SR5 has a 9V preamp. The preamps are totally different beasts. Bongo uses basswood, SR5 uses alder/ash. The SR5 has a coil selector, Bongo does not. Sound-wise, others will have to chime in. I have no direct experience with SR5's. Just know I luvs me some Bongo5H.

 

[drgroovenstein]

Oh, so the bongo single H preamp is 3-band, but still 18-v?

 

[oddjob]

Bongo H has a 18 volt, 3 band... the HP has a 18 volt 4 band.

The SR has a unmistakable growl.

The Bongo comes close but it is a very different beast. I, personally, think there are more tonal variations in the Bongo than the single H SR.

As far as H vs HH vs HS - it is all taste. As stated MANY times on this bbs, the HH is balls to the wall, the HS is a bit more refined and the H is the black sheep of the family. The H pup is in a different position than the bridge pup of a HS or HH. Since the H is in the "sweet spot" it just has this great all-around tone that a bunch of us feel is superior to the dual pup models.

Last, don't let the 3 band vs 4 band sway you - like it did me. The 3 band is VERY powerful and is brilliant in its simplicity... I do like it better than the 4 band.

 

[maddog]

Last, don't let the 3 band vs 4 band sway you - like it did me. The 3 band is VERY powerful and is brilliant in its simplicity... I do like it better than the 4 band.

+one meellion.

 

[shamus63]

Last, don't let the 3 band vs 4 band sway you - like it did me. The 3 band is VERY powerful and is brilliant in its simplicity... I do like it better than the 4 band.

Si, mi amigo! My single-H B5 Bomber is a TONE MONSTER!

Plus, I love the simplicity of 3EQ > 4EQ; less fidgeting.

 

[Dr Stankface]

I plan on getting a single H Bongo 5 soon so.... yeah.

 

[bassmonkeee]

Oh, so the bongo single H preamp is 3-band, but still 18-v?

Yep. They have different magnets in the pickups, too. The Bongo for certain has neodymium and the SRs have alnico, I believe.

 

[oddjob]

Soon as Maddog sells his 5, I plan on selling mine B5HH - DG/ black ice (and white pearl too) and getting a B5H (same color)... You hear maddog??? Hurry up and sell it so I can get to work on mine

 

[oddjob]

Ci, mi amigo! My single-H B5 Bomber is a TONE MONSTER!

Plus, I love the simplicity of 3EQ > 4EQ; less fidgeting.

Digging the Bomber, eh???? It is a sweet bass (as is md's blue H).