Bongo HH vs HS

[KevinM]

This has probably been discussed elsewhere but I'm looking into buying a Bongo and trying to decide which pup config to go with. I already have two HH's (shown in my siggy) so I'm trying to decide if I should go with another HH or get the HS for something different. If there's not a lot of tone difference between the 25th HH and the Bongo HH I might go for the HS.

Opinions from those who've tried both?

Thanks in advance.

 

[bovinehost]

You got the buckers. Go single coil. They are really and truly something else.

 

[J Romano]

Like Jack said, my Bongo 5HSp something else!!!! Listen to Lord Bongo, you won't be disappointed........

 

[MadMatt]

You got the buckers. Go single coil. They are really and truly something else.

Where is that darned like button!!

What Jack said! I am really digging my single H Sterling lately.

 

[KevinM]

The diagram for the Balance shows a "silent circuit" between the pickups. What effect does that have on the balance?

 

[laneline]

Jumping on the singles train, but of course in the configurations of my 3 current US MM's I have six singles. I have owned an HS Bongo which to me was more versatile than the HH's I've owned as it could go deep but I found it had a lot lot more attitude and edge ( not just brightness ) to it compared to a Humbucker. MM singles are like Super Singles compared to others for me. I'm thinking my next Bongo will be a 5 HSp. The balance on all four of my Bongos worked perfectly so whatever the circuit is, it works.

 

[Movielife]

Good question, I'm in a similar position with Bongo HH or HS!

 

[five7]

get one with a piezo

 

[KevinM]

Good question, I'm in a similar position with Bongo HH or HS!

I'm leaning toward the HS right now. I only have HH's at home so I can't compare. I know they have different strings but how does your 4HH compare to your 5HS?

 

[bassmonkeee]

The HSp Bongo is my favorite Bongo config. And, it's the only way to get neck single coil and piezo together on a MM. Which is my favorite tone setup.

I definitely think the HS brings something different to the game than the HH. And, it looks like you have HH covered.

 

[bovinehost]

Always, when there is a question, listen to the monkeee.

 

[KevinM]

Ima lisnen.

 

[keko]

Hi mate,

maybe I can help?

We both have a similar HH Musicmans, right?, ...so I suggest You to go for a pickup configuration change now, I mean why bother with two HH basses, even different two, right?

I'm in a Bongo hunt too, but I have different needs from a Bongo.

Bongos I tried:

Bongo 4 HS
Bongo 5 HSp
Bongo 5 HH LE
Bongo 6 H

HS was great to me, but only because of piezo bridge (5 HSp), ...when dialed magnetic pickups, ...I stuck at about sweetspot position!
Piezo option rise a price pretty much, so be careful with that, I mean do You really need it?
However, piezo is one great option!

Recently I tried HH and when dialed to favorite pickup balance position, I stuck again somewhere about usual sweetspot single H tone.

When tried single H Bongo, ...Bingo!!! ...that was the tone I was looking for, ...even with only small EQ, ...that was what I really wanted from a Bongo!

So, ...I think You should try them all before the final decision, ...only You know what tone You're gonna like!

 

[AnthonyD]

get one with a piezo

Yes - yes - yes!

I've had both HSp and HHp. Turns out the HHp is definitely the one for me. A bit more aggressive and in your face. HSp a bit tamer. Depends completely what you're looking for.

 

[Freddels]

My Bongo 5HH has pretty much my go to bass (especially when it involves a band). It just has so much presence and not sure what frequency the mids is set to but it just seems to emphasize the one that I love. I've never played an HS but there must be some different tones to be found in there. I've been wanting a single H for some time now and one of these days, I'll have to get one.

Since you already have a couple of HH's, go for the HSp or the H.

 

[Aussie Mark]

HH is killer for rock. HS gives you a "smoother" option when needed. You already have a HH, so go the HS.

 

[KevinM]

Thanks for your input, guys. I always like to listen to the voice of experience and since I don't have any with the Bongo and don't have any available to test I thought I would ask in the place with the most experience. I may not be able to follow every bit of advise but the help here is priceless.

It looks like I'm going with the HS. An HSp sounds cool but I couldn't find one available for immediate purchase. I put a deposit on one from BC that is due to be delivered to them anytime so we'll see how that goes.

Thanks again and I'll update soon. Maybe with a NBD thread.

 

[keko]

It looks like I'm going with the HS.

Thanks again and I'll update soon. Maybe with a NBD thread.

Oh yeah, ...HS is absolute slap killer with balance knob in center position, ...but also a great for a finger style when slight balance from center position to bridge H.

Good luck with Your order!

 

[KevinM]

:update:

I paid the balance for a Blue Pearl 5HS with a White Pearloid pg. It's on order now and expected to be home in the first week in April. Hoping the stork delivers soon.

I also bought a clear pg to go with it for install after I decide what to put under it.

 

[keko]

Congrats!

Please some pics when arrive, especially the headstock, ...I wanna see those new tuning machines on a Bongo!!!