Bongo or Sting Ray?

[Toetruck]

Im looking for a good 4 string bass to play in my band. I like the looks and feel of the Bongo but the Sting Ray is widely used in almost ALL of the bands I listen to.
What do you guys think?
Bongo or Sting Ray?
Give me your two cents worth.

 

[ivbenaplayin]

I really don't think you can go wrong with either...

 

[Grand Wazoo]

If you can try both first. You will be then in a position to see what is best for you and good luck.

p.s.: I have both and I wouldn't part with either.

 

[Toetruck]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but what is a Bongo HH or HHp or things like that? Thanks for the responses by the way.

 

[drTStingray]

StingRay - before any of the afflicted Bongoloids reply Edit: I spoke to soon lol.

Seriously though I'm sure either a StingRay or Bongo will do the job just fine and give you a great sound no matter what style of music you play

the Sting Ray is widely used in almost ALL of the bands I listen to

I really wish more people used them where I am - we seem to be afflicted with too people who don't think or play beyond very basic beginner stuff on P basses or J basses - basic thump/rumble through small amps. Even worse, basic thump/rumble through modern amps like Mark Bass.

 

[ivbenaplayin]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but what is a Bongo HH or HHp or things like that? Thanks for the responses by the way.

pickup configuration...

 

[Grand Wazoo]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but what is a Bongo HH or HHp or things like that? Thanks for the responses by the way.

H = Single Humbucker in the sweet spot
HH = 2 Humbucker (bridge and neck)
HS = 1 Humbucker (brdige position + 1 Single coil in the neck position)

If either of the above options has a p next to it it means it also comes with a Piezo pickup which consists of a series of piezo electric pickups mounted on the bridge, one for each saddle.

 

[keko]

I really don't think you can go wrong with either...

That's for sure, but Stingray sounds more classic, more vintage, streaming so beautiful (I played some).
Bongos are much modern sounded basses in any pickup configuration, especially according it's 4 band active preamp! Delighted when tried one!

I would like to have both! (already have Sterling)

 

[MK Bass Weed]

That's for sure, but Stingray sounds more classic, more vintage, streaming so beautiful (I played some).
Bongos are much modern sounded basses in any pickup configuration, especially according it's 4 band active preamp! Delighted when tried one!

I would like to have both! (already have Sterling)

I have both...

I'm not sure I would agree on the description of the Bongo as 'much more modern' and Ray as 'more vintage'. Both basses can cover the sonic territory described as 'vintage' as well as 'modern' Yes..blasphemy to the 'vintage' purist guy, but true.


I can get a VERY 'vintage' profile out of the S pickup on my Bongo HS.

Same Thing with using the front pickup on my Stingray 4 HH.

You could NOT go wrong with either.

I would ask you: do you NEED/Prefer 24 frets, as sported by Le Bongo?

What turns you on bud. There is NO way to lose on this one.

 

[five7]

Go and try all of them, stingrays, bongos, sterlings, big al, 25th. Right now I use 2 stingrays and love them!

 

[Duarte]

If StingRays are used in the music you listen to, try a Bongo.

It's something a little different. It will get you noticed. It sounds oh so good. They still have the MM signature sound, but, slightly different. More powerful, versatile and just totally badass.

I would vote for a Bongo - but it's your call. I own both, and the Bongo is my go to bass.

 

[T Alan]

You really need to try both. ...same with the pup configs.

 

[sitonmybass]

My standard response: GET BOTH! Realistically, if you're only able to buy one initially (there WILL be more in your future) I hope that you are able to try both and in as many pickup configurations as possible to help in your decsion. Don't rule out the Sterling!

 

[T Alan]

It'd help if we had a clearer understanding of your tone goals as well.

 

[Rick Auricchio]

It'd help if we had a clearer understanding of your tone goals as well.

That'll open the old can of adjective worms:

Warm, punchy, old-school, modern, and all the rest of the vague words.

 

[Mogee]

Sterling.

 

[MK Bass Weed]

That'll open the old can of adjective worms:

Warm, punchy, old-school, modern, and all the rest of the vague words.

Which is fine as either choice the OP is considering will cover any of the adjective worms you mentioned!

A good problem to have.

 

[mixmastered]

I can say I'm stuck in the same rut.

I can't decide between a Bongo and a Stingray. I've tried a stingray. It was great.

But from all the reviews of bongos here, I'm tempted to try one. And gonna get either in the Dargie II

 

[RaginRog]

Both are good basses, but I prefer Stingrays for the smooth/unfinished neck, and I love their appearances. You may also want to consider a Streling.

If you go for either, I would also suggest one with a dual pickup configuration, but that's my opinion.

Your best bet would be to play a few of these.

 

[mixmastered]

Both are good basses, but I prefer Stingrays for the smooth/unfinished neck, and I love their appearances. You may also want to consider a Streling.

If you go for either, I would also suggest one with a dual pickup configuration, but that's my opinion.

Your best bet would be to play a few of these.

Definitely a dual pickup for me.

The only prob is where i come from, it's impossible to try both. The market for MM's aren't big here. I've only managed to try the stingray, and loved the tone. But is it true the Bongo could get the same tone as the stingray and more?