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Bongo question.....

Eggman

Eggman

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 5, 2006
Messages
1,440
Location
Centennial, CO
Ok - now that I am fully convinced about the quality and playability of MM basses - thanks to my Sterling HS and SR5 HS - I am getting intrigued by the Bongo.

I actually owned a Bongo 5 HS for a very short period. My problem with it at the time is that is was very head-heavy. And very uncomfortably so. On a strap it would hang past parallel to the floor. Had to fight it to raise the head up.

So here's the question: Is this typical of the Bongo?

I haven't seen any reference here on this board to this being a problem. Did I get a "lemon"?
 
Never been a problem for me, but maybe it's my strap. I use a real wide, leather Levy's that isn't at all slippery.

Da Bongo has never struck me as being at all head-heavy. Balances nicely.

Be careful about calling anything a "lemon" around here. Several forumites are prone to jumping down your gullet at the same time.
 
Actually, this does raise a question: The various pickup combinations all have different weights, and all of the difference is in the body.

Mine is the heaviest possible Bongo, a 5HHp. Would one without all the stuff I've got on mine (a 5H) balance differently enough to be noticeable?
 
I have a 4HH and a 5HH and have no problem "keeping it up".:D :D :D
 
I'll have to join in with the rest on this one.

I have two bongos now and did own another one until recently. All of them 5ers.

The all seem very well balanced to me. I usually play 3 one hour plus gigs in a night and don't have any problems with my bongo.
 
I have had several and have had no problems with neck heavyness. They can vary in weight, but even though both of my single H's weigh different they balance similary.
 
I just bought a new Bongo on Monday. Lava Pearl. 2 Humbucker model 4 Band EQ. I was suprised how light it was when I first picked it up. Seems to be well balanced. Like you mentioned, its probably your strap.
 
I think I tried different straps. But this one was heavy no matter what I tried. Thanks for the input - I will try another.
 
Mine is balanced fine. I did have to tape up the strap adjustments though...kept sliding on me which caused the bass to become top heavy...since then, perfect. :cool:
 
I think if you do stand there without holding or touching the bass and sway from side to side a bit the Bongo5 will "level out" but really.... what bass won't do that? anywho ,I've never had what i would consider neck dive issues with either of my Bongo5s.
i would recomend going with a non-poly or nylon type of strap and getting a leather one.
 
I've a Bongo 4 stringer - never thought about it being "neck-heavy" -in fact I find it very well balanced.

And another vote for leather - 4" to be precise - works wonders for the shoulder... :)
 
I'll echo that - 4HH and a wide leather strap - no neck diving issues here!
 
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