bongo questions - help narrow the options!

[nicolasd]

hey everyone. on the brink of my first MM bass. i was all set to go stingray 5 until i started looking at the bongo 5! i think it's going to fit me better. seems like it's tonally more versitile, i like the extra fret(s?).

i'm undecided between the HH/piezo and the HS/piezo. i'm a Fender Jazz four string player, so i've been used to that sound and neck pickup position for my thumb.

so any opinions there would be very welcome. i'm playing everything from pop to rock to country to motown/soul to hip-hop. (basically everything but jazz, prog and metal).

secondly... i'm looking over colors.

i haven't seen anything about the "stealth" model. can i get that in a 5 string with the piezo?

what about the limited edition black with gold hardware model? can that come with a piezo 5?

are there any other rare/unusual options that you all, the hyperinformed few, could tell me about?

 

[GassieBall]

Nicolas,

Gosh, I just went through a similar decision process with a Sterling and a Bongo. (Decided to get both, but that's another story.) I found it very helpful to search under Stealth, Bongo, Sterling, pickup, etc. and found a wealth of info.

Consider contacting bovinehost who can hook you up with anything.

I've read that HH = Godzilla and HS = Hannibal Lecter. Both kill but in different ways.

The Stealth cannot come with a piezo because of the finish on the bridge. You can get it in a 5er.

I'll defer the ltd ed to someone who knows more.

Ed

 

[oddjob]

I do believe the new Limiteds come with the p option... the Stealth does not. If you like the jazz sound the HS might be the way to go. Dudley has the S pickups sounding phenomonal. The HS is a bit less refined but has a bit more "bark" to it. Me, I am now an "H" guy... there is just something about the sound.

As far as the P goes, it is a nice option but makes more of a difference on the fretless models (not to say it doesn't add something - but it isn't AS noticable with a fretted bass).

Hope it helps - happy hunting!!!

 

[AnthonyD]

Don't think the LTD with gold hardware offers piezo bridge...

 

[nicolasd]

the piezo could be helpful. i currently put rotosound black flatwounds on a fender '62 reissue (fretted) and it just sounds so great and thumpy. i get a great old motown type sound and can get some fun slides in.

 

[MingusBASS]

I think you'll have to change strings if you buy a bongo with the piezo option. The piezo won't work with coated strings. I think Jason had some problem with using some black strings.

 

[bassmonkeee]

I think you'll have to change strings if you buy a bongo with the piezo option. The piezo won't work with coated strings. I think Jason had some problem with using some black strings.

That's affirmative. You won't be able to use nylon wrapped strings with the EB piezos.