Bongo tone and StingRay Tone

[spectorbassguy]

With the addition of my GrapeRay 5, I am realizing that there certainly are differences between the tone and the way they play.

The SR5 def has more "Old School" thump and sounds completely different from the Bongo when playing slap and pop. It seems like the SR5's low B remains more clear than the Bongo's regardless of how hard you dig on it too.

Then there's the Bongo. Sometimes it feels as if it would just play by itself once you pick it up. Def more sustain from it than the SR5. Overall a hotter sound and a neck that is easier to play IMO.

Here's my assessment so far:

Bongo 5 H/SC: I will use for slap and pop and for things that require faster technique and more sustain.

SR5: I will use for fingerstyle playing for the old school funk and straight-forward rock.

Note: I'm using T-I Powerbass strings (which I love) on both basses (Nod to Mister Monkeeee).

Anyone want to chime in on this? What's your take on the tonal and playability differences?

 

[bassmonkeee]

With the addition of my GrapeRay 5, I am realizing that there certainly are differences between the tone and the way they play.

The SR5 def has more "Old School" thump and sounds completely different from the Bongo when playing slap and pop. It seems like the SR5's low B remains more clear than the Bongo's regardless of how hard you dig on it too.

Then there's the Bongo. Sometimes it feels as if it would just play by itself once you pick it up. Def more sustain from it than the SR5. Overall a hotter sound and a neck that is easier to play IMO.

Here's my assessment so far:

Bongo 5 H/SC: I will use for slap and pop and for things that require faster technique and more sustain.

SR5: I will use for fingerstyle playing for the old school funk and straight-forward rock.

Note: I'm using T-I Powerbass strings (which I love) on both basses (Nod to Mister Monkeeee).

Anyone want to chime in on this? What's your take on the tonal and playability differences?

Very cool. I can get some pretty dang good old school tones from my Bongos, but I will probably end up grabbing a SR5 at some point in the future, too.

Oh, and you're going to have to try the TI Superalloys. They've beaten out the Powerbass for my favorite roundwound strings. Something I didn't think possible, but there ya go.

 

[Samingo]

Personally, and this is just my thoughts, but I found the Bongo had more of a traiditional funky sound, and not the same ripping mid-rangey bite we know and love the 'Ray to have. Of course I speak of a 4 HH Bonger and have no knowledge of the HS or H.

I will agree with the neck idea. It's neck is amazing to play and that's why I loved it so much, though I'm still even more excited about my upcoming Sterling. I've said it before and I'll always stand by this:

Everybody should have at least 1 Bongo lying around.