Confirm PUps on SR vs Bongo please?

[Stephen]

Hi all,

I am closing in on a purchase decision and I am trying to narrow some specs down. It is going to be either a Bongo 4 HS or a certain Stingray 4 HS that keeps haunting me from the day I saw some pictures of it.

I understand the Stingray HS comes with the bridge PU in the same place, with the same sound, as a normal Stingray H would be - and the neck PU adds to it. Right?

The Bongo HS on the other hand would have its bridge PU in a slightly forward position, making it more of a different beast compared to a single H model, right? (Anyone still keeping up?)

So here is the thing: I do GAS for a Bongo, but I would make that my second EBMM if it is confirmed that the Stingray HS delivers just the sound that Stingrays do (and then some, thanks to the neck PU). Either way my Bongo order would have to wait until the winter NAMM is done and the 2010 colours are revealed, as the currently available finishes are nice, but just not my cup of tea (more so at EU price tags).

Anyone?

 

[MrMusashi]

dual pickup bongos have the rear pickup further towards the bridge than the single h so they sound different. with the neck pickup they blend beautifully together

a bongo will not sound like a stingray. different body materials, 21 vs 24 fret neck, different preamps, different pickups.. so try before you buy

MrM

 

[Grand Wazoo]

Between the 2 I'd go for the Bongo. twice the sonic experience of the Stingray, furthermore, on the Bongo, due to: the basswood body, 4 band eq, 18V preamp and 2 neodymium pickups all these elements make a world of difference between the two regardless of the pickup position.

 

[Duarte]

I own an HS Bongo and it sounds just incredible. Just thought I'd interject.

 

[Laredo]

You are pretty accurate.............

The Bongo 4 H Pickup is more forward than the HS (Bridge) version. And the Stingray 4 H Pickup apprears to be in the same position as the HS (Bridge). What you gain with the Stingray HS is a "Phantom" coil in the middle. The Stingray HS is one of may favorites, very versatile. That being said I have both the H and HS, and would not want to have to choose.

I have a Bongo H and HH.................I actually prefer my H model most of the time. I think EBMM really nailed the Bongo Single H Pickup placement. It is right in the "Sweet Spot"!

Of course you have to decide what works the best for you................Everyone's got an opinion, try them out if you can!

 

[Stephen]

Thanks so far, guys!

It's not going to an "either or" decision in the long run, I just have to start somewhere.

If what I tried to ask in the opening post is true (essentially: SR bridge pickup is the same thing on a HS as on a H model?) I would go for the Stingray first ... that particular Stingray 4 HS, that is.

With the Bongo, on the other hand, I would most likely start with an HH model first, maybe an Hp fretless later ... I'm still trying to get my head around that.

Cheers!

 

[oli@bass]

If what I tried to ask in the opening post is true (essentially: SR bridge pickup is the same thing on a HS as on a H model?)

Yes.

And the sound of the bridge H alone is identical to a single H StingRay.

 

[Stephen]

Yes.

And the sound of the bridge H alone is identical to a single H StingRay.

That's what I thought, but thanks for another confirmation!

I'm in some mild trouble now ... nice!