E string craps out

[Rapsak]

So I played this clinic with latin drummer great Ignacio Berroa
Simply an amazing experience.
What wasn't so good was that the e string of my black Bongo 4HH didn't respond as I'd like. It simply couldn't deliver dynamically speaking: when I plucked it hard, it "topped out", i.e clipped somehow. It's sporting hi beams, which I've been very pleased with on no EBMM basses
Could this have something to do with pickup height? I have fooled a bit with the height myself on a "feel-basis", without measuring. Could somehow please tell me what the proposed height is in mm?

I love this bass, don't get me wrong!

 

[phatduckk]

the info you need is available at:
http://www.ernieball.com/faq_content.php?subjectcode=mm_basses

from the little bit of info it seems like your amp may be clipping. the Bongo has a TON of output so you're gonna need to adjust the amp's gain (turn it down) in order to avoid clipping in the amp.

try setting the basses and amp's EQ on "flat" (no boost, no cut") then find a "happy place" for the amp's gain and volume. from there its suggest you just use your Bongo's EQ knobs to shape your tone.

now if that doesnt help are you think something's up with the bass you should give customer service a call/email if you need more help/info. they'll make sure to answer all your questions and will take good care of ya
http://www.ernieball.com/contact/

good luck,
Arin

 

[n!k]

You probably want to back off on the bass. Bongos have tons of low end and you need a pretty whoppin' amp to handle it cranked.

 

[Rapsak]

Thanks, I should have checked FAQ before posting, sorry 'bout that.
With regards to EQ settings, the only thing I did was to boost the lo mids slightly. I always leave my amp flat, an old Walter Woods reliable. I've never encountered clipping on that amp, but hey, the Bongo is uniquely powerful, so I won't dismiss that possibility entirely.

 

[midopa]

Hmm Have you also tried checking the batteries? I remember when the batteries started to die on my Bongo, notes on the E string caused the most clipping.