First ever test of a Musicman Bongo...5 HH

[Movielife]

Well, the time finally arrived. A 5 HH was shipped to my local store so I could finally see/play/hear and go over the Bongo to see if the bass 'fitted' what I wanted.

Did it?

Hell yes.

Firstly, in no way is that body 'odd'. It may not be a traditional Ray shape, but it fits right, and it feels right. Not only that, it looks WAY better in the flesh.

The painted neck? Stunning. The profile of the neck sold me STRAIGHT away. Is it flatter than the Ray 5/Sterling 5/Big Al 5 neck? VERY fast.

Quality? Very high quality paintwork, fit and finish. The colour was Sky Blue. Stunning.

The EQ? Stunning. Bags of tone, and I found none of it to be 'unmusical'....every twist and turn was flawless, but I agree with BP, little goes a long way.

The HH? I'm sold. I love that back bridge H. SOOO tight and funky. Its a Ray, but tighter, more defined, and definitely Musicman.

So, I'l definitely be getting a multi pup as I like the H out of the sweetspot (as all my others are IN the sweetspot).

One thing that struck me, is the clarity. The strings sound very even, very defined, and very clear. It will do warmer vintage tones, no doubt, but I love the ping and the clarity the neo/18V provides.

Stunning bass and brilliant design.

Now...I either wait and order a new one to get the lighter tuners...or consider taking that one. Thing is, its the same price, so the patient side of me says wait and order a new one with the lighter tuners and a guard you want, maybe even HS.

 

[tunaman4u2]

I love my HH, nope the bridge H isn't in the sweet spot but if you already have one that is... viva variety! Its just a different tone. Combine changing up strings & you're good to go with a lot of tones.

 

[Chuck B]

Go for it!

 

[drTStingray]

You do realise that you won't be able think of anything until you have one now as you are now Bongoloid and fully drawn in by A Douglas mind ray machine!

If that's the sky blue 5HH I saw at the London Show, it's a beauty. It is also strung with cobalts IIRC. To be honest, my Bongo has no balance problems that would be affected by the new tuners, although they would drop a bit of weight off the whole bass - I would say get the sky blue.

 

[ivbenaplayin]

you guys are killing me... my sky blue Bongo 5H with the new lightweight tuners won't be in until sometime toward the end of June or the first part of July... I look at my "Winter RealTree Camoflauge" pickguard that I made for it every day and torture myself... the wait continues... happily. I agree with 5-7, order what you want and leave the other in the store... spread the Bongo Love man!

 

[J Romano]

Do whats in your heart, either way your a winner with the Bongo! Not having to wait is tempting, if you order what color would you get?

 

[Movielife]

Do whats in your heart, either way your a winner with the Bongo! Not having to wait is tempting, if you order what color would you get?

Sky Blue or Tangerine Pearl with Black guard. Might try a HS though...I really like the HS instruments.

The store have given me some quotes on the Sky Blue, but Im way too patient a man to jump on it just because it is there. The price isn't much less than a new one with the new tuners, so may go in that direction.

Saying that, I've been offered a second hand, built in late 2011, nice 5 HS in Black/Black Pearl which truly is in fabulous new condition, case candy, mint case, the lot. I don't usually dig black, but its a huge chunk off the price.

 

[adouglas]

The plan for world domination proceeds apace.

Muhahaha.

 

[Golem]

.............
The HH? I'm sold. I love that back bridge H. SOOO tight and funky.
Its a Ray, but tighter, more defined, and definitely Musicman.

..............

Uh huh ! The bridge HB on an HH Boingo is closer to the bridge than
the HB on a Ray. [The 1H Boingo puts the single HB in the Ray spot].


`

 

[kamakazee]

HH all the way! You know you want the thunder of the neck H. Thunder without mud, that is

 

[AnthonyD]

Agreed! The HH is the most awesome Bongo package for me (with a little 'p'!).