Hi, I'm a newbie

[Oldguy]

Hi Everybody, I'm new to the forum so pls forgive any stupid mistakes I initially make...

I'm also new to the Bongo. I've picked up the bass after a 35+ year absence, and last week got my 2005 ltd edition 4-str buttercream HH. This is the only instrument I'll ever need (unless of course I eventually also get a 5-string Bongo).

Can anyone give me some advice re amp? At the moment I'm fine with an el-cheapo practice amp, but I will get into the big league sometime soon. I'm thinking separates are the way to go, I can start out with a good amp and single cab, and add another if I end up playing out of the house. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I should add that I have heard MarkBass products are incredible, but not yet available in the US.

Thanks all, and pls tell me if I am not abiding by forum etiquette...

[Bongo]Jim

 

[Randracula]

Welcome and congrats on the new Bongo!That's one helluva reintroduction to the bass. As far as amps go i'm partial to Gallien Krueger for their tone,volume and relatively inexpensive price.I would start with a head of at least 300 watts and a single 8ohm cab so you can add one later. I really like 2x12 cabs but I would go with whatever sounds best to you.Good Luck

 

[Oldguy]

Thanks! Yeah, the Bongo is incredible. I am very fortunate to be able to start at the top. I will check out the GK stuff.

 

[TSanders]

Jim. Welcome. Your Bongo sounds sweet.

I too would say check out the GK heads. Their Neo cabs are also GREAT cabs. Id also give Bergantino cabs a try if there is a dealer near you. Either of those brands would do great justice to your Bongo.

 

[fogman]

Welcome Jim!
As you know, this place is great to hang out!

 

[maddog]

Glad you stopped on by Jim. Hope this becomes a second home for ya'. Relax and pull up and EBMM or two.

 

[MCBTunes]

You need to give eden a try too, great stuff.

Eden WT550 550 watts@4ohms, 750watts@2ohms.... leaves room for another 210 or whatever.

Eden 210XST 4ohms

 

[ras1983]

Hi jim, congrats on your new bongo. i myself have only recently recieved my stealth bongo; and i agree that it is an awesome bass. i am as partial as randracula about the GK tone, so i will recommend that you check out some of their amps; such as the 700RB-II or the more powerful 1001RB-II. as far as cabs, there are many great cabs out their from the likes of GK, ampeg, eden, bergantino, etc etc.

enjoy your new bass

 

[Freddy-G.]

A 35+ year absence? You must have done your research, 'cause you sure picked the right bass. And a Ltd. Edition, at that! I salute you, Jim!

 

[Mobay45]

For a group of people that have so much in common when it comes to basses, we are very divided on amplification. From Ampeg to Trace Elliot, we all like something different.

Presently, I'm using GK but I'll definitly check out the Mark Bass stuff when it becomes available since BP is so high on it.

BTW - Welcome. Take your shoes off and stay a while.

 

[MingusBASS]

Welcome to the addiction!!!!!!!!

The good news is that you can plug a bongo into pretty much anything and it will sound great. Try as many amps as you can. GK is good stuff at a fair price, but it's just not my bag. If you can, check out Ashdown heads and Bergantino cabs. They make a great combination.

 

[Oldguy]

A 35+ year absence? You must have done your research, 'cause you sure picked the right bass. And a Ltd. Edition, at that! I salute you, Jim!

Yeah, pretty amazing huh? A million distractions, life, children, finances, guitar-playing. Time has come for what I did best, a long time ago. I did alot of research and hands-on, and also consulted a wise friend, and bought 2 basses, the Bongo and another brand which shall remain nameless. It is an excellent instrument in all respects: playability, sound, and appearance. Yet the Bongo is more solid, dials in every type of sound I could ever want, has little details and felicities in construction and components, and has that quality of "rightness" and "I know what I am about" that sets apart superior instruments from merely excellent instruments. Hence my quest now for just the right amplification.

I know I talk too much, but I am VERY appreciative of the warm welcome and advice I am getting. Thanks all, and thanks EB/MM for hosting this forum.

Jim

 

[UKFIN]

Welcome to the site and congrats on the bongo

Personally I am partial to Ampeg when it come to amps

My only advice is use your ears, try as many products in your price range as possible and draw your own conclusion . There are many great amps/cabs out there just enjoy your search and dont rush into anything

 

[limitk7]

pls tell me if I am not abiding by forum etiquette...

[Bongo]Jim

Sure thing. PICTURES! BUTTERCREAM PICTURES! BUTTERCREAM BONGO!

Err, what I mean is we like to see pictures of new basses. Welcome to the forum! Don't forget to check out SWR stuff on your search for amplification. I like tight and clean sound (well, at least I think the sound is tight and clean) that they produce.

Cheers,

 

[LisaIs]

Welcome Jim! I am glad you came to hang out with us.

 

[Aussie Mark]

For a group of people that have so much in common when it comes to basses, we are very divided on amplification. From Ampeg to Trace Elliot, we all like something different.

And that's just the fans of all-in-one heads. Once you start talking about big headroom rack rigs with separate preamps and power amps, things get even more diverse.

 

[bovinehost]

Hey, with a name like BongoJim, I'm sure we'll all get long quite nicely.

Welcome, sir.

Jack

 

[Alvabass]

Welcome and congrats on your Bongo, Jim. As for a rig, I'd recommend you to check something like mine. I'm really happy with it.

 

[Bubba Love]

Hi Jim,

From what Big Poppa says, Markbass will be along fairly soon in the US. I would definately hold of making any big rig purchases until you've heard them. They're definately the way forward!

 

[Dr Stankface]

Welcome Jim!

Another vote for GK. Like Travis said, the Neo cabs are GREAT!!!

This makes the 1093823049283043 time i've posted this pic.