Hi, I'm a newbie

[Golem]

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? ........

Welcome, to the Democratic Republic of Bongo.

Rather than recommending a specific amp, I can say this about Bongoloid amps:
1. Need gain padding unless you always play huge cabs in huge venues

2. Unlike many other electric basses [EB's] that need some dirt, drive, or whatever from the amp to actually sound like an EB usually is expected to sound, a Bongo sounds just like a classic EB at almost any EQ, even from a really clean amp.

2-B. Amps that sound thin, or too twangy, with other EBs will sound great with a Bongo, so is the Bongo *really* the *only* ax you'll ever play thru you amp? IOW, be sure the amp also sounds decent with a cheap Ibanez or MIM Jazz before it goes home with you. A Bongo makes any amp sound great, but chances are you will *sometimes* use other basses.

3. Need really exceptional driver. Bongos eat subwoofing bass drivers for brunch. I'd recommend a seperate head and cab rig, even if you are thinking small or medium. You might wind up with a small-venue-lighter-weight cab plus another, more Bongo-zilla cab. Even if you insist you'll get just one cab and not mind the oversize in smaller gigs, Bongos *are* hard on speakers, so a seperate head and cab is still a safer approach.

Now I will [naturally] contradict myself and recommend an Acoustic Image head, whatever power and features you need, and the cab of your choice. AIs are sooperkleen, so you may need an outboard device to play certain non-Bongo basses, just to add some dirt.

 

[tkarter]

Welcome to the forum Jim. Great choice in basses. I do all of my bongo playing through a Peavey and ampeg cabs that sounds good.

tk

 

[Psycho Ward]

Welcome BongoJim, I too have a ButterCream H/H LE Bongo (lefty too boot!!!) and with that bass I get great results with an Ampeg SVTCL and 810e, or an Ashdown EVO500 stack. The Bongo EQ is so powerful lots of amps will sound great.

Welcome aboard!

 

[higher1]

I'm with Chuck on the SVT CL, nuttin finer for big phat tone! Now all you gotta do is a get a roady to move it for ya like I do...