History of the Bongo Questions

[CaseyBall]

Hello EBMM bass fans, I've been working on a post about the History of the Bongo for the EBMM blog. I've asked Sterling a few things as a resource to draw from, but I know that I can't think of everything that Bongo fans want to know.

So, what I'm proposing is that you guys post any questions here that you may have about the development of the Bongo.

I'll keep submissions for questions open for a week in this thread, and will put up a poll where everyone gets to vote on which questions they want BP to answer. The Top 5 most popular questions will be selected and I'll pitch them to him in interview style.

Submissions end at Noon PST Thursday June 15. Let's all have some fun with this one!

 

[Edmang]

Guess I am first!

One thing I always wondered about is why rosewood only and no maple option for the neck?

And speaking of necks, why painted instead of the standard oil and wax finish like a Stingray?

Would also be interested in knowing what Limited Editions, PDNs and BFR versions there may have been for the Bongo.

 

[JayDawg]

I was going to ask the same questions too about the neck. The only two Bongo's I have kept are my BFR roasted neck and my all rosewood neck because they are not painted. I love Bongo's but the painted neck is my only dislike about them. I was wondering two about why a maple fretboard is not offered?

My other question would be why the 18v pre amp was done and the reason for making it such a hot pre amp? I definitely love the versatility and all out power of the Bongo's.

 

[Edmang]

Just thought of another question. Why was the Piezo option added for the HS and HH versions, where it had only been available on single H models before?

 

[Edmang]

How did the body shape of the Bongo come about?

 

[CaseyBall]

Great questions so far, keep 'em coming!

 

[drTStingray]

Hi, I was curious about the reasoning for neodymium magnets and 18 volt electronics.

Btw don't change it, mine sounds great!!

 

[Edmang]

Good question about the magnets and electronics.

Why the crescent moon inlays on the fret board instead of dots? How was that thought of? I like it. Different from any other bass.

 

[oddjob]

Was always curious as to why the 3 vs 4 band eqs on the H vs HH/HS/Hp models. Why not stick with just 3 or just 4 (love the 3 band btw)?

 

[JayDawg]

Not to be a question hog but I'm also curious why the Bongo was given a different headstock shape? I like it and I'm assuming it we because maybe the thinking was that it flowed better with the unusual Bongo body shape over a traditional Music Man headstock. Or did it simply balance out the bass better to eliminate neck dive?

 

[dave1812]

My No.1 Question would be why the Bongo got a Painted Neck instead of the Phenomenal Wax/Oil Neck most other EBMMs have.
and No.2 even though it's probably not a "History" Question... But is there a Chance we might see the Bongo 6 with the thinner Neck like the one John Myung is using?

 

[Edmang]

Not to be a question hog

Think I might have that covered for this thread

 

[CaseyBall]

Loving these questions everybody, keep 'em up! I've wondered about the 3/4 band EQ division myself.

 

[MrMusashi]

what happened to the 3 winged tuning machines plan?

MrM

 

[CaseyBall]

Come on, guys, less than 20 hours left let me hear some more!

 

[Edmang]

Surprised has not been asked yet. Why basswood?

 

[jbaxter031]

Are we gonna see a John Myung spec Bongo 6 with the thinner neck profile anytime?

 

[oddjob]

I know other electronic packages were tried (I got to tinker with the green prototype with all the knobs) - were any others tried out (different make of pups, series vs parallel, selector switches, active/passive switch). I know the thought was to keep it simple (BP had some fun things to say about when controls got complex), but was there ever any thought in releasing the more complex electronics into the wild - even as a special run.

 

[MrMusashi]

i also think the bmw designworks link needs some attention

oh. and have there been any more research on other materials than wood?

MrM

 

[dave1812]

Was there ever a Bongo Neck Thru Design? If not, i think the Bongo would be a gorgeuos bass with a Thru Neck and Maple Top
Something like a Bongo NT BFR