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shakinbacon

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Feb 5, 2008
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791
After listening to several recordings of rehearsals, gigs and private bedroom practice and getting feedback from the soundman and trusted audience members/musicians, I think I found the tone I'm after. I am using a Bongo 5HHp and I have found that, *gasp*, the smiley face eq works best for me... as long as I blend in the piezo.

I find the Bongo gets the sound I want with all knobs (including magnetic/piezo blend) at center detent with the exception of bass and treble (which are boosted ~30% from the center detent).

I play fingerstyle and pluck between the humbuckers most of the time. For more thump I play over the neck humbucker, for more bite I play over the bridge pickup. It is very responsive to plucking hand placement.

My amp is set flat. I use 2836 roundwound Slinkies

It should be noted that this doesn't sound that hot played solo but works very well in my band setting (or playing along to rock recordings). The piezo adds a 3D quality to the sound I find hard to describe. It also adds plenty of mids.

The piezo signal has now become an integral part of my sound... just like Grand Wazoo predicted long back.

Most have stated the piezo is a must for fretless but not critical to fretted basses. I can see how they would come to that conclusion and I tended to agree. However, I am very grateful my bass has the piezos as I wouldn't be able to get this tone/responsiveness without the piezo transducers.
 
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Grand Wazoo

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Oct 20, 2008
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Thanks for the mention, it's not rocket science, and like me, you have definately found the sweet spot which means: Bongo 5HH plus the piezo, plus the #2836 strings is by far the best combination to suit this particular bass.

Zak Duarte has recently joined this particular bass rank, having got one in a crazy swap deal with Erin. I'd also like to hear his impression on the 5HH+p Bongo.

Oops I need to drop pilot...... talk later.
 

Grand Wazoo

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Some threads do, sorry
Back on theme.

Bongo HHP who's got one and how do you use your piezo, 25/75, 50/50 100/0 or 75/25?
 
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