In praise of the mighty piezo!

[Oddio]

I've had my Bongo 5 HHP for about two weeks now and finally had the opportunity to give it a whirl in a gig setting. Piezo aside, it's a wonderfully versatile instrument in every regard. All of the standard praise the Bongo receives is certainly well-deserved and I'm truly lovin' it.

The really BIG BONUS was just how amazing the piezo sounded in a band context. Having only used it in practice and solo contexts, I had to concur with what others have said about the piezo being a bit bright. However, sitting in the live mix I had the chance to explore it's capabilities more fully. Even 100% peizo with the slightest treble reduction it sounded great. For a slightly meatier upright sound, with the piezo at 80% with 20% mag (neck pickup only) and controls flat it sounded superlative! When I got to step out for a few bars of solo I watched the jaws drop in amazement: how could that big round upright bass sound be coming from THAT odd looking thing that he's playing.

The Bongo is certainly praiseworthy in every regard, but the piezo adds a whole a whole new dimension to it.

Cheers,
Andrew

 

[Alvabass]

As I've said before, where have piezos been all of my life? They don't impress me for regular fingerstyle basslines, but for solo pieces and slap (it GROWLS!) they're awesome.

 

[stretch80]

Whenever I manage the $$ for a bongo, I want a piezo.

I played one in a GC, and I thought it also helped for getting a nice round rootsy P-bass sound that would kill with acoustic guitars.

My dilemna will be: Stingray 5 HS or Bongo HSP (or HHP).

Ah well. My SR5 sounds great. The band plays tomorrow, life is good!

 

[Abiatha]

I want you, Bongo..but I also love Sterling...I'm so confused!

SWM, 42, seeks HSP Bongo 5 unlined fretless for fun and games in a caring, meaningful, long-term relationship. Must be disease-free.
I have decided to go fretless, and I have been searching for the right MM for the job.
Crushed to have missed a chance at a '05 LTD Buttercream Sterling unlined fretless from Beaver, I was very vulnerable to BP's comments, and now find myself filled with lust for a HSP!
Sterlings with

 

[Oldtoe]

I've had my Bongo 5 HHP for about two weeks now and finally had the opportunity to give it a whirl in a gig setting. Piezo aside, it's a wonderfully versatile instrument in every regard. All of the standard praise the Bongo receives is certainly well-deserved and I'm truly lovin' it.

The really BIG BONUS was just how amazing the piezo sounded in a band context. Having only used it in practice and solo contexts, I had to concur with what others have said about the piezo being a bit bright. However, sitting in the live mix I had the chance to explore it's capabilities more fully. Even 100% peizo with the slightest treble reduction it sounded great. For a slightly meatier upright sound, with the piezo at 80% with 20% mag (neck pickup only) and controls flat it sounded superlative! When I got to step out for a few bars of solo I watched the jaws drop in amazement: how could that big round upright bass sound be coming from THAT odd looking thing that he's playing.

The Bongo is certainly praiseworthy in every regard, but the piezo adds a whole a whole new dimension to it.

Cheers,
Andrew

I believe I know you, sir.



Welcome!

There's a reason I play Bongos. I think you probably know they have a bit of that "secret ingredient" in the tone that makes those other British basses so nice, eh?

the has a Wal, too,

 

[adouglas]

Hmm....something going on here about people named Andrew and Bongos with piezos. There's me, MingusBASS, and now Oddio.

Stanky, get with the program! Make sure that Bongo 6 that you WILL have has a piezo in it.