Lefty content - Bongo 5 vs SR5?!?

[Marley's Ghost]

I have seen a few threads here on this topic with a variety of opinions. Here is my situation. I am looking to pull the trigger on either a left handed SR5 or Bongo5. The backwater I live in precludes the possibility of finding either in a shop and test driving it. I love the feel and tone of my SR4, but was looking for the depth and versatility of an HH. I was also hoping for a natural finish and maple board to contrast my Red/Rosewood SR, but that is lower priority. So have at it. Oh, and my band plays a mix of modern/classic rock and funk.

 

[syciprider]

A Bongo can cop a reasonable Ray and beyond. But only the SR will give you that signature, beefy SR sound.

Still, overall, both will give you that MM vibe.

Delicious problem you got there.

 

[ekb16b]

don't quote me on this as i may be wrong but i think lefty sr5's only come in the single H, so seeing as you're looking for an HH the bongo may be the way to go

 

[Marley's Ghost]

don't quote me on this as i may be wrong but i think lefty sr5's only come in the single H, so seeing as you're looking for an HH the bongo may be the way to go

I can quote you cause it is true. No lefty HH SR.

 

[tkarter]

I am a lefty. I play right handed basses though. I have both the SR5 H and a Bongo 5H.

The bongo clearly wins that battle with me.

Never tried a dual pup MM as the single H models get the job done in both varieties.

It is a wonderful problem to have since there is no such thing as a bad choice in MM basses.

tk

 

[bovinehost]

I love the feel and tone of my SR4, but was looking for the depth and versatility of an HH.

Looks to me that if you want the HH configuration, you have, oh, let's see - yep, one option. You've painted yourself into a corner, but it's a corner I've certainly enjoyed occupying these last few years.

I was also hoping for a natural finish and maple board to contrast my Red/Rosewood SR, but that is lower priority. So have at it. Oh, and my band plays a mix of modern/classic rock and funk.

I've been known to play those same kinds of music and while my SR5 (single H only, please, I'm weird like that) does a wonderful job, in the end, I'm always looking for a Bongo.

Jack

 

[Marley's Ghost]

So how does this sound?

Bongo HH Medallion Gold w matching headstock and Shell guard. Wish they still had some way to build an instrument to view an image.

 

[Psycho Ward]

That's a great combo!

 

[bovinehost]

Bongo HH Medallion Gold w matching headstock and Shell guard.

The HH configuration has been described (accurately, IMO) as the Swiss Army Knife of the bass world. Personally, I'm not interested in a zillion different tones; I want one killer tone and then the ability to easily tweak just a bit on the fly, and the HH gives me that in spades.

The Medallion Gold is an amazing finish. (And all Bongos have matching headstocks.)

It sounds like a great selection!

Jack

 

[Marley's Ghost]

Anyone using a piezo?

 

[bovinehost]

I have a (fretted) Blue Dawn HS with piezos and haven't yet found it very useful (for me). I also briefly owned a fretless MG Bongo 4 Hp and thought the piezos were much more useful on the fretless.

Bassmonkeee has an HHp Bongo 5, I believe, and swears by the piezos, so I guess it's personal preference.

 

[mynan]

So how does this sound?

Bongo HH Medallion Gold w matching headstock and Shell guard. Wish they still had some way to build an instrument to view an image.

Great combination, IMO, but if you are ordering one from the factory, you had better act quickly. Medallion Gold is being discontinued as of August 15...