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Ernie Ball Music Man Custom Design Experience

Lord Bongo Playing....What?

bovinehost

bovinehost

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Joined
Jan 16, 2003
Messages
18,203
Location
Dall-Ass, TX
We did a short set tonight at the Baboon Festival....I mean, the BALLOON Festival.

Brian did say, "This is our first Baboon Festival."

I said, "But we've played other Primate Festivals! We didn't just fall off the turnip truck, you know."

Anyway, initial pics by Mrs Lord Bongo.

baboonJ.jpg


Jeremy - not so wild about wearing my hat, even for a photo op.

baboonA.jpg


During setup. Looks like I'm trying to mic the fretboard of that Sterling.

baboonB.jpg


Sharp eyes will note the Bongo headstock loitering nearby in case of withdrawal.
No problems, though. The Sterling did the job quite nicely.

baboonC.jpg


Mister Rock Star. He does use EB strings, though - as does Chris.
Derek, we really need a string deal.

baboonD.jpg


I dunno how my right hand got way up there. Some theatrical crap, I'm sure.

baboonE.jpg


I'm sure he was unaware of the camera.

baboonF.jpg


Andy lookin' all serious as we attempt to kill him with fast shuffles.

baboonH.jpg


I think both of these guys would look better with Albert Lee guitars.

baboonI.jpg


"Let's see that sparkly thing!"

Jack
 
Randracula said:
Can you elaborate about the tone/feel of the Sterling after playing nothing but Bongos for so long?
Click to expand...

It's weird - I have Slinkys on it so that's an immediate HUGE difference. I am not known to use rounds very often, but they sound damned good on that bass.

Tone....a bit more naturally midrange heavy than my other basses. Very defined mids, which is absolutely wonderful when you want to stand out in the mix, which is my goal at each and every show.

Feel....hard to give up my Bongos, really. Also a bit odd to be playing a four string, although I do know that real men play four bangers.

The Sterling has - putting aside the Bongo love for just a minute - just about the best neck in the business. It's fast! It's sleek! If you think the Stingray neck is on the chunky side (I don't, but I've heard others say it), the Sterling is the way to go.

Overall, I prefer (surprise) my Bongos, but I can see hanging on to this bass and giving it some public love.

Plus, let's admit it - sparkle finishes just rule.

Jack
 
Thanks Jack, that's pretty much what i'd say about my Sterling compared to my other basses. My SR4 seems to have more low end and is fuller across the whole frequency range than the Sterling but is more transparent in the midrange than the Sterling. The Sterling doesn't seem to have a whole lot of low end when you're playing by yourself but stick it in a band situation and the low end is solid and like you said that midrange makes it cut through everything. Now my SR5 on the other hand seems to be able to do it all. I do have to get me one of these Bongos soon though.Problem is I don't know if I want to sell/trade any of my current 3 MM's to get it.Can the Bongo HH get a Jazz type sound at some point on the blend knob? BTW Jack your Sterling is beautiful......did I mention i'm on my third glass of Riesling?
 
never having met you, jack... that bass looks tiny on you... especially when you A-B them with the lisa pics. you must be a big guy.

...the sterling isn't a short scale bass, is it?
 
Awesome Jack!
mmmmm.... sparkles.....
and I wholeheartedly agree with the Sterling comments. I do prefer my Bonger5s due to the fact that they've been the only things in my hands for a while now BUT the Sterling neck is absolutely gorgeous and tiny. Also, the sound of the thing acoustically is nuts. So many people have commented on how alive it sounds when you pluck it unplugged.
 
bovinehost said:
Overall, I prefer (surprise) my Bongos, but I can see hanging on to this bass and giving it some public love.
Click to expand...
Aww damn! ;) Looks like you guys had a great time though! Really enjoyed seeing the pics :)
 
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Purdy? Are you snorting barroca? I notice that Jackie has Im a govt spook haircut and that Jeremy looks entirely too comfortable with a gun in his hand.

That being said the sparkle sterling will be GONE in less than 3 weeks...
 
Big Poppa said:
Purdy? Are you snorting barroca? I notice that Jackie has Im a govt spook haircut
Click to expand...

"Purdy!" That girl's been trading emails with Americans!

The govt spook haircut is a result of day 35 of 100 degree plus temperatures. Supposed to be around 104 when we play this afternoon OUTDOORS.

That being said the sparkle sterling will be GONE in less than 3 weeks...
Click to expand...

You may know something I don't, like you want to offer to build me a sparkle Bongo if I'll send you the sparkle Sterling....that might get it outta my hands!
 
Hey Jack. Looks like a great time.

Now, talkin' 'bout 104. My drummer and I met out at the lake gig yesterday to load in early enough that we could leave, take a shower and come back. Yesterday, when we got there at 4:00, the outside temperature reading on my dash was fluctuating between 107-109. Be very careful out there today! Drink boat loads of H2O.
 
Oh yeah, Larry, we'll get watered up good.

never having met you, jack... that bass looks tiny on you... especially when you A-B them with the lisa pics. you must be a big guy.
Click to expand...

I think it's more like Lisa goes about 40 pounds. I'm a fairly normal sized person, maybe six feet, 190 lbs.

Probably 5 pounds less after last night!

...the sterling isn't a short scale bass, is it?
Click to expand...

Nope! Might be the downsized body that's throwing you off.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
im happy to see jack playing the sterling. that makes me happy...

Ive been talking to randy a few times a week for a few months now and lately hes been saying "Bongo" more and more.... its just a matter of time till he gets one. i think someone should send him a loaner ;)
 
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