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John Myung Bongo 4

Opening thoughts Bongo vs Sterling

C

corrosiontrav

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 4, 2005
Messages
92
Well I got my new (used) Sterling and I've had my Bongo for a few months, and I'm using a Mesa 400+ going through an Ampeg 412HE.

The Sterling is completely different animal than the Bongo. The neck is slimmer and more like a classic J-Bass neck, but a bit more comfortable. The EQ is great and really brings out the character of the Sterling withough coloring the sound a lot, I was able to get a real clean piano growl right off the bat and with a flip of the toggle and few adjustments on the pre-amp I could get into dirty rock territory. The main difference in sound in my head is that the Sterling has a much more aggresive punchy tone than the Bongo. The Bongo has a more smooth tone, at least to my ears.

I really like the tone of the Sterling through my Mesa, which just furthers my belief that Music Man basses love Mesa 400+'s.

Pics coming soon.
 
Congrats on the new-to-you Sterling!

I concur with your thoughts...I feel the Sterling is more "traditional" in feel and tone than the Bongo (but not too traditional!)

I can understand why people love the Bongo...it plays great and the EQ is extremely powerful...just not my cup of tea!

Enjoy the diversity!
 
So I've spent the better part of the past weekend playing my Sterling, and I love it.

It's not as smooth as the Bongo, it has a more aggressive bass tone and really cuts. The bongo has more tonal versatility, but in pure plug and play I have to say I like the Sterling a bit better, but really it's apples and oranges.

It's just got such a great growly/roaring tone that I keep going back to it.
 
Get a hold of a singleH bongo when you can. I think you'll be a bit surprised in the difference to a HH.
 
maddog said:
Get a hold of a singleH bongo when you can. I think you'll be a bit surprised in the difference to a HH.
Click to expand...

Therein lies the problem.

GCs never have them, and I've not found a dealer who does, either. Even the online sources are overwhelmingly HH and HS.

It's like the piezo option. You kind of have to take it on faith.
 
Single Humbucker Bongo

adouglas said:
Therein lies the problem.

GCs never have them, and I've not found a dealer who does, either. Even the online sources are overwhelmingly HH and HS.

It's like the piezo option. You kind of have to take it on faith.
Click to expand...


I have one I am considering selling. Drop me an email if you are interested.
 
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