Opening thoughts Bongo vs Sterling

[corrosiontrav]

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.

 

[Dr. Nick]

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!

 

[corrosiontrav]

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.

 

[maddog]

Get a hold of a singleH bongo when you can. I think you'll be a bit surprised in the difference to a HH.

 

[tkarter]

Get a hold of a singleH bongo when you can. I think you'll be a bit surprised in the difference to a HH.

+1

tk

 

[adouglas]

Get a hold of a singleH bongo when you can. I think you'll be a bit surprised in the difference to a HH.

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.

 

[RitchieDarling]

Single Humbucker Bongo

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.

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

 

[adouglas]

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

Sorry...very happy Bongo5 HHp owner. Just wondering what a single H sounds like. Don't need two basses. I'm not (much) of a gear ho.

 

[Randracula]

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

Pics?

 

[maddog]

Pics?

Go on with your bad self Randy.