Smooth Fun in DC

[steve f]

Got off early today so what better to do than a road trip to WMC.
I'm looking at a fretless EBMM something or other for my next investment and they had a few to audition.
SR4 HS, SR4 Hp, Sterling4 Hp, unfortunately no Bongos!

What I learned: I like the Sterling neck on a 4 (even though I'm fine with the SR5). Piezo is a MUST on a fretless. The training wheels (lines) boost my confidence ..... and intonation. The SR4 Hp has a bit of a warmer, chunkier tone to my ear but the Sterling4 Hp is a bit more focused "edgy" sound and the switch adds a little flexibility. So now it's down to a Sterling4 Hp or a SLO SR4 Hp....

Or...

a BONGO! The only problem is there is nowhere to try one out. Can anyone tell me how the Bongo fits into the scheme of things compared to what I described above? How does the neck compare? How about the tonal spectrum of a Bongo (in HSp or Hp)?

If I go for a Bongo (which I'm VERY tempted to do), it will have to be blind (well, deaf really). I've listened to some samples and read other posts but the more info I have to make my decision the better.

Thanks
Steve

 

[jlepre]

Welcome Steve,

You're correct! The piezo is a MUST on a fretless.

As far as the tonal differences, picture in your mind the sound you heard this afternoon, but with a WHOLE lot MORE nuances. I mean the Bongo IS an 18V pre-amp, so it has alot more balls so to speak.

The neck is a little different. It's closer to the Stingray than the Sterling. The Sterling is definitely thinner, and the Bongo neck is a satin smooth finish.

I recently sold a Fretless Bongo 5 HH/p and it was a killer bass.

If you like the sound and FEEL of the Stingray, then you will LOVE a Bongo!

JMHO...

 

[mmbassplayer]

Steve... i was at WMC two days ago and played that Fretlees Sterling Hp. Awesome sound on that. As far as comparison to a Bongo... I have owned a HSp 5er and HH 4 string. The HSp my quite possibly the world most versatile bass imho. Piezo option adds a whole new charater to the Bongo that i don't think even a Hp Sterling can touch. But man that Sterling played nice. Tough choices with this company. JOSH

 

[steve f]

Thanks for the input guys.
How does the thickness of the bongo neck compare to the stingray?
On the website, the width at the nut is exactly the same - 1 5/8".
Is it the same thickness as well?
Josh - they also had a Vintage Burst Sterling4 Hp they brought out for me. It was beautiful, had brand new strings, and played beautifully.

 

[timmy5strings]

I believe they had a Bongo or 2 at the Rockville GC just down the road from WMC. They had a couple 25ths and an AL there as well. There are also quite a few SR5's in the HS configuration, play them all !!!