Tell me about the Bongo...

[Koch Sanchez]

I just received an L2000 that I have a day left to decide whether or not to return it - I like the number of sounds it gets and the look but the neck is REALLY wide. So I tried a Bongo again today and while I'm not a huge fan of the look and the last 3 I played I didn't like - this one for some reason played really well it was the 4 string HH model in dark grey.

The manager of the GC said he could give me a great deal on it because it was hanging there for a while. Anyway - can someone tell me more about what tones I can expect to get out of it - the controls were a bit confusing.

Again - I guitar player who only plans on having one bass so I need something a little versatile. Its either the bongo or the sterling for me. Do the Bongo's hold their value as well as the sterlings?

Please give me some pros and cons - either way I'm buying MM but just need to figure out which way to go!

 

[Koch Sanchez]

Also - if someone could PM me I could tell you the deal the manager offered me and let me know if it sounds like a good deal.

 

[EBMM7181]

Sanchez - Either way, you can't go wrong. Sterling or Bongo. I personally like StingRay's, but I'm trying to convince my wife to let me order a Blue Dawn Sterling...

Anyways, I do not own a Bongo, but I have played them, and they are Tone Monsters....some describe them as a StingRay/Sterling on Steroids.....

Just play them both, and get whatever you like best, but you can't go wrong buying any Musicman product. There are several people on this forum who have multiple Bongo's, and in many pickup configs, so hopeully they can post to help you out better.

PS - Welcome to the forum

 

[Koch Sanchez]

Thanks - I know it sounds kind of stupid, but resale value is somewhat important (all else equal) if the sterlings will hold their value a bit better I might lean that way. Again, if the price I was quoted on the Bongo is not far off from what a used one would go for - then my risk of trying it is less (I could always sell it and then get the Sterling at a minimum loss).

 

[Koch Sanchez]

Also - what about the painted necks on the Bongo - what happens when it gets worn in - does the paint chip? Is there maple under there? Sorry for the stupid questions.

 

[AnthonyD]

Few thoughts...

Bongo tone is a bit more aggressive by nature, but tameable, nonetheless.

Bongo neck will wear to a polished finish - haven't heard about chipping or wearing through the paint finish.

I believe the neck is maple...

As for the look, it will grow on you - it is unique and unlike any other bass on the market - very distinguished.

Bongo pick-up tone variations are managed via blend - Sterling is managed via switch.

If Mr. GC Manager is providing the HH at a steal, there's probably not much risk in giving it a try - watch a few eBay auctions to get a sense of resale value.

Choice is yours...

 

[eddybomb]

I've only played 1 Bongo, but it was amazing...I must admit that it sounded better than the Sterling and the 2 Stingrays that were hanging next to it.

 

[SteveB]

The Bongo has all sorts of tonal options. Make sure you start playing it with the EQ knobs set flat.. there's a detented position where you'll feel the knob sorta 'click' in.. set 'em there to start. Make minor tweaks to the various EQ bands, one at a time. A little can go a long way!

Make sure the two 9-volt batteries are good.

They are really comfortable to play.. mine feels light.. it's not under 9 lbs though, but I think the way it's balanced just makes it feel lighter due to the distribution of the weight.

The frequency response is amazing. You can pluck out harmonics all over the neck, even in those tricky frets.

I don't know anything about their resale value, as I very rarely sell any gear.

 

[SteveB]

HH controls

Here's the control pattern for the HH bongo (assuming it's a non-piezo model).

 

[oddjob]

Resale with the Bongo has been decent but not stellar (with the ltd exceptions) - about what you would think for a bass that has been around for about only 4 years. When I sold my Bongo 5 I got back about 90% of it after 2 years (not too bad) and the ones on ebay seem to be hovering in the 70-90% of actual sale value depending on condition (again the ltd seem to be doing very well) - But they pop up less frequently (you might catch 2-3 avg. on ebay at a time - I have been trolling for a 4HS for 2 months now and have yet to see one) which, imo, means their owners are usually satisfied.

As for me - I like the Sterling - I LUV the Bongo (esp. the single H), it sounds great, is very dynamic, looks great (after they grow on you) and attracts a lot (and I mean A LOT) of attention (I have yet to play a show where I don't get atleast one question about it - usually much more). Either way though, you can't go wrong.

 

[Psycho Ward]

Sound is more important than looks, at least that's what I keep telling my wife when she's on me about being fat.

 

[oddjob]

+1

 

[hankSRay]

I'm a hardcore StingRay lover but I sat down with a dual humbucker bongo the other day and completely fell in love. My StingRays aren't going anywhere but a Bongo will definately be my next purchase. That 4 Band EQ on the dual pickup models is vicious. I hear the single H is the way to go but I haven't had a chance to play one.

 

[Alvabass]

My fretted Bongo is a 5-string with double humbuckers and piezo bridge. It's one of the most versatile basses you can find. Just after I got it, I recorded some sound samples trying to show its possibilities. Hope they will be useful to you. Click here.