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Thinking about a 5 string.

JayDawg

JayDawg

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 21, 2010
Messages
1,880
Location
Sterling, Colorado
I can't decide though between a Stingray 5 H or a Bongo 5 H. For those that have played both, what are the similarities and differences? I have 3 Bongo 4 strings and have owned 3 others and have owned 1 Stingray 4 H in addition to the Stingray Classic I have now.
 
I decided to make my 5 string MM a SR classic.

I don't like the looks of the silhuette (and hence SR5). I prefer a painted neck, but a smooth clear paint, not the car colors on the bongo. I don't like the neodymium pickups. The 4-band EQ in the Bongo is the same I have in the rack. The 2-band SR classic preamp is fairly unique and still useful.

The Bongo with its small body and the 24 frets doesn't do that well with basswood, IMHO. I might like it better in Ash, but not some wimpy swamp ash. Finally, the bridge pickup in the bongo is in the wrong position unless you get a single-H, which is very rare on the used market.

I'm happy with my SR 5 classic with rosewood board. I picked one up during the guitar center closeouts.
 
I have owned both, and the SR5 is what does it for me. I used to think the HH was the best, but have since seen the light of the single H. It just has all the bight and tone I ever need. I get compliments all the time from not only my band mates, but other bassists as well.
 
The sr5 has the 3 way switch and if you get an older one the alnico pickup, plus you can get one with a maple fb. I have owned both and prefer the sr5. Now if you get a Bongo HH 5 you get a whole different beast. If you come up to denver, give my sterling 5 H a try compared to my bongo. 2 different animals
 
Yeah but doesn't the SR5 deletes the in-series mode for the humbucker? Even though they went through the trouble of putting a 5-way switch?
 
five7 said:
The sr5 has the 3 way switch and if you
get an older one the alnico pickup, .........
Click to expand...

No need to find an older SR5 to get alnico
PUs. The SR5 reverted to alnico when the
Sterling 5 was introduced, the Sterling 5
being essentially identical to the ceramic
era SR5, minus the uglee SR5 PU. My SR5
has alnico PUs and was built about 3 or 4
years ago.

More pointedly on-topic, I'll part with my
Boingo 5HH in a blink, but the above SR5
HS is family. I have a Boingo 4 HpFL thaz
also family, so I'm not coming from some
anti-Boingo atteetood. Just haven't really
"found love" with the 5.
 
So I think I am going to go with a Stingray 5. However, the nearest MM dealer to me that may have one, is over 2 hours away. I would like to try out both a SR 5H and a SR 5HH to see the difference between the two. For those that have played both, which one to you prefer and why?
 
I have owned many of both, and I used to be in the HH camp thinking I had more sound options. Since owning my current SR5 single H, and am a true believer that LESS is MORE. I can get the most USABLE tones from the H. Have you thought of buying used? I would check your local CL. That's how I found my keeper.
 
jlepre said:
I have owned many of both, and I used to be in the HH camp thinking I had more sound options. Since owning my current SR5 single H, and am a true believer that LESS is MORE. I can get the most USABLE tones from the H. Have you thought of buying used? I would check your local CL. That's how I found my keeper.
Click to expand...

I am still undecided of how I want to acquire one? I am debating offering my PDN Honey roasted Bongo 4 HHp as a trade for one or selling it to buy one.
 
I'd opt for (considering what you have):

Ray 5 HH or HS (the HS is a wonderful instrument and quite rare)
Sterling 5 H, HS or HH
 
I really like my Sterling 5 HS - I would strongly recommend checking one of those out, if at all possible...


- georgestrings
 
I wish I could find a place that has both a Stingray 5 and a Bongo 5 and compare them. I do have my eye on a really nice SR5 at Bass Central but I can't pull the trigger just yet.
 
JayDawg said:
I wish I could find a place that has both a Stingray 5 and a Bongo 5 and compare them. I do have my eye on a really nice SR5 at Bass Central but I can't pull the trigger just yet.
Click to expand...

Too bad you're not closer to SoCal. I have an SR5 and 3 Bongos to compare it to.
You never know, you could possibly return home with a new SR5. ;)
 
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