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John Myung Bongo 4

To the Bongo Experts ...

O

OldSchool Noob

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
224
Location
Minneapolis, MN
To the Group -

First of all, hello to everyone! This is my first post and I'm happy to be here. Hopefully, I can learn some things and not embarass myself in the process.

According to standard messageboard etiquette (sp?), I have already done a search on this but I'd like some interactive feedback.

Per my handle, I am a relative novice at Bass (just about a year) and I am definitely not a pro -- it's just a fat man's hobby for me.

This year, I have bought (and sold) a number of basses and I'm still looking for one that gives me the maximum amount of versatility from a tonal and sound standpoint. I have even been considering buying a (believe it or not) Variax.

Over the past couple of weeks, I have begun taking a good, hard look at the Bongo. Everything I read says that the range of tones it offers is unprecedented. That appeals to me!

I would rather not have a collection of basses just to get a range of sounds -- I can't afford it and it doesn't make sense if I'm not making money with it. ON the other hand, if I could find one bass that could have enough tonal flexibility that I could ...

* Get the bottom-end "oomf" of a F**der P-Bass
* Get the "growl" of a F**der Jazz Bass
* Get the slappy "splank" of a Stingray
* Get some other sounds, too!

That bass would be very appealing to me. It doesn't have to be a dead-on replication of these -- it just has to be close enough to approximate the musical ideas. (If that makes sense.)

I am curious if that bass is the Bongo. I've not played one but I LOVE the way they look. (I love the way the headstock picks up the shape of the body -- hot!) From what I've been reading here, the Bongo MIGHT be just the ticket but I would like to hear what those of you who have them think.

I welcome all replies!

- OSN
 
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* Get the bottom-end "oomf" of a F**der P-Bass
* Get the "growl" of a F**der Jazz Bass
* Get the slappy "splank" of a Stingray
* Get some other sounds, too!

Add the angry roar of a Wal.

I mean, it's not a Variax (I am thankful for this) and it isn't all things to all people, but if you, like me, dig the looks and are looking for a smokin' and versatile bass, grab a Bongo and give it a spin.

And of course keep in mind that music stores are not usually the ideal environment, but it's what we got, right?

Let us know if we can be of any assistance.

Jack

PS: Welcome!
 
It sounds like the Bongo may be exactly what you're looking for. You definitely need to spend a little time with one through your amp. If you're anywhere near Phoenix, I'll let you try one of mine out.
 
I'm pretty much spoiled for most other basses; I have a very limited number of basses that I'll even consider buying as a backup for my Bongo.

The Bongo, in any of its three configs (piezo optional on some), cuts through the live mix like nobody's business!

And recording with it...shameless! :D
 
Go find a Bongo (GC normally has one or two) and spend some time with it. The longer the better.

Gotta give the mind control rays time to work....

the_optimist.jpg
 
OldSchool Noob said:
Unfortunately, I am in cold, snowy Minneapolis.
Click to expand...

*P.A. On* paging Mingusbass, Mr. Mingusbass. *P.A. off*

Andrew should be along shortly (i hope)
 
I think the bongo is perfect for you.

the 4 band eq of the HH config is exceptional.

and you should go 5 string, and butter cream.....

and you should only pay 1100 shipped to your door...


from me...

cause i gotta sell mine...:D


seriously, bongo 5hh 1100 shipped. dead mint with case.


thanks
joel D.
 
I was talking to Mr Dwayne earlier on the phone and we had a very nice conversation about which config he might favor. We also talked about Motown and Philly Soul and everything else I love, too, and Dwayne turns out to be a mighty fine website designer, too.

Anyway.

Dwayne! This is a fine deal on a fine bass, although I know you might be leaning toward a four banger.

Sometimes I want to make a sale, sure, but it's enough to hook a brother up.

Dwayne, Joel (disquieter) is a stand-up guy and this is a really nice bass.

Now you boys talk amongst yourselves.

Jack
 
I was looking at that bass earlier ...

... and I looked long and hard.

Still looking and lusting.

But MERCY, that's a tough call this close to Christmas. :(
 
...... chiming in a bit late but... it definitely sounds like a dual H Bongo would be great for what you're wanting. OR possibly one of the new dual p/u Rays/Sterlings . Regardless, you won't have to look any further than EBMM :D


btw, welcome!
 
OldSchool Noob said:
I LOVE the way they look. (I love the way the headstock picks up the shape of the body -- hot!)
- OSN
Click to expand...

That's what made me get a Bongo. i thought I was going to get a Stingray 5, saw the Bongo and bought it without bothering to play it. If that sounds crazy, consider this: The Stingray and Sterling are some of the best basses around, regardless of price. And so when EBMM put the Bongo on the market, they sure wouldn't make it less good:D

With the 2 HB's and 4 band EQ (and even Piezo, if that's a sound you hear in your head. Ask Adouglas;) ) you can dial in any sound you can possibly imagine.

IMHO: That Vari-bass stuff is not inexpensive, but definitely cheap. Don't go there, man.
 
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