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John Myung Bongo 4

Upright tone....

V

Visirale

Member
Joined
Apr 6, 2006
Messages
21
Location
Orlando, FL
Which MM bass in which PU configuration is gonna get me closest to an upright tone?

Please save me $1000 from going for a Rob Allen...

I imagine a Piezo is gonna be in the mix somewhere... But entertain me :).
 
I have played in big jazz bands in the military with some great results using an Stingray 5 with TI flats. I wouold either leave it in the middle position or forward in the series pos. I usually leave a Stingray 5 in the middle pos and close to flat save a bit of bass boost and pulling the highs back from center to taste.
 
So I've got a bass worked out in my head... what do you guys think...

SR5 HH
Black Cherry
Black Pickguard
Matching Headstock
Fretless Lined
Flats

I'm drooling...
 
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Some LaBella Nylon TapeWounds would be a great start but also the TI OR!! ErnieBall flats would be a good start and then get some foam to put up against the bridge sddles and let 'er rip! :cool:

but the LaBellas would get you alot closer to the Rob Allen toane as that's what he uses on his basses.
 
Strings and amplification are vitally important in getting a somewhat upright-ish sound.

The closest I ever got just happened to be with a single Humbucker Bongo strung with flats. For a short time, I was using an EA iAMP 800 and it really kicked the natural tone in the butt, big time.

My Sunn is possibly capable of doing that, but I like the 'gritty' sound of the Sunn much better.

I think the Bongo can get you in the general area due to the flexibility of the preamp, but then I didn't try my SR5 with the iAMP. Probably a good bet.

I had an SR5 with piezos for a bit and while I liked the additional tonal options, I never thought it was very upright-ish.

YMMV!

Jack
 
Visirale said:
So I've got a bass worked out in my head... what do you guys think...

SR5 HH
Black Cherry
Black Pickguard
Matching Headstock
Fretless Lined
Flats

I'm drooling...
Click to expand...


are you purposely leaving out the piezo?
 
strummer said:
You'll be better off with a Bongo HHP I'd say, but what do I know about upright sound:confused:
Click to expand...
Haha sorry, but I just can't bring myself to play a bongo. I mean, I'm sure they sound great but I just can't do those looks. I look goofy enough without a bongo hanging around my neck.
 
Too bad you won't consider a Bongo because a Bongo HP fretless is what I was going to suggest for what you're looking for.


You going for "upright tone" or "upright looks"?


IMG_2405.jpg
 
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Steve Dude Barr said:
Too bad you won't consider a Bongo because a Bongo HP fretless is what I was going to suggest for what you're looking for.


You going for "upright tone" or "upright looks"?


IMG_2405.jpg
Click to expand...
Haha, you're showing how superficial I am!

I'll try one when I venture over to Bass Central on saturday. It's going to have to sound really amazing in order for it to compensate for those looks...
 
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