What Strings to use for Bongo 5HH SS

[dave1812]

Hi Guys
I recently put on a new Set of Strings on my Vintage Tobacco PDN Bongo 5HH with Stainless Frets.
I used the Ernie Ball 2824 Super Slinkys (40-125), the playability really improved for fast Myung like playing.
But I think the Tone really suffered, and I can't get it to sound right. The Strings sound kinda muffled and increasing the Treble or High Mids only Boosts the Fret Buzz
The Factory Set is the Regular Slinky 45-130 I believe, it sounded much better with those, but I'm afraid I'm gonna get tenosynovitis again if I use the thicker Strings.
What Brand and Gauge Strings do you Guys use for your Bongos? Especially Stainless Steel Fretted Bongos?
I though about getting Cobalts, but they might not pair well with the SS Frets
Did anyone try the D'addario "Soft Gauge" Strings?

Cheers
dave

 

[AndyRage]

For me and my Bongo, Cobalts are tonally superior to any string I have tried. If they lasted longer I would use hem exclusively. But because changing strings so often has began to hurt my wallet, I will be switching back to Dagonskins on my next hange. If you haven't tried Dragonskins, I highly recommend giving them a shot.

 

[AndyRage]

Also, the size I'm running on my Bongo HH is 45-105s, for both the Cobalts and Dragonskins.

 

[7broccos]

I do use Cobalts on my Bongo but have used GHS Pressure wounds,they feel great and sound very good on the Bongo.

 

[Bass Control]

I had used the Cobalts on my old Bongo 6 Honeyburst PDN many moons ago. Turned that thing into a bigger monster than it already was. Been using Cobalts since (now trying the Cobalt flats again).

Go with the Cobalts. You won't regret it.

 

[MrMusashi]

would it be wrong to suggest trying flats on your bongo?

cobalt flats even

MrM

 

[Golem]

would it be wrong to suggest trying flats on your bongo?

cobalt flats even

MrM

Not wrong .... but too polite. Don't "suggest", INSIST !

And a huuuuge +1 to cobalt. Flat windings to get rid of
the fret buzz, cobalt to maintain the hottitude.

As to cobalts having too short a playing life, I've heard
that about various respected strings over the years. It
is usually the outlier opinion, so I strongly suspect that
holders of such opinions are mistakenly adopting the
"pre-broken-in" tone for the native, long term tone of
their string sets. While this is somewhat workable, it's
expensive and ultimately proves impractical.

 

[Mu5icM@n]

Cobalts sound like they were made for the Bongo, absolutely perfect on that bass. One of the things I like about them is that even though acoustically they might sound a little dead, plugged in they sound awesome for quite some time. Never seen/heard a bass string with that characteristic in 25 years of playing.

Tom