Whats my problem?

[Psycho Ward]

Well I like having several basses at all times, I already have a SR4 and a SR5. A Bongo is on the way and I want a Sterling and after hearing BP play that Silo thing I want one of those too.

I like to take different ones to gigs. It’s like, when I walk on stage I hear in the back of my head Jack in a hushed version of his announcer voice, like he’s a covering a golf tournament saying… “Tonight Chuck Ward is playing a classic natural finish, 2005 Ernie Ball MusicMan Sting Ray 5 with a tort pickguard custom installed by Bass Central. Chuck chose the maple neck tonight, so we can expect a bright, snappy tone from his amateurish performance… *whispering now* … Lets listen to the pre-show tuning… oops there’s some sort of problem… ok, he forgot to plug in the SR5, ok now.. EEE… -EE… +EEE… -E +E ++E… Chuck is cussing the tuner…"

 

[Freddy-G.]

How you like the 29er?

Tom, the 29er is similar to the Bongo. It is the wave of the future, but is getting limited acceptance from the majority. And it could be like Travis' delima: when comparing a 26" wheeled bike to one with 29" wheels, most likely you will prefer the one you've ridden the most and have become the most comfortable with. Like you said, taller guys are going to like 29ers better.

 

[flywheel]

Im still not sure where to go from here.

Im one of the few who has owned a Dual H, Single H, and H/SC.

Everytime, I go back the StingRay 4/5.

Maybe Im just a StingRay guy. Thought that before, but the fear of not having a Bongo is sometimes overwhelming.

Travis...you and I are in the same boat. I'm making myself gig on my Bongo at my next show. I always grab the Rays to play live for some reason. My Bongo has an untouchable tone but I almost sold it just because it wasn't getting much playing time. But I'm totally afraid if I sell...I'll just end up buying another one down the road.

 

[Big Poppa]

If you want to get used to a new instrument you need to leave the old one home and turn your brain off and play.

 

[Joshua]

If you want to get used to a new instrument you need to leave the old one home and turn your brain off and play.

Wash. Rinse. Repeat.

 

[maddog]

Tom, the 29er is similar to the Bongo. It is the wave of the future, but is getting limited acceptance from the majority. And it could be like Travis' delima: when comparing a 26" wheeled bike to one with 29" wheels, most likely you will prefer the one you've ridden the most and have become the most comfortable with. Like you said, taller guys are going to like 29ers better.

I've heard good and bad about 29ers. They may have limited acceptance now but I've started seeing more and more on the trail. Just give it time. And like the Bongo lives in harmony with the SR and Sterling, the 29er will live in harmony with the 26ers.

 

[teonigil]

Put your fingers where your heart is.
Time is a minor factor TMO, When you pick up the "right" bass it feels so from the first moment.

 

[shamus63]

I agree with feel, but tone definitely has to figure in. I've had more than enough basses that felt like butter in my hands, but sounded like sh*t.

 

[teonigil]

Yeah... I get your point here, but none of the above mentioned sound like s**t.
TMO most of the sound comes from the player's touch with a little help from the rest. A good player sounds OK on a s**ty bass as well, but that doesn't change the fact that a "good" bass is a personal thing.
I've had many situations where a bass sounded "bad" by itself but magically fitted in the mix, if you know what I'm saying

 

[Dr Stankface]

Your problem is you strap your bass and your life way too high bro...relax...

I hope you're not talking about Travis. I thought his bass was going to scrape the stage a few weeks ago.

Andrew

 

[TSanders]

For those whove posted, but dont seem to have read my initial post, I guess Ill reword it.

Ive owned:

a Dual H Bongo 4
A Single H Bongo 5
a H/SC Bongo 4.

I really just want to know if anyone else really prefers the SR4(5)/Sterling, after owning a Bongo.

 

[smallequestrian]

Travis, I don't think your alone. Not me of course, but you aren't the only EBMM lover who has sold a Bongo, and you won't be the last. I wouldn't worry about it. I think you may be a prime candidate for one of the new duel pickup SR or SR5's though.

 

[AnthonyD]

For my fretless I went "Bongo" but I prefer a Sterling to a Bongo...


There - I said it! And there aint nothin' wrong with that!

 

[bovinehost]

I really just want to know if anyone else really prefers the SR4(5)/Sterling, after owning a Bongo.

No, but I don't think there's a thing wrong with you.

I also think my approach (one or two of everything, four or five of the one you REALLY like) is the easiest way to solve these dilemmas.



Jack

 

[Randracula]

I always start off my gigs with my SR5, and just cant seem to put it down.

I was reponding primarily to this part of your post as I have the same problem with my SR5 and SR4.I don't own a Bongo so I can't comment on that. Sorry to ruffle your feathers..........

 

[Golem]

For those whove posted, but dont seem to have read my initial post, I guess Ill reword it.

Ive owned:

a Dual H Bongo 4
A Single H Bongo 5
a H/SC Bongo 4.

I really just want to know if anyone else really prefers the SR4(5)/Sterling, after owning a Bongo.

I would not part with my Bongo HH5 nor hesitate to gig it. However, what I find preferable about my SR4 is the physical balance. I realize I'm comparing a '4' to a '5' here. Other than that balance thing, no preference, as to neck feel, overall weight, etc.

Can't compare the SR4 to the Bongo for voice b/c the SR4 is fretless and the Bongo has that extra PU. Does my Sabre qualify as a 4HH version of a Sterling? If so, then in the HH voice department, for what I want for an HH fretted solidbody voice, the Bongo stomps all over the Sabre, even ignoring the extra low string. Not only do I prefer the Bongo version of HH voicing [same strings on both], but the Sabre is noticeably heavier even though it's a '4' being compared to a '5'. Actually, I'm not sure why I'm keeping the Sabre, but I know I'm keeping the Bongo and the Ray.

If you are asking about appearance as well.... The SR/Sabre look is functional while the Bongo look screams "Overtly intentional styling exercise gone very wrong". However, to play and to hear the Bongo is to completely forget what it looks like, for a while.

 

[shamus63]

Maybe Im just a StingRay guy. Thought that before, but the fear of not having a Bongo is sometimes overwhelming.

I wouldn't sweat not owning a Bongo, Ray, Sterling...whatever. Sounds like you GASed for a Bongo, when you were a Ray-man all along...no biggie.

I've owned more than my share of Rays, and love the way they look, but I'm at home with my Bongo.

That's the way you should look at your situation, IMHO.

 

[Mahlon]

I have both. And everyone should be like me.

 

[TSanders]

Thanks for all the input fellas. After yet another practice and a session, the StingRay 5 is still king. The Bongo is great, flat out, no exceptions. Well one, Im a StingRay guy. So, its been fun, but before too long, Im going to have to part ways with the strikingly gorgeous Rolls Burgundy Bongo, to fund a StingRay or Sterling.

 

[bovinehost]

Travis, you a-hole.

I just had to say that because it's been so long.

I love you, baby, never worry.

Jack