Question Which 5 Banger?

[Movielife]

Only the Bongo has a different H bridge position on the dual pup models, the rest, apart from HSS Reflex, have the bridge H in the sweetspot

 

[jlepre]

It was my understanding that ALL HH models have the bridge PUP in a different position than the single H. Not that it matters as the OP has made up his mind.

 

[Movielife]

It was my understanding that ALL HH models have the bridge PUP in a different position than the single H. Not that it matters as the OP has made up his mind.

Nope, just the Bongo HH HS and Reflex HSS

 

[laneline]

another vote for considering a model with passive, I agree with Holdsg, I think they should incorporate it into every model. The passive tones are perfect for a lot of what you play. Here's a Big Al H clip from James of The Perfect Bass, this model gives you active/passive and parallel/series, good luck in your search.
Music Man Big Al 5 H w/ Rosewood Fingerboard - The Perfect Bass - YouTube

 

[ivbenaplayin]

Truthfully, I was leaning towards the Bongo 5H. Single H-style pickup with some of the added flexibility of the Bongo EQ was what I was thinking. I really like the sweet spot and esthetics of the H. Problem is, I only see one Bongo 5H on basscentral.com and it's smurf blue.

that smurf blue bongo on Bass Central's website is actually a picture of MY bass that I got last July... of all the basses I own, I'd say that it has the most aggressive mids with everyting set flat. The new lightweight tuners kick butt, and the 3 band bongo pre is superb. It is a very powerful instrument with point-and-shoot simplicity, which is exactly what I was after...

 

[Moscovitch]

that smurf blue bongo on Bass Central's website is actually a picture of MY bass that I got last July... of all the basses I own, I'd say that it has the most aggressive mids with everyting set flat. The new lightweight tuners kick butt, and the 3 band bongo pre is superb. It is a very powerful instrument with point-and-shoot simplicity, which is exactly what I was after...

You're bass? You mean a similar one or the exact bass. I was hoping to order it this week!

 

[ivbenaplayin]

You're bass? You mean a similar one or the exact bass. I was hoping to order it this week!

It is the exact one that is in my livingroom.

 

[tbonesullivan]

I would contact bass central via email to see what they have in stock. They usually have basses similar to what are pictured online, or even basses with the same specs. I got a Pearl blue stingray 5H in November, and they have one pictured on their website, but the one I got was definitely not the one pictured. Pickup was a different shape (had wings).

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Bass Central still has a bass listed (not as sold) on their website that I bought 3 months ago too. They may be a little slow getting around to it or just keep them up as reference and to generate interest. You do have to contact them and ask about any basses they have listed.

I would agree that a Stingray 5 HH or HS might be the best from what you describe. The Bongo is also a great instrument too, so you really can't go wrong. I haven't tried a single H Bongo, but I did briefly own an HH Bongo. What a powerhouse!

 

[tbonesullivan]

Also, if you have any doubts about a stingray single H not being "versatile", you've just gotta watch this:

maybe you should add the SR5 classic to your options. with the mutes you definitely get more versatility. Also some like the 2 band preamp, as opposed to the 3 band that is on most stingrays today.

 

[Gravesend Black]

Continuing Ed Friedland theme - Music Man Sterling 5 bass - YouTube
It is not an SR or Bongo but Sterling 5 can be compared to 90's ceramics era SR5 and it sounds great to.