Question Which 5 Banger?

[Moscovitch]

I've spent the last few days going through both this forum and Talkbass and am still uncertain as to which 5 string I should get. I live in a part of the country that doesn't have a variety of basses to try out so I'll need your advice.

I love the Stingray sound - always have, but I want the flexibility to "round" the sound out. Will a Stingray 5 HH be a better choice than a similar Bongo 5 HH? How about splitting the difference and going for a Bongo 5 H?

Appreciate your help. I wish I had the opportunity to try these different basses out in person but I can't.

 

[keko]

For what are You gonna use that bass?

Music genre(s), ...what kind of gigs, ...rock concerts, ...club gigs, ...church band, ...wedding & party stuff ...etc.?

Gimme some more info!

 

[Moscovitch]

For what are You gonna use that bass?

Music genre(s), ...what kind of gigs, ...rock concerts, ...club gigs, ...church band, ...wedding & party stuff ...etc.?

Gimme some more info!

Southern rock, funk, blues... Playing bars/small clubs, nothing too large. Whatcha thinking?

 

[Movielife]

Ray 5 HS/HH or Bongo 5 HS/HH

 

[jlepre]

Are you a finger or pick player? Do you slap?

I play my SR5 H with EBMM Flats. It really rounds out the sound for Rock and Blues. I don't play Funk per say, but I don't slap at all. Strictly a finger player.

 

[Moscovitch]

Fingerplayer with a sprinkle of slap mixed in.

 

[Gravesend Black]

Both basses might fit your demands. Youtube is good source to hear the sound of basses if there no such axes in your area. I'd suggest to go for Ed Friedland reviews and decide what sound fits you better.
Because SR worshippers will say SR and Bongo ones will say Bongo)

 

[jlepre]

I have owned both Bongo 5's and SR5's. I have had the HH and H config. I would look at either an HH or HS to meet your needs. If it's the Stingray sound that you're after, then GET an SR5.

 

[keko]

Get a Bongo 5 single H, or reflex 5 single H, ...it will fit perfect for Your style in a modern package due to design & sound wise!

 

[Moscovitch]

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.

 

[jlepre]

Bongo doesn't sound like a Stingray. Bottom Line. Totally different pre-amp.

Nothing WRONG with a Bongo, but it won't do that signature SR tone.

 

[keko]

Nothing WRONG with a Bongo, but it won't do that signature SR tone.

Of course, ...it will do better, ...I mean wider and more powerful than SR5, but still Musicman sounding bass!

 

[Moscovitch]

I'm going to go with the Bongo 5H. It's what my gut is telling me and what an Ernie Ball "should" look like to me.

Question is, where to buy one from? I need a shop that can ship.

Thanks y'all.

 

[T28]

If you change you mind on the Bongo I have a PDN SR5 listed in the For Sale section.
What makes it unique ( and a good contender) is the fact that it is BOTH passive and active which SR's usually are not.
The passive is perfect for classic rock, etc while the active works great for slapping.

 

[Holdsg]

Agree on that guilded white PDN ray from T28. Love being able to switch from active to passive on my Big Al, especially for cover band stuff. The active/passive switch should become available on more models, IMO.

 

[tbonesullivan]

if you want variety, but also the signature stingray tone, you'll probably get the most from a Stingray HS or HH.

 

[T28]

I always equate the signature SR tone to a single H.

 

[Movielife]

HS and HH Rays sound exactly the same as the H in the bridge position.

Any differences are down to the wood/pickup winding.

 

[Movielife]

PS after playing and loving the Bongo, I still say only the Ray does THAT Ray tone.

 

[T28]

Ok, not doubting you but I always have heard that the single H was in a slightly different spot than the dual pup models so it produced a slightly different sound.

And I totally agree with the Bongo comment. The Bongo is one of my favorite basses but I have never felt that it did a very convincing SR sound.