badboy1984 Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 (edited) Used to own a 3 band EQ Musicman Stingray 4 H but got rid of it for a ACG 5 string because i couldn't get on with the tone at that time. I recently traded the ACG 5 string with a BC member for his Musicman Bongo 4 HS because i miss the musicman tone so much in the band situation. First impression of the bass is nothing special apart from the knobs, headstock, 2 pickup setup and some dead strings. After I restrung it up with a set of brand new D'Addario balance tension string 45-107 and clean it up, the bass look much better. After restrung I plug the bass in for a test drive and oh boy, this thing is a monster compare to the tone of a stingray. I won't say better but is alot different. The 4 band EQ is very powerful and I can dial in what ever tone i want and the blend between the Single coil and the Humbucker is also very good because it alter the tone to give different tone range. From deep fat bass tone to typical musicman tone. I'm in love with the bass now. Only draw back i can say with the Bongo is, the bass doesn't feel good compare to a stingray in terms of build construction. Maybe the weight is lighter so it feels different. Edited November 14, 2013 by badboy1984 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uncle psychosis Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 They seem to be killer basses. Shame I find them so horrifically ugly I wish I could get on with the looks, everyone raves about them so much... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badboy1984 Posted November 14, 2013 Author Share Posted November 14, 2013 The look is not that bad actually ........ is different then a stingray but they still look similar ........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dazed Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 [quote name='uncle psychosis' timestamp='1384443935' post='2276783'] They seem to be killer basses. Shame I find them so horrifically ugly I wish I could get on with the looks, everyone raves about them so much... [/quote] What he said Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dingus Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 I think the Bongo looks great, and they sound unique . Definitely my favourite EBMM bass, by far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigcapener Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 Great choice of bass. I've only ever played one bongo, it was a 5 string and I can't remember what the pups and electronics were but I do remember how comfortable and easy it was to play. The chap I knew didn't seem to get on with it and he traded it which was a shame, I've been wanting one ever since... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 [quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1384445023' post='2276809'] I think the Bongo looks great, and they sound unique . Definitely my favourite EBMM bass, by far. [/quote] Agreed. I bought one, then bought another as I liked it so much. One of the most radical and interesting bass designs in the past 10 years or more. Funnily enough, it has been said that the Bongo wouldn't last. Funny that, but its eventually infiltrated the lives of most Musicman owners that I know. The build quality is absolute perfect on mine....nice weight, beautifully carved/machined body shape, perfect paintwork, and a killer sound. That is exactly what they wanted, a killer tone. They absolutely nailed it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dingus Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 [quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1384448655' post='2276866'] Agreed. I bought one, then bought another as I liked it so much. One of the most radical and interesting bass designs in the past 10 years or more. Funnily enough, it has been said that the Bongo wouldn't last. Funny that, but its eventually infiltrated the lives of most Musicman owners that I know. The build quality is absolute perfect on mine....nice weight, beautifully carved/machined body shape, perfect paintwork, and a killer sound. That is exactly what they wanted, a killer tone. They absolutely nailed it. [/quote] I want a single H now , in lieu of a Stingray Classic. If I could get a nice Stingray Classic that weighed 9 pounds or less then I would snap it up , but I think I am unlikely to be that lucky , so my next best choice would be a Bongo H . How long before you get the same urge, Gareth ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 [quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1384449294' post='2276879'] I want a single H now , in lieu of a Stingray Classic. If I could get a nice Stingray Classic that weighed 9 pounds or less then I would snap it up , but I think I am unlikely to be that lucky , so my next best choice would be a Bongo H . How long before you get the same urge, Gareth ? [/quote] HAHA! I know. I eventually got a Classic 5er H from Promenade Music....the neck is incredibly pretty. Very good price as well. The single H Bongo has me thinking. It's actually significantly cheaper than the HS and HH, and it is justified as the tone is different. They have all rosewood neck options at the moment for an extra £150 or so. Imagine a Bongo H in Tangerine Pearl with an all Rosewood Neck??!?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dingus Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 Wow, they are doing the rosewood neck option again ? That would be something special . Not sure about how an all-rosewood rosewood would look on a Bongo , though. I suppose it would all depend on the colour of the bass. The black basses with the roasted maple looked sumptious to me, and I wish they would offer that option again. I was sure they would do a Tenth Anniversary Bongo this year , maybe with series/parrallel switching or some othe such r novelty , but nothing transpired. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mingsta Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 I got a 5hh and its a monster too. I'm in this cant leave it can't live with it situation. On the one hand it sounds and plays so good, but my all black stealth version aint my bag looks wise, so dont love it like i love my Rays or my sadowsky metro. Would have loved to have one of those PDN versions with the mahogany bodies, but would never have the 2k for one new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drTStingray Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 [quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1384452189' post='2276929'] Wow, they are doing the rosewood neck option again ? That would be something special. [/quote] And the rosewood neck Reflex with rosewood top!!!! An available option!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badboy1984 Posted November 15, 2013 Author Share Posted November 15, 2013 I'm gasing for the Bongo 6 HS now ....... inspire by John Myung =.= Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted November 15, 2013 Share Posted November 15, 2013 Bongo's seem to be pretty unique, in that I don't think I've seen a bad review of one. Their playability, tone and sound are reported to be top quality. With a better design brief (and name) the Bongo could be dominating the world of bass playing, but with the looks of a toilet seat that's been run over by a steam roller MM have ensured that will never happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urban Bassman Posted November 15, 2013 Share Posted November 15, 2013 I'm lovin' my two recently acquired Bongos - 4 String HH Stealth and a 5 String HH in Tangerine Pearl. They play beautifully, sound immense, are very comfortable to play and I can't fault the build quality. I'm now GAS-ing for a fretless 4 H Piezo.... Wish I'd found out years ago just how good they are! Is there Bongo porn thread? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drTStingray Posted November 15, 2013 Share Posted November 15, 2013 (edited) [quote name='Urban Bassman' timestamp='1384511496' post='2277480'] I'm lovin' my two recently acquired Bongos - 4 String HH Stealth and a 5 String HH in Tangerine Pearl. They play beautifully, sound immense, are very comfortable to play and I can't fault the build quality. I'm now GAS-ing for a fretless 4 H Piezo.... Wish I'd found out years ago just how good they are! Is there Bongo porn thread? [/quote] There's an Hp CAR Bongo for sale on the EBMM forum for sale thread. There's a Bongo club on Talkbass but not on here I think........... Edited November 15, 2013 by drTStingray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dingus Posted November 15, 2013 Share Posted November 15, 2013 [quote name='drTStingray' timestamp='1384464465' post='2277156'] And the rosewood neck Reflex with rosewood top!!!! An available option!! [/quote] I had a look at these . A bit too much rosewood for me personally -I'm a solid colour man myself nowadays - but they do look pretty stunning and I can certainly see their appeal . For anyone thinking about buying a Reflex , I can honestly say that if you are into EBMM, they are pretty epic basses, but be warned that they have got a different feel to them in terms of ergonomics because of the shape. They certainly balance and feel comfortable , but when you first strap them on everything feels a bit weirdly -placed if you are used to a more conventionally -shaped bass. That said , once you get used to the Reflex shape , it feels funny going back to a Fender bass with a top horn that digs in your chest. Despite having the same preamp as the Bongo, they sound very different in terms of the basic tone. With the Bongo I always think that you are primarily hearing the tone of the pickups and electronics, whereas on the Reflex you get far more of a sense of an organic "woodiness" to the sound. I expect the rosewood top would only add to that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urban Bassman Posted November 15, 2013 Share Posted November 15, 2013 [quote name='drTStingray' timestamp='1384520123' post='2277645'] There's an Hp CAR Bongo for sale on the EBMM forum for sale thread. There's a Bongo club on Talkbass but not on here I think........... [/quote] Yes I saw that one - fretted though but very nice none-the-less. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigwan Posted November 15, 2013 Share Posted November 15, 2013 (edited) The only thing wrong with the bongo design is the chipped headstock feature... Had 2, a 5 then a 4. Both HH. Unfortunately they didn't click for me, not sure why. I wouldn't put anyone off trying them, that's for sure. A damn shame people aren't more open minded. Edited November 15, 2013 by Bigwan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gust0o Posted November 16, 2013 Share Posted November 16, 2013 [quote name='Bigwan' timestamp='1384547997' post='2278130'] The only thing wrong with the bongo design is the chipped headstock feature... Had 2, a 5 then a 4. Both HH. Unfortunately they didn't click for me, not sure why. I wouldn't put anyone off trying them, that's for sure. A damn shame people aren't more open minded. [/quote] Haha, I think you're right - it must be a standard feature, since every Bongo has one! If people can get past the looks, they're going to find a very versatile and eminently playable bass - I found mine a delight, coming after a long time with the Stingrays. The neck was perfect and super-quick; and, sure the pick-up isn't quite in the same sweet-spot, but it's a superb instrument in its own right. Of couse, if you can't get past the looks... well, you're just going to miss out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urban Bassman Posted November 16, 2013 Share Posted November 16, 2013 Used my Stealth 4 HH at band rehearsal this morning. Amazing power and versatility, so pleased with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owen Posted November 16, 2013 Share Posted November 16, 2013 They are total tone monsters. Super powerful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigwan Posted November 16, 2013 Share Posted November 16, 2013 Anyone else notice there aren't as many for sale in the marketplace recently? Maybe people are starting to appreciate them... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dingus Posted November 16, 2013 Share Posted November 16, 2013 I like the looks. The look matches the ultra- modern sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sonnyonbass Posted August 10, 2014 Share Posted August 10, 2014 It is a beast indeed! And I have a 5 string Stealth for sale ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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