Bigwan Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 Received myself a Bongo 5HH in the post this morning from our very own Dougal. Had it out to band practice tonight. WHAT A BASS!!! Preamp flat, pickup pan pot centred - Best sounding bass right off the bat that I've ever heard. Fat, punchy, buttery. Haven't had a chance to play much with the preamp yet but I think things can only get better! Also the best sounding B string I've heard in many a year. And no noise/hum whatsoever, no matter where I stand in relation to my amp. Fantastic! Only misgivings I have so far are over the string spacing which is a wee bit tight for me, but for this sound I can get over that. Having owned quite a few different basses in my time I can say the following: 1). If you yearn for a Wal (been there, done that), but can't stump up the cash - this is the bass for you. 2). If you want a fatter stingray tone - this is the bass for you. I LOVE IT!!! EVERYONE SHOULD TRY ONE RIGHT NOW! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doctor_of_the_bass Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 Hi Bigwan! You know, when the Bongo was first unveiled, I thought it was one of the worst looking basses ever - however, being a good mate of Andy at Strings and Things meant that I got chance to spend some time with one and after that, my views changed completely - a superb bass and again, one on my list of wantees! I've also grown to like the shape - very comfortable to play. Great days! Nick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MoJo Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 [quote name='doctor_of_the_bass' post='260455' date='Aug 11 2008, 11:16 PM']You know, when the Bongo was first unveiled, I thought it was one of the worst looking basses ever Nick[/quote] - it is! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doctor_of_the_bass Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 hehe! Like I say, it has grown on me! Unlike the Fiat Multipla....! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OutToPlayJazz Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 [quote name='doctor_of_the_bass' post='260466' date='Aug 11 2008, 11:28 PM']hehe! Like I say, it has grown on me! Unlike the Fiat Multipla....![/quote] My jazz band played at the UK launch of the Fiat Multipla at Fiat UK hq in Slough. And yes, it was ugly even then! BTW, I love the look of the Bongo! Especially in that chrome orange. Yum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigwan Posted August 11, 2008 Author Share Posted August 11, 2008 [quote name='bassman2790' post='260464' date='Aug 11 2008, 11:24 PM']- it is![/quote] Yes it is a bit, but I don't have to look at it when I'm playing it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MB1 Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 MB1. Sorry!....it looks like a toilet seat!....wont rust as quickly as a Fiat though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doctor_of_the_bass Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 Lets hope that Fiat don't start designing basses eh readers? ..the Maracas bass? Rich - did you know that we are today's top posters?!!! I enjoy playing in front of a mirror - good to keep an eye on the technique you know!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MB1 Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 [quote name='doctor_of_the_bass' post='260514' date='Aug 12 2008, 12:38 AM']Lets hope that Fiat don't start designing basses eh readers? ..the Maracas bass? Rich - did you know that we are today's top posters?!!! I enjoy playing in front of a mirror - good to keep an eye on the technique you know!![/quote] MB1. "With or without a Bass?" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doctor_of_the_bass Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 ..bit of both really. Who said that, come out, where are you (must get to Specsavers) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
budget bassist Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 [quote name='OutToPlayJazz' post='260468' date='Aug 11 2008, 11:32 PM']BTW, I love the look of the Bongo! Especially in that chrome orange. Yum![/quote] Desert gold and they're discontinuing it I tried a bongo the other day... i liked it, very comfortable, very playable, VERY nice neck, pretty good sound, though i found the preamp a little overwhelming and i didn't really think it had the stingray growl that i like... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MB1 Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 MB1. Not to be trusted in the"Hall of Mirrors " then! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 (edited) [quote name='OutToPlayJazz' post='260468' date='Aug 11 2008, 11:32 PM']My jazz band played at the UK launch of the Fiat Multipla at Fiat UK hq in Slough. And yes, it was ugly even then! BTW, I love the look of the Bongo! Especially in that chrome orange. Yum![/quote] Me too. I used to think they were hideous, but I really like them in Desert Gold (quick edit after reading post above!) . Edited August 12, 2008 by 4000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OutToPlayJazz Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 [quote name='doctor_of_the_bass' post='260514' date='Aug 12 2008, 12:38 AM']Lets hope that Fiat don't start designing basses eh readers? ..the Maracas bass? Rich - did you know that we are today's top posters?!!! I enjoy playing in front of a mirror - good to keep an eye on the technique you know!![/quote] Oh yes, Nick - The mirror makes sure you have the correct LH technique - If you can see the tip of your thumb, thiiis iiis baaad! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TDM Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 I played a 4 string H-H Bongo a few days ago, Great playing, looking and sounding bass. The only thing I don't really like about them is the painted necks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigwan Posted August 12, 2008 Author Share Posted August 12, 2008 I've already added a Bongo 4HS to my 'wanted' list. Would give me a bit more room to slap with my dodgy technique! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean-Luc Pickguard Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 Anything that looks as fugly as this Bongo Six had better sound fantastic. Apologies to anyone who does not see it as fugly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MB1 Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 [quote name='Jean-Luc Pickguard' post='260995' date='Aug 12 2008, 04:50 PM']Anything that looks as fugly as this Bongo Six had better sound fantastic. Apologies to anyone who does not see it as fugly [/quote] MB1. That body!....Still think it looks like a Toilet Seat!. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
budget bassist Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 [quote name='thedonutman' post='260915' date='Aug 12 2008, 03:40 PM']I played a 4 string H-H Bongo a few days ago, Great playing, looking and sounding bass. The only thing I don't really like about them is the painted necks.[/quote] I rather liked it, i think they're too modern looking to get away with unpainted, though i've seen a couple and they don't look too bad... I liked how they weren't glossy either though, felt really nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigwan Posted August 13, 2008 Author Share Posted August 13, 2008 The look is really growing on me actually. I think it's easier since mine is a subdued colour. Perhaps if it was desert orange it would be more difficult to love it! The white pickguard on that bongo 6hs really does make it look like a loo seat though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duarte Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 (edited) Budget bassist, if you wanted the stingray growl you should try the single H = that is THE BEST sounding bass I have ever tried. It's got stingray sounds, but tighter, fatter, punchier, more everythinger! Fantastic bass. And what is this about discontinuing desert gold? the best colour? Edited August 13, 2008 by Duarte Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassplace Posted August 14, 2008 Share Posted August 14, 2008 [quote name='Bigwan' post='261432' date='Aug 13 2008, 06:02 AM']The look is really growing on me actually. I think it's easier since mine is a subdued colour. Perhaps if it was desert orange it would be more difficult to love it! The white pickguard on that bongo 6hs really does make it look like a loo seat though![/quote] The shape hasn't grown on me yet but I have heard they sound great. I would get one in white with a black or "water" colored pick guard... or dirty yellow??? sorry... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funkypenguin Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 I saw (and heard!!!!) a Bongo 6 H/H in stealth black and ive never had such a bad case of GAS before....the sound of those twin humbuckers was something else! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeonMig Posted August 19, 2008 Share Posted August 19, 2008 6string Stealth Bongo is one of my dreams. It is one of the ugliest looking basses around, along with most Warwicks (and I like Warwicks) but the sound and playing is phenomenal. If I didn't have a Warwick, I'd be getting that Bongo. Great stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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