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Description

The Ernie Ball Music Man Bongo 5 HS is a 5-string electric bass that stands out with its innovative design and versatile performance capabilities. Crafted in collaboration with BMW Designworks, this bass exudes a modern aesthetic with its clean lines and bold silhouette. The Bongo 5 HS features a lightweight, resonant basswood body and a fast-playing maple neck, topped with a rosewood fingerboard. Its neodymium magnet humbucker and single-coil pickups provide a robust and punchy sound, perfect for a wide range of musical styles from prog rock to fusion.

What sets the Bongo 5 HS apart is its comprehensive 18-volt preamp with a 4-band EQ, allowing you to sculpt your tone with precision whether you're in the studio or on stage. The double cutaway design and sculpted neck joint offer effortless access to the upper register, making it a favorite among professional bassists such as John Myung and Dave LaRue. With a five-way pickup selector, this bass offers a multitude of sonic possibilities, ensuring you can dial in the perfect sound for any genre or playing environment.

A 5-bolt neck attachment ensures perfect alignment and stability, while the adjustable truss rod wheel and graphite acrylic resin-shielded body cavity further enhance performance and durability. Whether you're laying down intricate bass lines or delivering thunderous grooves, the Bongo 5 HS delivers with style and substance.

Key Features:

  • Innovative 5-string electric bass guitar
  • Lightweight, resonant basswood body with generous double cutaway
  • Fast-playing maple neck with rosewood fingerboard and half-moon inlays
  • Humbucker pickup and single-coil pickup with neodymium magnets for a robust sound
  • Active preamp with 4-band EQ for extensive tonal control
  • 5-bolt neck attachment for perfect alignment
  • Sculpted neck joint for easy access to the upper register
  • Adjustable truss rod wheel
  • Graphite acrylic resin-shielded body cavity and aluminum control cover

Product specs

Brand Ernie Ball Music Man
Model Bongo 5 HS
Year 2003 - 2019
Made In United States
Categories 5- and 6-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Active Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Material Basswood
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black, Blue, Gold, Green, Grey, Orange, Purple, Red, Silver, White
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony, Rosewood
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 5-String
Nut Width 1.75"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 34"
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Ernie Ball Music Man Bongo 5 HS use?

The Ernie Ball Music Man Bongo 5 HS features active pickups, specifically in an HS configuration, which includes a humbucker at the bridge and a single coil at the neck, offering a versatile range of tones.

Is the Ernie Ball Music Man Bongo 5 HS suitable for slap bass techniques?

Yes, the Bongo 5 HS is well-suited for slap bass due to its active preamp, which provides a dynamic and punchy sound, and its 24-fret neck, allowing for easy access to higher notes.

What materials are used in the construction of the Ernie Ball Music Man Bongo 5 HS?

The Bongo 5 HS features a basswood body, a maple neck, and a choice of either ebony or rosewood for the fretboard, providing a balanced tone and comfortable playability.

How many frets does the Ernie Ball Music Man Bongo 5 HS have?

The Ernie Ball Music Man Bongo 5 HS has 24 frets, allowing for a full two-octave range per string.

What is the scale length of the Ernie Ball Music Man Bongo 5 HS?

The scale length of the Bongo 5 HS is 34 inches, which is standard for most 5-string bass guitars, providing a familiar feel and tension for bass players.

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Music Man Bongo 5 HS - sound samples

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Music Man Bongo 5 HS - sound samples

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Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball Music Man Bongo 5 HS.

Build quality

  • It's been noted the output jacks can be unreliable, requiring re-soldering, though this isn't seen as a major issue.

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  • Owners appreciate the precision feel of the pots, comparing them to high-quality machinery dials.

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  • The pickup covers are designed with beveled edges for enhanced comfort during play.

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User experience

  • Owners highlight discomfort when playing seated, but standing play is reported as exceptionally comfortable.

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  • A long-term owner of 15 years reports consistent performance and tonal range without issues, emphasizing the instrument's durability.

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  • The Bongo's unique design transforms from awkward to sleek when played, offering a visual appeal that changes with orientation.

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  • The Bongo's acoustic resonance is noted for its distinctiveness, potentially due to the compensated nut and balanced tension.

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  • Owners emphasize that the Bongo 5 offers a smooth playing experience, particularly favoring the thinner neck for ease of play.

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  • One owner, after extensive use, recommends making small EQ adjustments to tighten the sound, especially by slightly cutting the bass and boosting the low mids.

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Features and functionality

  • The onboard 4-band EQ is praised for its ability to dial in a wide range of tones, suited for various musical styles.

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  • The 18v preamp provides a powerful signal and the concentric high/low mid control allows for diverse sound shaping.

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  • The Bongo 5 HS includes a highly sensitive EQ capable of +/- 18dB adjustments, allowing precise sound shaping with minor tweaks.

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Comparisons

  • Some players compare the Bongo's tone flexibility to Ibanez's headless models, noting better ergonomics in the latter.

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Value and pricing

  • High import fees and currency exchange rates make Bongo basses costly in certain regions, leading buyers to seek used options.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Bongo 5 achieves a diverse tonal range, closely mimicking a Stingray, P-bass, Jazz bass, and even a Wal-type punch.

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