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Description

The Ernie Ball Music Man Bongo 6 H is a powerhouse in the realm of electric bass guitars, offering a unique blend of craftsmanship and innovation. This six-string bass is designed for musicians who crave versatility and a modern edge. At its core, the Bongo 6 H is equipped with a neodymium humbucker pickup, delivering a rich, full-bodied sound that can easily cut through any mix. This is complemented by an active preamp that provides extensive tonal sculpting capabilities, enabling players to dial in everything from deep, punchy lows to crisp, articulate highs.

The Bongo's sleek, ergonomic design ensures comfort during long playing sessions, while its high-quality maple neck and fingerboard offer superb playability. The bass is fitted with robust hardware, including custom tuners and a bridge that ensures stable tuning and intonation. Whether you’re on stage or in the studio, the Bongo 6 H’s dynamic sound and stylish appearance make it an excellent choice for bassists seeking an instrument that stands out both sonically and visually.

Key Features:

  • Six-string electric bass guitar
  • Neodymium humbucker pickup
  • Active preamp with extensive EQ controls
  • Maple neck and fingerboard
  • Ergonomic body design for enhanced playability
  • High-quality hardware for stable tuning and intonation

Product specs

Brand Ernie Ball Music Man
Model Bongo 6 H
Year 2008 - 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 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 34"
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Ernie Ball Music Man Bongo 6 H have?

The Ernie Ball Music Man Bongo 6 H features active pickups, providing a powerful and clear sound suitable for various music styles.

Is the Ernie Ball Music Man Bongo 6 H suitable for advanced bass players?

Yes, the Bongo 6 H is designed for advanced players, offering a high level of playability and tonal versatility with its 6-string design and active electronics.

What is the neck profile of the Ernie Ball Music Man Bongo 6 H?

The Bongo 6 H features a comfortable neck profile with a 34" scale length, making it ideal for players who prefer a modern feel and fast playability.

How does the body material of the Ernie Ball Music Man Bongo 6 H affect its sound?

The Bongo 6 H is made from basswood, which contributes to a balanced tone with a warm midrange and clear highs, making it suitable for a wide range of genres.

Does the Ernie Ball Music Man Bongo 6 H have a matching headstock?

Yes, the Bongo 6 H features a matching headstock, enhancing its visual appeal and providing a cohesive look with the body finish.

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man Bongo 6 Bass: Joe Dart Demos

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man Bongo 6 Bass: Joe Dart Demos by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man Bongo 6 Bass: Joe Dart Demos

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man: Bongo 6 Demo with Max Gerl by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man: Bongo 6 Demo with Max Gerl

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man: Bongo 6 Demo 2 with Max Gerl by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man: Bongo 6 Demo 2 with Max Gerl

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for The Toilet Bowl Bass - Bongo 6 Review by 1minutebass

The Toilet Bowl Bass - Bongo 6 Review

1minutebass

1minutebass

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 6 H.

Comparisons

  • The Bongo 6 is often likened to a "super jazz bass," offering a distinct tonal versatility compared to the Stingray, which is seen as a "super P bass."

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  • The Bongo 6 is described as lacking a unique signature tone, unlike a Rickenbacker, making it a versatile choice rather than a niche one.

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  • Bongo 6's unique 5-string neck with six strings and simplified preamp is a key distinction from standard models, affecting sound and playability.

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  • For those seeking affordability, Ibanez SR506 at $750 provides a viable 6-string alternative with commendable playability.

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Features and functionality

  • Some owners express dissatisfaction with the 18V preamp, finding it too hot for many amp inputs, affecting compatibility with distortion/fuzz pedals.

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  • The Bongo 6’s electronics are highly versatile, allowing users to achieve a wide range of tones, making it ideal for theater gigs and diverse musical styles.

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User experience

  • Despite its large body size, the Bongo 6 is deceptively light, making it comfortable for extended play, both standing and sitting.

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  • Long-term owners report no neck dive issues with the Bongo 6 when using a wide strap, even over prolonged play sessions.

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  • Owners appreciate the rounded body contour of the Bongo 6, which enhances comfort and allows for varied arm positioning during play.

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  • The body shape of the Bongo can be polarizing, with some users finding it awkward when standing, impacting comfort during play.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Bongo's powerful midrange is highlighted as ideal for metal, especially when played with a pick and overdrive, echoing tones like those in Chevelle's "The Clincher."

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  • Bongo 6 users frequently use the bass for solo looping gigs and theater performances, citing its sound versatility as a key advantage.

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  • The Bongo 6 is noted for its suitability in metal, partially due to John Myung's endorsement and its performance in Dream Theater.

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Value and pricing

  • Older Bongo 6 models are occasionally found used for as low as $1200, sometimes with added features like a D tuner, representing significant value compared to new ones.

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  • The $3000 price tag is largely attributed to the John Myung signature, with alternatives like the Dingwall NG3 offering similar quality for less.

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Build quality

  • The painted satin neck finish on the Bongo 6 is noted for being exceptionally smooth and comfortable, changing some users' opinions about painted necks.

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  • The roasted maple neck of earlier Bongo models is noted for its exceptional feel and uniqueness compared to other basses.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners suggest modifying the Bongo with a pickup selector switch instead of the blend knob for more precise tone control.

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