Music Man Bongo 6-String

$2,899.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (8)

1 Critic Review

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Page last updated Jun 16, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 16, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (8)

$2,899.00 6 available New

$1,800.00 6 available Used

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Average Price: $2,350

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Bongo 6-String is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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The Bongo 6-String is not just an electric bass; it's a sonic powerhouse crafted for bassists ready to push boundaries. This beastly six-string marvel delivers a commanding low-end presence, thanks to its active three-band EQ preamp that lets you dial in a personalized soundscape with precision. Whether you're anchoring a metal ensemble or exploring the realms of progressive and experimental music, the Bongo 6-String ensures your sound is both distinctive and impactful.

Built to offer an expansive tonal palette, this bass is equipped with dual six-pole Neodymium magnet humbuckers, providing crystal-clear clarity and aggressive growl in equal measure. The ergonomic design promises comfort and playability, allowing you to focus on your performance without distraction. Dive deep into its resonant depths or soar through its crisp highs—the Bongo 6-String is your ticket to an unparalleled musical journey.

Key Features:

Six-string design for extended range
Dual six-pole Neodymium magnet humbuckers
Active three-band EQ preamp for tonal versatility
Ergonomic body design for enhanced playability
Suitable for metal, prog, and experimental genres

Product specs

Brand	Ernie Ball Music Man
Model	Bongo 6 HH
Finish	Aqua Sparkle, Black, Blood Orange, Blue Pearl, Cabernet Pearl, Candy Red, Chili Red, Egyptian Smoke, Electric Blue, Firemist Gold, Firemist Purple, Fuschia Sparkle, Graphite Pearl, Harvest Orange, Ice Blue, Mantis Green, Olive Gold, Orange Firemist, Sapphire Black, Silver Sparkle, Sky Blue, Stealth Black, Stealth Charcoal, Stealth Crimson, Stealth Pearl, Sterling Silver, Tangerine Pearl, Titan Gray, True Gold
Year	2008 - 2025
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, Teal, White
Finish Features	Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Ebony, Maple, Rosewood
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	24
Number of Strings	6-String
Offset Body	Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	HH
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	34"
Wood Top Style	Opaque

FAQs

What kind of music is the Bongo 6-String suitable for?: The Bongo 6-String is versatile and well-suited for genres like jazz, rock, and metal, thanks to its extended range and active electronics, which provide a wide tonal palette for both rhythm and lead bass lines.
What is the neck profile of the Bongo 6-String like?: The Bongo 6-String features a comfortable neck profile that allows for easy playability across all six strings, making it ideal for both complex chordal work and fast soloing.
What are the tonal characteristics of the Bongo 6-String's pickups?: The Bongo 6-String is equipped with active dual humbucking pickups, offering a powerful and clear tone with enhanced low-end punch and articulate highs, perfect for cutting through a mix.
Is the Bongo 6-String suitable for beginners?: While the Bongo 6-String offers advanced features that may appeal more to experienced players, beginners with a focus on extended range and versatility in their playing might also find it beneficial.
How does the basswood body affect the sound of the Bongo 6-String?: The basswood body of the Bongo 6-String provides a balanced tone with a strong midrange presence, which complements the active electronics for a full, rich sound.
Does the Bongo 6-String have a matching headstock?: Yes, the Bongo 6-String features a matching headstock, contributing to its sleek and cohesive aesthetic design.

Videos

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Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball: String Theory featuring John Myung

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball/Music Man Bongo 6 String Bass

Bass Whisperer TV

Ernie Ball Music Man - Bongo 6 Model - Demo by Dave Marks

stringsandthingsltd

Ernie Ball Music Man Bongo 6 Bass: Joe Dart Demos

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man Minute: Bongo 6 Stealth Black (ft. Philip Bynoe)

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man Bongo 6 HH

J.D. Owens

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional neck design offers unparalleled playability for a 6-string bass
Lightweight construction enhances comfort during extended playing sessions
Signature model with an exemplary finish and powerful electronics
Unique pickup configuration delivers a versatile tonal palette
18V preamp system provides a dynamic and impactful sound
Ergonomic body shape allows for easy access to all notes
Muscular sound with excellent tonal and harmonic amplification
Ideal for fans of modern bass sounds and John Myung enthusiasts

CONS

Modern sound may not appeal to traditionalists
Treble-heavy preamp could require frequent EQ adjustments
High price point may not justify its limited appeal for some players

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Bongo 6-String.

Value and pricing

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The John Myung signature Bongo 6 often exceeds $3000, yet used models can be found for around $1300, significantly altering affordability.
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Owners suggest finding a used standard Bongo 6, achieving similar tones at a lower cost if the signature specs aren't crucial.
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Features and functionality

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The John Myung model uses a 6-string setup on a 5-string neck, which changes playability and neck feel compared to standard Bongos.
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The pickup height is nearly flush with the body, deviating from usual setups and affecting tone.
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Comparisons

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The Bongo 6 is compared to Ibanez SR506 and SR306 models, which offer affordability and playability under $1500, suggesting viable alternatives for budget-conscious buyers.
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The Bongo 6 has a string spacing of 14mm, tighter than the 16.5mm on Ibanez SR series, impacting playability for chord work.
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The Ibanez BTB-676, with its 17mm spacing, is noted for its thin but wide neck, offering comfort for chord playing despite the challenge with large chords.
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Use cases and applications

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The Bongo 6's electronics are highly regarded, but the John Myung model features a simplified preamp, potentially affecting tonal versatility.
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The Bongo 6 is preferred by some for its tight string spacing, making it suitable for chord work despite potential challenges for those with larger hands.
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User experience

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Some users find the unique Bongo body shape uncomfortable for neck support while standing, influencing playability preference.
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The string spacing at the nut is as tight as a guitar, requiring left-hand adjustments.
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A user reports the Ibanez SRC6 as superior for bass duties compared to the Squier Bass VI, highlighting its effectiveness in maintaining bass characteristics.
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Setup and maintenance

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The 18v battery compartment has extra space causing rattling; resolved by adding 2" of weather stripping.
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Build quality

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The Mono case is a hybrid soft/hard case, ideal for tight spaces, unlike the previous molded hardshell case.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners replace the stock cobalt rounds after one gig for .130 DR Lo-Riders, maintaining only the .32 C string from the original set.
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Nordstrand Zen Blades are recommended for Bongo 6 to enhance clarity and reduce 'mud' for chord playing.
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Critic Reviews

Ernie Ball Music Man HS Bongo 6 Six-string Bass Review

gear-vault.com

The Bongo 6-string bass impresses with its bold design and powerful tonal versatility, making it a standout for bass enthusiasts. While its modern aesthetics may not appeal to everyone's taste, its clear, articulate sound and excellent string-to-string balance make it an exceptional performer in any mix. The bass's unique neodymium pickups offer a bright, cutting tone that remains robust in low registers. However, the wide neck may require an adjustment period, and the EQ controls might not suit every player's preference. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Bongo 6 is a high-quality instrument that fills a niche in the market, appealing to both dedicated Music Man fans and new players alike.

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