Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $3,120

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The John Myung artist series Bongo is a sleek, ultra-modern 6 string bass crafted and perfected to John's exacting specifications. With over a decade long refinement process, John and the Ernie Ball Music Man engineering team have addressed a multitude of design features to further enhance comfortability, playability, and overall performance. Some key features include a simplified control layout with preprogrammed equalization, a perfectly balanced compact basswood body mated to a maple neck with 5 string nut width for tighter string spacing, and a golden ratio fretboard utilizing a combination of rosewood and roasted maple for an elegant aesthetic. This instrument is truly an artist inspired design that facilitates John's needs as a performance artist and master technician.

Product specs

Brand Ernie Ball Music Man
Model John Myung Signature Bongo 6 HH
Finish Black, Midnight Blue, Orange Sunset, Platinum Silver
Year 2020 - 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, Orange, Silver
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.75"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 34"
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What makes the Ernie Ball Music Man John Myung Artist Series Bongo 6 HH unique?

This bass is designed in collaboration with John Myung, featuring a double humbucker (HH) configuration for versatile tonal options, active electronics, and a sleek basswood body. Its 6-string setup caters to advanced players seeking extended range and complex musical expression.

Is the Ernie Ball Music Man John Myung Bongo 6 HH suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its active preamp and powerful HH pickup configuration, this bass delivers robust sound and clarity, making it ideal for live performances across various genres.

What type of music is the Bongo 6 HH best suited for?

The Bongo 6 HH's versatile tone and extended range make it suitable for progressive rock, jazz, and metal, allowing bassists to explore intricate bass lines and diverse musical styles.

Does the Bongo 6 HH have a comfortable neck for fast playing?

Yes, the Bongo 6 HH features a smooth maple neck and 24 frets, providing excellent playability and comfort for fast playing and complex fingerwork.

What is the scale length of the Ernie Ball Music Man Bongo 6 HH?

The Bongo 6 HH has a 34-inch scale length, which is standard for most electric basses, offering a balanced feel and tension across the strings.

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man: John Myung Demos his Artist Series Bongo Six String Bass

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man: John Myung Demos his Artist Series Bongo Six String Bass by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man: John Myung Demos his Artist Series Bongo Six String Bass

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man Artist Series: John Myung Bongo Six-String Bass by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man Artist Series: John Myung Bongo Six-String Bass

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for Musicman John Myung Artist Bongo6 Clean tone with High C String by NoProBass

Musicman John Myung Artist Bongo6 Clean tone with High C String

NoProBass

NoProBass

Video thumbnail for Gear Review Ernie Ball/MusicMan Artist Series John Myung Bongo Bass by Ron Tavalin - Prog Bassist

Gear Review Ernie Ball/MusicMan Artist Series John Myung Bongo Bass

Ron Tavalin - Prog Bassist

Ron Tavalin - Prog Bassist

Video thumbnail for Musicman John Myung Bongo unboxing & drive tone sample by NoProBass

Musicman John Myung Bongo unboxing & drive tone sample

NoProBass

NoProBass

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man John Myung 6 String Artist Series Bongo Vs. EBMM Sting Ray Classic Shootout by Steve Bizzle (TheBizzle)

Ernie Ball Music Man John Myung 6 String Artist Series Bongo Vs. EBMM Sting Ray Classic Shootout

Steve Bizzle (TheBizzle)

Steve Bizzle (TheBizzle)

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 John Myung Artist Series Bongo 6 HH.

Build quality

  • The John Myung Bongo features a 6-string setup on a 5-string neck, which may impact playability and comfort.

    Source
  • The fretboard is particularly highlighted for its unique feel and playability, distinct from other basses.

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Features and functionality

  • The John Myung model has a simplified preamp compared to standard Bongos, potentially altering the tonal range.

    Source
  • The bass includes a custom Mono case, providing a hybrid soft/hard protection ideal for tight spaces.

    Source
  • The second-generation model replaced the volume knob with an on/off switch, requiring adjustments when swapping instruments.

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User experience

  • Some players find the Bongo's body shape uncomfortable, especially where the neck rests without support while standing.

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Value and pricing

  • Prices for the John Myung signature model can be significantly higher due to branding, not just build quality.

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Comparisons

  • A Dingwall NG3 is suggested as an alternative, offering modern metal tones at a lower price point.

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  • The Gen 1 model features individual, pop-out battery compartments, offering more convenience than the Gen 2 screw-on plate design.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Bongo series is noted for its suitability in metal genres, partly due to John Myung's association with Dream Theater.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users report battery rattles in the cavity, easily fixed with weather stripping to secure the fit.

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  • Pickup height is initially set almost flush with the body, which may require adjustment for optimal tone.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Swapping stock cobalt rounds for .130 DR Lo-Riders, stainless steel, significantly improves tone and longevity.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Myung uses Ernie Ball Music Man John Myung Artist Series Bongo 6 HH

John Myung

Bassist

Dream Theater

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Ernie Ball Music Man Artist Series: John Myung Bongo Six-String Bass," John Myung is shown using the Ernie Ball Music Man John Myung Artist Series Bongo 6 HH, highlighting its features and his personal connection to the instrument.

See how Jason Richardson uses Ernie Ball Music Man John Myung Artist Series Bongo 6 HH

Jason Richardson

Guitarist

Chelsea Grin

...
Verified via YouTube

In this studio video Jason is tracking bass for his second solo record. For bass Jason can be seen using a John Myung signature music man bongo 6

See how Herman Li uses Ernie Ball Music Man John Myung Artist Series Bongo 6 HH

Herman Li

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

DragonForce

...
Verified via YouTube

At 12:52 in this DragonForce video Herman brings out his John Myung signature (without playing it)

Album Usage

The Ernie Ball Music Man John Myung Artist Series Bongo 6 HH has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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