Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (1)
$799.99
Amazon
5.0 (1)
$799.99
Reverb
$779.99 New
$575.00 Used
Thomann
$874.00 $859.00 $15.00 · All time low

Average Price: $777

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Sterling By Music Man Bongo Electric Bass Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Step into a new realm of bass playing with the Sterling By Music Man Bongo Electric Bass Guitar, a true embodiment of modern design and powerful sound. This bass guitar merges the iconic Bongo silhouette with accessible features, making it a favorite among progressive musicians. Its dual ceramic humbuckers stand out, delivering a commanding tone that ranges from deep, resonant lows to clear, articulate highs. Whether you're playing in a studio or on stage, the Sterling Bongo's flexible electronics, including a two-band active EQ and pickup blend control, allow you to shape your sound with precision, adapting effortlessly to various musical styles.

Crafted with an Indonesian mahogany body, this bass provides a rich tonal foundation with a balanced midrange and expansive overtones. The contoured design ensures maximum comfort and effortless access to higher frets. Complementing the body, the roasted maple neck offers enhanced stability and a smooth playing experience, while the rosewood fingerboard adds a touch of warmth and clarity to your notes. With a 34" scale length and 24 frets, the Bongo provides a familiar feel and extended range for intricate solos or complex chord progressions.

Engineered for durability, the Bongo features a 6-bolt neck attachment, ensuring robust structural integrity and sustain. Open-gear tuners and a solid SBMM-crafted bridge further contribute to the instrument's reliability, making it a dependable companion for any musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Contoured mahogany body for comfort and tonal richness
  • Roasted maple neck for stability and enhanced resonance
  • Dual ceramic humbuckers for powerful, versatile tones
  • Two-band active EQ and pickup blend control
  • 34" scale length and 12" fretboard radius
  • Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • 6-bolt neck attachment for increased sustain and stability
  • Open-gear tuners for reliable tuning adjustments
My Bassist Chris

My Bassist Chris

Sterling Bongo 4 Bass Review

Video thumbnail for Sterling Bongo 4 Bass Review by My Bassist Chris

Sterling Bongo 4 Bass Review

My Bassist Chris

My Bassist Chris

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sterling By Music Man Bongo Electric Bass Guitar.

Features and functionality

  • The SBMM Bongo uses ceramic pickups instead of neodymium, impacting its ability to replicate the original Bongo's distinctive sound.

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  • The Bongo's 18V preamp is considered too hot for most amp inputs, affecting compatibility with distortion/fuzz pedals.

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Comparisons

  • The SBMM Bongo lacks the original's 4-band EQ, which is a crucial component for achieving the iconic Bongo tone, as noted by several users.

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  • The neck feel is described as a mix between a P bass and J bass, offering a comfortable middle ground for players accustomed to Fender models.

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Mods and upgrades

  • To achieve a vintage Stingray tone on Ray4 basses, users recommend replacing both the pickups and preamp with options like Nordstrand MM4.2 or Aguilar 4 M.

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User experience

  • Owners express concern about the unknown weight of SBMM instruments, as heavy basses can be uncomfortable for extended play.

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  • Owners mention the Bongo's lightweight build, despite its wide body, enhancing comfort during extended play sessions.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Bongo's aesthetic and color options, like Firemist Purple Satin, appeal to fans of genres such as nu-metal, though its unique look is polarizing.

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  • The Bongo's powerful midrange tone is noted for its clarity with overdrive, making it suitable for metal, but less effective for fast tremolo picking.

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Other

  • The lack of left-handed models is a common disappointment among potential buyers looking for SBMM instruments.

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Build quality

  • The neck's painted satin finish is praised for being smooth and comfortable, changing some owners' perceptions of painted necks.

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