The Sterling by Music Man Bongo bass brings the bold design and innovative sound of a modern icon into a more accessible package for the everyday player. With its sleek curves, deep cutaways and commanding tone, this instrument delivers the unmistakable style and stage-ready performance that made the original a favorite among forward-thinking bassists—now at a price that’s within reach for a wider audience. It pairs an Indonesian mahogany body with a roasted maple neck and rosewood fingerboard for a blend of warmth, smooth playability and long-lasting stability. Outfitted with dual ceramic humbuckers, a pickup blend control knob and two-band active EQ, the Sterling by Music Man Bongo is as versatile as it is comfortable. From its sculpted body to its flexible electronics, it’s built for working musicians who demand more from their instrument.
Contoured Mahogany Body for Enhanced Comfort and Power
At the core of the Sterling by Music Man Bongo is a body crafted from Indonesian mahogany, chosen for its warmth, resonance and reliability. The sleekly contoured design not only gives the Bongo its unmistakable look but also provides exceptional playing comfort. Deep cutaways make upper-register access effortless, while the sculpted curves rest naturally against the body, whether standing or sitting. This thoughtful design balances ergonomic ease with tonal authority, delivering a bass that feels as good as it sounds. Whether you’re grooving through a long set or working in the studio, the Bongo’s body design ensures lasting comfort and consistent performance.
Roasted Maple Neck and Smooth Rosewood Fingerboard
The Bongo’s neck is built from roasted maple—a tonewood prized for its stability and enhanced resonance. Combined with a smooth rosewood fingerboard, it offers a fast yet comfortable playing feel that appeals to both technical players and groove-oriented bassists. The 34" scale length and 12" fingerboard radius provide familiar spacing and balance, while 24 frets expand the instrument’s range for soloing or chordal work. Reinforced with a six-bolt neck joint and dual-action truss rod, the Bongo’s neck construction ensures durability and precision—making it a road-ready instrument you can rely on night after night.
Dual Humbuckers and Active Electronics for Tonal Versatility
Equipped with two ceramic humbuckers, the Sterling by Music Man Bongo delivers a commanding and articulate tone. The dual-pickup configuration allows you to blend voices via a dedicated pickup blend knob, moving seamlessly from deep, thundering lows to articulate midrange punch and crisp highs. A two-band active EQ expands your tonal palette further, letting you sculpt the bass and treble frequencies to fit any style or mix. Whether you’re holding down a tight funk groove, driving heavy rock lines or exploring smooth jazz textures, the Bongo provides the versatility to adapt and shine in any musical context.
Reliable Sterling by Music Man Hardware and Player-Friendly Appointments
The Bongo is outfitted with Sterling by Music Man’s own bridge, designed for solid tuning stability and consistent sustain. Open-gear tuners keep intonation precise while adding a touch of vintage flair to the modern design. A black pickguard provides a bold visual contrast against the sleek finish, while white dot inlays guide your way across the fretboard. With its six-bolt neck attachment and durable construction throughout, this bass is built to perform. Every detail is engineered to support the player, ensuring that the Bongo not only looks striking but also delivers the reliability and playability demanded by working musicians.
A Modern Bass Icon at an Accessible Price
The Sterling by Music Man Bongo bass captures the essence of an iconic instrument in a more accessible package. With its contoured mahogany body, roasted maple neck and versatile dual-humbucker electronics, it’s a bass that balances comfort, tone and cutting-edge design. Ideal for players seeking a modern instrument capable of handling diverse genres, the Bongo stands as a bold choice for today’s bassist. Whether you’re stepping onto the stage or into the studio, this bass ensures you’re armed with the style, power and flexibility that have made the Bongo a modern classic.