Sterling by Music Man Bongo 5

Sterling by Music Man Bongo Bass – Bold, Modern, and Unmistakably Iconic

The iconic Bongo bass returns — now available from Sterling by Music Man, bringing the same cutting-edge design and unmistakable attitude that made the original a modern legend.

Crafted for performance, the Bongo features a roasted maple neck for rock-solid stability and a sleekly contoured body that feels sculpted to your hands. Deep cutaways invite effortless upper-fret access, while the rosewood fingerboard adds a touch of warmth and smooth playability.

Under the hood, dual humbucking pickups, a pickup blend control, and an active 2-band EQ give you total command of your tone. From tight, thunderous lows to crisp, articulate highs, the Bongo is engineered to deliver clarity, power, and precision in every note.

With its striking body shape, color-matched headstock, and bold finishes, the Bongo isn’t afraid to stand out. It’s a bass that defies convention, built for players who refuse to blend in — a true statement piece for the modern stage.

1. What is the scale length of the Bongo Bass?
The Bongo features a 34-inch (86.4 cm) scale length, offering full-sized bass feel and response. Sterling by Music Man

2. What kind of body and wood construction does the Bongo have?
It uses a mahogany body, paired with a roasted maple neck and a rosewood fingerboard for smooth feel and rich tone. Sterling by Music Man

3. How many frets and what fretboard radius does the Bongo offer?
The Bongo has 24 frets and a 12” (30 cm) neck radius, delivering extended range and comfort across the fretboard. Sterling by Music Man

4. What pickup configuration and electronics are included?
It comes equipped with a dual-humbucker (HH) ceramic pickup setup, a pickup blend control knob, and an active 2-band EQ for flexible tonal shaping. Sterling by Music Man

5. What string specification does it ship with?
Out of the box, the Bongo is strung with Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings (2834 gauge). Sterling by Music Man

6. What are the finish options available?
The Bongo is available in at least two finishes: Firemist Purple Satin and Stealth Black. Sterling by Music Man

7. How is the neck attached and what tuning hardware is used?
The neck uses a 6-bolt pattern attachment, and the Bongo features open-gear tuning machines. Sterling by Music Man

8. How does the body shape contribute to playability?
With deep cutaways and a sleekly contoured body, the design ensures exceptional upper-register access and comfort for modern performance. Sterling by Music Man

9. What kind of bridge does it have?
The bridge is a Sterling by Music Man-designed unit, tailored to complement the overall instrument build. Sterling by Music Man

10. What kind of player or style is the Bongo suited for?
The Bongo is designed for modern bassists seeking versatility, comfort, and a bold aesthetic — from deep punchy low end to clear defined highs, thanks to the electronics and build. Sterling by Music Man