Sterling Bongo 5, Stealth Black

Full Description

Modern design with bold aesthetics

The Sterling Bongo 5 is instantly recognisable thanks to its bold Stealth black finish and unique body contours. Designed to break away from traditional bass styling, the Bongo features a sculpted, ergonomic shape that not only looks futuristic but also enhances comfort during long playing sessions. The colour-matched headstock adds a sleek, cohesive aesthetic that completes its modern appeal. On stage or in the studio, this bass commands attention with a look that defies convention. Its design isn't just about standing out visually—it's crafted to support expressive performance and ergonomic playability, setting it apart from more traditional 5-string basses.

Effortless playability and comfort

Built with performance in mind, the Bongo 5 boasts a roasted maple neck and rosewood fingerboard, offering a smooth and comfortable playing experience. The 12-inch radius and 24-fret layout ensure easy navigation across the entire neck, making everything from complex runs to chord voicings feel natural. The contoured body design hugs your torso, providing balance when seated or standing, while the 6-bolt neck joint offers solid stability and smooth access to the highest frets. Every element of this bass is designed to make playing effortless, so you can focus entirely on your sound and expression without compromise.

Versatile tone-shaping electronics

Equipped with two ceramic humbuckers and a 2-band active preamp, the Bongo 5 gives you powerful tonal flexibility. The pickup blend control lets you dial in anything from tight, focused mids to warm, full-bodied lows or cutting highs, making it easy to adapt to a variety of genres—from rock and metal to funk and fusion. The active EQ adds further control, giving you the tools to sculpt your sound precisely for any live or studio setting. If you need a clean, punchy tone or a gritty growl, the electronics in the Bongo 5 respond with clarity and authority.

Reliable build with quality hardware

From the open-gear tuners to the Sterling by Music Man-designed bridge, the Bongo 5 is built for durability and consistency. Its dual-action truss rod allows for precise neck adjustments, while the robust 6-bolt neck attachment enhances resonance and long-term structural integrity. The factory-installed Ernie Ball Regular Slinky strings add a familiar tension and feel, so you’re ready to go straight out of the box. Every detail—from the fretwork to the hardware—has been carefully considered to ensure reliable performance in demanding situations, making the Bongo 5 a dependable workhorse with modern flair.

Specifications

• Product Name: Sterling Bongo 5, Stealth black
• Product Code: ST-BONGO5-SBK-R2

Body

• Body Wood: Indonesian Mahogany
• Body Colour: Stealth black
• Pickguard: Black

Neck & Fretboard

• Neck Wood: Roasted Maple
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Fret Markers: White Dot
• Neck Radius: 12" (30 cm)
• Frets: 24
• Scale Length: 34” (86.4 cm)
• Neck Width: 1.77” (45 mm) at Nut, 2.80” (71.2 mm) at Last Fret
• Neck Attachment: 6-Bolt Pattern
• Truss Rod: Dual Action

Hardware & Electronics

• Bridge: Sterling by Music Man-Designed Bridge
• Tuning Machines: Open Gear
• Pickups: HH - 2 Ceramic Humbuckers
• Controls: 2-Band Active Preamp
• Switching: Pickup Blend Control Knob
• Strings: Ernie Ball 2836 Regular Slinky
• Gig Bag: Not included