Benjamin Gershman, bassist of reggae inspired band O.A.R., literally stopped in his tracks when he first spotted Music Man’s new Bongo Bass while shopping at Chicago’s Guitar Center. He was so intrigued by the unique looking instrument that after researching it, decided it would be ideal for him. “I feel completely comfortable with the Bongo and I’ve only been playing it a few months,” he said.

“I really like the capabilities within the bass itself. It offers the player countless tonal differences -anywhere from subtle tone changes to an all out different bass tone,” explained Gershman.

As he doesn’t like to use many effects when he plays in the band, the Bongo complements his style by allowing him to change the tone by simply tweaking a knob.

“If one song of ours is leaning towards an island sound, I will go from leaning towards the front neck jazz pickup and get a fat low tone, but on the contrary if I need a dark and edgier tone I can easily switch to the back humbucker and get what I need,” he explained.

Gershman and his Bongo can be seen this summer as O.A.R. plays six tour dates with the Dave Matthews Band. The picture above was taken at a concert in Dekalb, IL, near Chicago.

The Bongo features include an evolved artistic shape, advanced electronics, color coordination and a patented compensated nut that greatly improves intonation.

Music Man is recognized as the benchmark of modern bass guitar design and manufacturing since introducing the Stingray bass in 1976. Music Man was founded by Leo Fender, Forrest White and Tom Walker in 1972, and acquired in 1984 by Ernie Ball Inc. The company has since developed many groundbreaking guitars and basses. For more information, contact the Ernie Ball Company at (805) 544-7726, or visit their website at www.ernieball.com.