I probably won’t upgrade the electronics unless 3+ band EQ is a must.
For preamp have you consider the John East? Delano pickups perhaps. That would have been my first choice.
If I’m in your shoes and don’t like the current setup I’d consider selling it and pickup the EBMM bongo and it will come with what you need without upgrade.
Thank you Al.
I would love a EBMM Bongo. Out my price range for now (but saving up)
You believe it’s not worth upgrading the Sterling? I planned to message you directly given other posts you have shared. Seemed you would have an experienced perspective.
I was hoping to create an EBMM like sound on a budget 
Upgrading any bass is never “worth it” in a monitary sort of way. It is worth it if you get a bass you like better.
That said, the whole point of a bongo (other than looks) is to get a bongo sound. So if you start drifting away from that you then have a bongo shaped something else bass.
Fair point…
The Bongo sound is what’s on your Bongo right now. If Sterling is carrying on the Sterling traditional of wiring the pickup in series then just take 10 minutes to switch it to parallel then you’ll have your EBMM Bongo sound, the one thing you can’t have is the smooth ramp pickup a la Bongo style.
Personally the 2 band EQ classic StingRay style is probably the best as the pickup itself is already well position to produce the mid punchy bass and you just control it with your bass and treble knobs. I have several EBMM with 2 band EQ. Then again, all my playing is pretty much dead zero neutral.
Hey where are you in SoCal again?
Aside for the Bongo which is not currently in my shed, let me know if you want to try some out. What’s the perk of being near me and not get fully expose to basses, 
I actually haven’t installed them yet. The bass they’re going in is currently in my garage being worked on. I’ve stripped the paint off the body, sanded it down, I’ve started modifying the body a bit by increasing the chamfer along the top edge, and increasing the forearm cut to be more comfortable. I’m also adding string thru ferrules because the bridge has that option so why not? I’m trying to decide on exactly how to finish it as well.
Sounds a very cool project. Look forward to seeing it.
Someday I want to fractal burn a guitar and resin coat it:
I will seek out wiring videos… although I’m about as handy as a penguin… 
