Question: When should i buy a BIG AL?

[MrChedda]

I'm a little biased, but I'd say go for the Big Al and keep the Sterling if you can. The Big Al is very different from the Sterling/Stingray. I had an opportunity to lay down some tracks in the studio yesterday (4 with the Big Al, two with my Stingray).

The tone differences between the two were pretty amazing. The sound guy was really impressed with the Al, and so was I. The 4 band in the Al is really something special.

I love my Stingray, but I play the Al almost exclusively now. I'd say go for it (or buy a Bongo for the 4 band....)

[Aussie Mark]

the following three basses from Music Man are needed as they deliver vastly different tones.

1. Sterling H (more aggressive) or Stingray (a bit smoother). Punchy MM Basses with signature sound

2. Bongo HH. Very versatile, but the neck pup is deep rich and warm.

3 Big Al. Clear and resonant.

+1

Exactly what I have - Stingray H, Bongo HH, Big Al, plus a Stingray HH for good measure

[Blues Infidel]

Totally dug the look of the Big Al from the beginning. And the pickup/preamp setup looks incredibly versatile. I'm a bit curious about how comfortable people find the shape. I own 3 Sterlings and find them very comfortable. Anyone who owns both care to comment?

[Aussie Mark]

I'm a bit curious about how comfortable people find the shape. I own 3 Sterlings and find them very comfortable. Anyone who owns both care to comment?

I used to think that the Bongo was the most ergonomic and comfortable EBMM bass, but the Big Al trumps that. It has the best balance of any bass I've owned (I've owned a ton of Stingrays, but not any Sterlings, so can't comment about that), and when you're wearing it it sits perfectly, with all the controls just where they should be.

[sitonmybass]

I'm not surprised; the Big Al even looks like it would balance well.
All of the positive comments that I've been reading about them recently is definetly making this the longest wait ever.

[kevins]

i have the answer...september 14th 2011


dun dun dun


but in all honesty, you should get it when you get enough money for a new one. NEVER PART WITH YOUR MUSICMEN. its got the string mutes man! its a 94! and that truly is something special to hold on to, if you have a 3EQ even better. string mutes with a 3eq has to offer some amazing tonal varieties.

the cool thing with EBMM stuff is that it is constantly changing, constantly evolving and stuff that appears on a bass now may never appear again or stuff thats gone may never come back like we thought the string mutes would. and think of it this way everything you've written has probobly been on that sterling and the big al seems like it would be a huge change for you and may even change what you want to play through it.

so hold on to the sterling cause its a gorgeous work of art on its own and think about how incredibly hard its going to be to get a 3eq sterling with mutes on it lol. i know personally if i found a 3eq stingray in trans teal with the mutes, id trade my stingray without the mutes for it in a heartbeat. then again i love my stingray and might not do that just on the sentimental value i have on it.

[hans]

i have the answer...september 14th 2011

at 4:20 p.m.? ;-)/

NEVER PART WITH YOUR MUSICMEN. its got the string mutes man! its a 94! and that truly is something special to hold on to, if you have a 3EQ even better. string mutes with a 3eq has to offer some amazing tonal varieties.

so hold on to the sterling cause its a gorgeous work of art on its own and think about how incredibly hard its going to be to get a 3eq sterling with mutes on it lol. i know personally if i found a 3eq stingray in trans teal with the mutes, id trade my stingray without the mutes for it in a heartbeat. then again i love my stingray and might not do that just on the sentimental value i have on it.

Yes, you are right - i should keep the Sterling for sure! You see, i didn´t even know before that my Sterling from 94 was special (string mutes + 3 EQ). I apologize in advance for posting a picture of a dirty/dusty MM .... i will clean it NOW.

[adouglas]

I used to think that the Bongo was the most ergonomic and comfortable EBMM bass, but the Big Al trumps that. It has the best balance of any bass I've owned (I've owned a ton of Stingrays, but not any Sterlings, so can't comment about that), and when you're wearing it it sits perfectly, with all the controls just where they should be.

I did NOT need to hear that.

[five7]

i did not need to hear that.

+1

[mmbassplayer]

I am holding out for a Stealth Big Al 5 H... BP?? Come on? JOSH

[sitonmybass]

I did NOT need to hear that.

adouglas,

I can so see you with a Big Al 5! It'll definetly go with your cool shoes and your Cool Shoes Band. It's so you, dude!

Get a Big Al 5 single H.

[adouglas]

adouglas,

I can so see you with a Big Al 5! It'll definetly go with your cool shoes and your Cool Shoes Band. It's so you, dude!

I know, I know!

Plugging my ears.

LALALALALALALALA

[sitonmybass]

I know, I know!

Come on, come on...

Pull that trigger!

[tommixx]

Come on, come on...

Pull that trigger!

The Perfect Bass has some nice Big Al 5 single H's with rosewood coming in NEXT week or so:

White Pearl, black pickguard, rosewood

Sterling Silver, black pearloid pickguard, rosewood

White, shell pickguard, rosewood

Black, black pearloid pickguard, rosewood, matching headstock
__________________________________________________ _______________

They also have on the way these Big Al 5 SSS rosewoods:

White, white pickguard

Sapphire Black, white pickguard

Blue Pearl, white pickguard

Since I prefer rosewood over maple that's how I remembered that these exact models were incoming. I also recall that you likewise prefer rosewood over maple saying that maple is too hard to maintain/keep clean. I agree. Plus, I really prefer the sound of rosewood.

What kind of tones do you get with the single H? That seems to be Big Poppas favorite but I am wonder what they sound like...I LOVE the tone i get from my SR 5 HH! Need that (or in that flavor) plus some others...SERIOUSLY thinking about a Big Al 5 lately!

Peace,

T

[adouglas]

GAS has subsided for now.

Band practice tonight.

You know how, when you're liking the tone of your bass so much that you screw up because you're listening and marveling instead of focusing on playing?

It's like that.

Bongos rule.

So there.