Playing the Big Al 5 today

[Aussie Mark]

I am on the fence about ordering one. My only real concern is the weight

Those extra pickups, pots, battery and knobs weigh more than the hardware in a Stingray H, for example, but my Big Al actually feels lighter than any of my other EBMM basses, because it is so well balanced, and the body is smaller.

I used to think that BP and team already made the most ergonomic bass on the planet, in the Bongo, but the Big Al bests even the Bongo in that department. It sits so nicely when you're playing it standing up, and the controls are located exactly where they need to be. Like Jack, I'm a set and forget type of guy, but the Big Al is so intuitive and comfy you soon forget it has so many knobs.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Those extra pickups, pots, battery and knobs weigh more than the hardware in a Stingray H, for example, but my Big Al actually feels lighter than any of my other EBMM basses, because it is so well balanced, and the body is smaller.

I used to think that BP and team already made the most ergonomic bass on the planet, in the Bongo, but the Big Al bests even the Bongo in that department. It sits so nicely when you're playing it standing up, and the controls are located exactly where they need to be. Like Jack, I'm a set and forget type of guy, but the Big Al is so intuitive and comfy you soon forget it has so many knobs.

I have played a few EBMMs in the stores lately (no BigAls) and the one thing that I noted was the heavy weights for the majority of them. Maybe I'm just getting old and frail, but I am lucky in that one of my SR5s is exactly 9 lbs which is manageable.

If I do go for it, I am almost certain to be getting your colour combo!

 

[Oldtoe]

Perhaps the time nears when Ben annoys Derek and trades a credit card number for a musical instrument. Hmm?

 

[sitonmybass]

The demo will probably go online in a month or so, when issue #5 is done.

I'm looking forward to Ed's review of the Big Al 5 SSS.

Since I own a Sterling 5 single H, Bongo 5 single H and will soon have possession of a Big Al 5 single H, I will do my best to offer some hopefully insightful observations.

 

[Big Poppa]

Have him get a light one for you ben that old back of yours!

 

[Oldtoe]

Heh, no kidding, Pops! It's doing a LOT better, though!

 

[bovinehost]

Heh, no kidding, Pops! It's doing a LOT better, though!

Ditch your soundman gig on the 13th and come try this one, Ben.

 

[keko]

Take your time Ed! Even if it takes all day and night. We love your reviews!

+1

P.S. ...I wrote already on this forum that Ed's Music Man demo vids on YT did big influence on me before I bought mine Sterling!

So, go for it Ed, I'm sure that lots of "hungry" bass players waiting around the world for such a stuff, a many potential buyers!

 

[Powman]

I fear that after Ed does his video on the Big Al 5, this very well might be bass number 3 for me.

 

[Big Poppa]

not to take anything away from the 3s...but BUT BUT BUT The sngle H is the best one we make and that comes from the Big Poppa BOngo guy....The serie and parrallel and active and passive and the four band pre...Ed you better test one of these..... Better yet dont...you'll want one

 

[bovinehost]

"The torture never stops." - F Zappa

From an interview in April 1977:

FZ: ... then it goes into a song called "The Torture Never Stops".
Q: Which is about what?
FZ: Er, it's about torture not stopping.

 

[Big Poppa]

Its not torture if its true

 

[Thornton Davis]

not to take anything away from the 3s...but BUT BUT BUT The single H is the best one we make and that comes from the Big Poppa Bongo guy....

I was going to ask you to comment about this BP, so i'm glad that you mentioned it.

I've gigged with a Big Al 4 SSS and loved it but I found it not to have as hot of output as either of my SR5-H's have. From what i've been told through the grapevine, I understand that the Big Al 5-H with the 25th Anny pickup is hotter than the SSS version, while also adding increased warmth (fatter) tone to the output. Is this accurate in you opinion?

I'm definately ordering one, but right now i'm wrestling with which colour combination of BA5-H to order.

Looking forward to Ed's review of this new critter.

TD

 

[Big Poppa]

thats it thornton!

 

[Thornton Davis]

thats it thornton!

Thank you for confirming that sir!

My GHO (gotta have one) level just jumped off the scale.

I'm definately in.

TD

 

[EdFriedland]

not to take anything away from the 3s...but BUT BUT BUT The sngle H is the best one we make and that comes from the Big Poppa BOngo guy....The serie and parrallel and active and passive and the four band pre...Ed you better test one of these..... Better yet dont...you'll want one

I'll admit it is intriguing... though I've really grown to like the SSS. I don't notice it being lower output than any of my other MM basses, or the other two (Classics) that I have waiting to go under the lens. Of course, with the 900 watt Shuttle head into a 1000 watt 4x10, I haz enough gain 4 passive mode!

 

[Big Poppa]

Ed its just different...I really love the sss one too. It really does take it in a different direction...very vintage but crazy progressive if it makes sense You can get some cool vintage tones and then there are some new classics in there

 

[Sting]

Ed its just different...I really love the sss one too. It really does take it in a different direction...very vintage but crazy progressive if it makes sense You can get some cool vintage tones and then there are some new classics in there

Maybe a Big-Al HSS is needed to get the best of both worlds.

Just sayin'.

 

[guenter]

Or "pickups-on-rails", where you can move the pickups between neck and bridge to whatever position you want. For a nearly unlimited number of different sounds...

But how could one describe the characteristics of such a bass?

 

[jlepre]

Maybe a Big-Al HSS is needed to get the best of both worlds.

Just sayin'.

Hmmmmm...I was just thinking the SAME thing.

Is it a possibilty BP, or not feasible?