S
sitonmybass
The first impression was visual. The Big Al 5 single H is a great looking instrument; the look of the single H on that shape really "works."
Second impression was how it felt when I first removed it from the case (at this point the bass was not strapped on.) I was immediately impressed with how comfortable the neck was and that the factory set-up was perfect!
I then played all four of my EBMM basses through one of my 140 watt Hartke 2-10" combos in this order:
Sterling 5 H
Bongo 5 H
Big Al 5 H
Bongo 5 HH
Admittedly, I seem to go for a "specific" sound and found that my three previously purchased EBMMs and their respective settings seemed to indicate that. With that in mind, I found that each instrument has its own "flavor" for want of a better descriptive term.
If I may firstly quote myself from previous threads, I will then attempt to add appropriate additions regarding the Big Al 5 single H's nuances.
Sterling 5 single H:
aggressive, "in-your-face," and "snappy" with added "grit and attitude"
Bongo 5 HH:
smooth, clean, deep and rich
Bongo 5 single H:
smooth, clean, warm and "pleasant sounding"
To closely replicate the sound that I "go for" when playing an EBMM, I found that my setting of choice on the Big Al 5 single H is parallel/active which is both push buttons depressed.
Of my two 4-band EQ models (Bongo 5 HH, Big Al 5 single H,) I found the mids to be "thicker" on the Big Al 5 single H which may be attributed to the mahogany body and the pickup differences.
With all four of my basses I utilize the active tone knobs in only slightly varying degress of boost.
When strapped on, the Big Al 5 single H was well balanced, comfortable, and eye-catching.
The bottom line is this: The Big Al 5 single H is a great addition to the EBMM line and all of the models that I happen to have get the "MusicMan sound" which is why I purchased them to begin with. EBMM is a company that is genuinely dedicated to making instruments with great playability, quality, sound, and looks. They (EBMM) have a stellar reputation, a dedicated R & D team which is always forward-thinking and a commitment to its customers that is to be commended.
To actually have "contact" (by way of this forum) with Big Poppa is icing on the cake.
Second impression was how it felt when I first removed it from the case (at this point the bass was not strapped on.) I was immediately impressed with how comfortable the neck was and that the factory set-up was perfect!
I then played all four of my EBMM basses through one of my 140 watt Hartke 2-10" combos in this order:
Sterling 5 H
Bongo 5 H
Big Al 5 H
Bongo 5 HH
Admittedly, I seem to go for a "specific" sound and found that my three previously purchased EBMMs and their respective settings seemed to indicate that. With that in mind, I found that each instrument has its own "flavor" for want of a better descriptive term.
If I may firstly quote myself from previous threads, I will then attempt to add appropriate additions regarding the Big Al 5 single H's nuances.
Sterling 5 single H:
aggressive, "in-your-face," and "snappy" with added "grit and attitude"
Bongo 5 HH:
smooth, clean, deep and rich
Bongo 5 single H:
smooth, clean, warm and "pleasant sounding"
To closely replicate the sound that I "go for" when playing an EBMM, I found that my setting of choice on the Big Al 5 single H is parallel/active which is both push buttons depressed.
Of my two 4-band EQ models (Bongo 5 HH, Big Al 5 single H,) I found the mids to be "thicker" on the Big Al 5 single H which may be attributed to the mahogany body and the pickup differences.
With all four of my basses I utilize the active tone knobs in only slightly varying degress of boost.
When strapped on, the Big Al 5 single H was well balanced, comfortable, and eye-catching.
The bottom line is this: The Big Al 5 single H is a great addition to the EBMM line and all of the models that I happen to have get the "MusicMan sound" which is why I purchased them to begin with. EBMM is a company that is genuinely dedicated to making instruments with great playability, quality, sound, and looks. They (EBMM) have a stellar reputation, a dedicated R & D team which is always forward-thinking and a commitment to its customers that is to be commended.
To actually have "contact" (by way of this forum) with Big Poppa is icing on the cake.
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