Help! Sterling H vs Big Al H

[bigal1369]

Planning to get new bass but not sure if i should get A sterling single H or Big Al single H . What would be the pros and cons of these two animals? Can you pros give me a hand. I love my stingray. But got that EBMM fever.

 

[sitonmybass]

Here's two of my earlier posts that may help.

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.

Tonight I played my Big Al 5 single H for the first time at a gig. It definetly lives up to BP's assessments of its merits. All of its construction elements add to its overall vibe; the mahogany body, the 4-band EQ, and the ceramic magnets wound to StingRay specs (which is the same single H found in the 25th models.) It sat well in the mix without "pushing through" it. It provided a "cushy" and warm fundamental and when I dug in, it provided the perfect amount of "grit" with highs that were unobtrusive and pleasant. When I played all of my EBMMs through an amp at home yesterday, I had determined that one of the best ways to describe this bass is that it is very responsive. It seems to deliver your own individual expressiveness becoming more of an extension of yourself as opposed to a being a tool which only delivers its own individualized sound.

I used parallel/active the entire night.

It's comfortable, well balanced, and its looks draw a lot of attention. EBMM's Candy Red finish is by far the most beautiful red that I have seen on an instrument.

This bass is a much welcomed addtion to my EBMM collection.

 

[cellkirk74]

Since the Big Al can do everthing the Sterling can, and more, while having the same neck, I'd say Big Al.

 

[Powman]

I have not yet had a chance to try the Big Al H. I would love to do that! However, Mr. Sitonmybass" descriptions are extremely accurate. If indeed the Big Al can completely replicate the Sterling sound and but then give you some more options, then Big Al would probably be the correct choice.

The reason I only say probably is that I still think the Sterling H is one very cool bass. Now that I have both a Bongo and a Sterling, I appreciate the Sterling even more. I thought the Bongo would totally replace the Sterling, but it hasn't. I am finding I use both basses equally, but still reaching for my Sterling for a more aggressive sound.

Therefore, if you did choose to get the Sterling H, you would still be getting one cool bass.

 

[keko]

Didn't played Big Al yet, but I think that Mr. S.O.M.B. told You everything, that's really great review from real pro-user and owner of such a basses!

My personal opinion is that Sterling is here more standard instrument and Big Al kinda improved and "modern Sterling" evolution bass!
I mean, Big Al got mahogany body, Sterling's neck, improved 4 band 18V EQ preamp, pickups are almost the same (ceramic, series/parallel), only Al is missing single coil position & phantom coil!
At the other side, Sterling got standard 3 band 9V EQ preamp and ash body, so sound differences between those two basses are guaranteed!

I must admit something here, please don't kill me someone, ...I would really like to have Sterling 5 single H with piezo and 18V 4 band EQ preamp!

You know what?...by both basses!

 

[ErlendDL]

Hasn't BP described the Big Al H as their best single H ever?

 

[cellkirk74]

Hasn't BP described the Big Al H as their best single H ever?

Yes, he has.

 

[syciprider]

The Big AL has everything you love in a Sterling and more! It's a great bass for those who like to experiment with tone or those who need to cop accepted tones for various genres.

The Sterling is a KISS bass. No fuss, just turn a knob and you're there.

 

[bigal1369]

So the the Big Al is also snappy And Aggressive like a Sterling? So does the 18 volts give it more bit than the 9 volts on sterling?

 

[syciprider]

I found my Sterling (and Stingray) bolder and more aggressive than my Big AL.

 

[sitonmybass]

My Sterling 5 single H is the most aggressive and "snappy" of my four models.

 

[Powman]

My Sterling 5 single H is the most aggressive and "snappy" of my four models.

I really need to try a Big Al H. Tried the Big Al SSS and it was very nice. But it was not a replacement for the sound I get from the Sterling. But are you tell me the Big Al H can do everything a Sterling can and then some???

 

[sitonmybass]

I really need to try a Big Al H. Tried the Big Al SSS and it was very nice. But it was not a replacement for the sound I get from the Sterling. But are you tell me the Big Al H can do everything a Sterling can and then some???

The Big Al single H is quite versatile due to its four different tone modes:

Passive/series
Passive/parallel
Active/series
Active/parallel

My Big Al 5 single H's active/parallel mode gives a close approximation of a StingRay's tone to my ear.

 

[Thornton Davis]

Hasn't BP described the Big Al H as their best single H ever?

BP responded to a number of my questions that I asked him last January when he introduced the BA-5 H. Specifically, he said that the humbucker in the BA-5H is the humbucker used in the 25th Anniversary bass and it in his opinion is the best sounding humbucker that the factory has ever produced.

Specifically, he commented that it has a hotter output and fatter tone than the standard version of the pickup.

Personally i'm going to buy a BA-5 H later this year once I get back on my feet financially.

TD

 

[Thornton Davis]

So does the 18 volts give it more bit than the 9 volts on sterling?

18 volts will give you more headroom. If you're a slapper, you'll appreciate having a 18 volt preamp system. If you're not a slapper, 9 volts is more than enough.

TD

 

[bigal1369]

So even with 18volt electonics or 4 band eq . The Sterling is more Aggressive and snappy than the Big Al . I thought the 18 volt would give it more pop than the sterling?

 

[keko]

So even with 18volt electonics or 4 band eq . The Sterling is more Aggressive and snappy than the Big Al . I thought the 18 volt would give it more pop than the sterling?

I think that's the matter of body wood at the first place!

Mahogany body gives more smooth tone, ash gives killer tone!