Tonal question? Sterling/Big Al

[cmprock]

Hey guys,

First of all, been poking around here for a few days and GREAT FORUM! I need some advice..... I'm a guitar player. Just finished my second CD. I plan to play the bass (or attempt to) on the next one. Always loved the Sterling, small neck, small package overall, feels great in my guitar player hands...and of coarse love the aggressive sound. I'm primarily a rock guy.
Checked out the HH Bongo, mostly cause I love the vibe and tones were punchy!! But the overall girth of the body and neck a bit much for me. So.... bottom line.... How close does the Big Al get to the Sterling tone? How close to that of the Bongo? Is a Single H Big Al like either? I'm attracted to the versatility of the Big Al but three singles makes me think Strat (stupid I know but hey...I AM a guitar player lol) ....and I'm not a Strat guy really. Any help would be super cool as need to make a purchase right away. In fact, Bongo being sent back Monday and really need to get on the right track asap. Thanks in advance.

 

[bdgotoh]

If you like the Bongo tone then the Big Al preamp is closer. The Sterling has a slightly different thing going on, I'm not sure how to describe it. A bit more aggressive, maybe. Here are some reviews Ed Friedland did, they'll give you a great idea of what to expect.

Bongo (for comparison since you know that one)
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS0mQDmQzAs]YouTube - Ernie Ball/Music Man Bongo 6 String Bass[/ame]

Sterling
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akwJz_KRlW8]YouTube - Music Man Sterling 5 bass[/ame]

Big Al
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTv0dHtHHbI]YouTube - Music Man Big Al Bass[/ame]

 

[dokidoki]

the single h big al uses the same pickup as a sterling, ceramic magnet, so i guess it can get u pretty close.

the 2 neck profiles are also rather similar

 

[sitonmybass]

the single h big al uses the same pickup as a sterling, ceramic magnet, so i guess it can get u pretty close.

Although they are both indeed ceramic, the Big Al's single H is wound to StingRay specs making it the same single H as on the 25th model.

 

[dokidoki]

Although they are both indeed ceramic, the Big Al's single H is wound to StingRay specs making it the same single H as on the 25th model.

i see, thanks for the correction! i learnt something again haha

 

[phatduckk]

I have a few sterlings and a Big AL SSS and id say I wouldnt worry about getting near the Sterling's tonal characteristics. Yes, theyre different beasts but they're both awesome.

The SSS has a setting where it puts the back 2 PUPS in series which gives it a nice n aggressive tone that I love... it 100% satisfies this sterling fanatic's ears

 

[cmprock]

Thanks!

Cool! Thanks so much for the heads up. I was able to actually find a Big Al and Sterling in the same place.... verdict for me was Big Al!!! Man you can get some serious sounds out of that thing!!! Really really amazing! Super stoked! Now... just picking the color..... may order one if IF I can wait.....we'll see. Thanks again!!

 

[Joe Nerve]

+1 on what you just said.

the big al has a lot more sounds in it than the sterling, and while I haven't owned or played a sterling in a long while the al seems to have all the cut of the sterling plus a bit more punch/bottom end. for me, it's the perfect mix of sterling, stingray and bongo. i am sooooo loving my big al. my only gripe with it is the name. i really don't like telling people i love my big al. most of them just don't understand.

 

[Basswave]

Just to add to this.

I feel in general that the back 2 pickups on the Big Al do give 'that general' MM sweet spot sound that we are all familiar with.

(I just want to say the following before people go crazy that I'm refering to is the 'general' sound not exact of a ray or sterling )