Question EBMM Sterling 5 (HS?) or Big Al 5 SSS

[Movielife]

Hi chaps

Ive been going round in circles about the Big Al in 4 or 5. After playing my new Ray 5 HS for a good few hours, Ive come to the conclusion that 5 string basses can work for me, and more so EBMM basses.

Ive now also decided I should look at all options. Why no Bongo? Well, as much as I like them, Id need to play one for a fair while to get a feeling for it. From an aesthetics point of view, the Big Al and Sterling get my attention.

I know with the Sterling 5 HS it will fit like a glove (almost!) as its not far off a Ray 5. But, the Big Al 5 is glaring at me.

Would you say the Big Al 5 has the punch and output like the Sterling/Stingray 5s do? Eg just a light touch provides a massive tone?

Thanks

 

[Movielife]

It may be worth adding that perhaps Im looking for something a little different, and I tend to favour smoother vintage/warm basses. I do like the EBMM snarl and brightness, obviously, but I also like to be able to tame it to something fat and old school.

 

[Aussie Mark]

It may be worth adding that perhaps Im looking for something a little different, and I tend to favour smoother vintage/warm basses. I do like the EBMM snarl and brightness, obviously, but I also like to be able to tame it to something fat and old school.

Big Al SSS for the win

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Big Al SSS for the win

I agree.

 

[Bass Control]

i agree.

+1

 

[rizzo9247]

It may be worth adding that perhaps Im looking for something a little different, and I tend to favour smoother vintage/warm basses. I do like the EBMM snarl and brightness, obviously, but I also like to be able to tame it to something fat and old school.

Bongo 5 HH

Old school new school and all schools in between.

 

[OldSchool Noob]

As someone who was recently in your boat and tried all the basses you mentioned, I would go with the Sterling HS.

My next choice would be a Bongo HH.

My next choice after that would be a Big Al Single H.

My next choice after that would be a Stingray Single H.

 

[drTStingray]

As someone who was recently in your boat and tried all the basses you mentioned, I would go with the Sterling HS.

My next choice would be a Bongo.

My next choice after that would be a Big Al Single H.

My next choice after that would be a Stingray Single H.

Interesting. And nice to hear a different viewpoint re that particular model and configuration

 

[pwayboy]

The Big Al has a great look, and from what recordings I have heard around the 'net, a great sound, too.

I love the funky shape, and the bass guitar pulls it off extremely well -- a better look IMHO than the guitar version, where the funky shape looks a bit awkward.

Only 122 shopping days left 'til Christmas, and the Big Al 5 is on my Wish List. I'm not picky -- any color is fine with me, Santa!

 

[Movielife]

As someone who was recently in your boat and tried all the basses you mentioned, I would go with the Sterling HS.

My next choice would be a Bongo HH.

My next choice after that would be a Big Al Single H.

My next choice after that would be a Stingray Single H.

Thanks for the viewpoint. What was it about the SSS that didnt work out for you?

 

[OldSchool Noob]

Thanks for the viewpoint. What was it about the SSS that didnt work out for you?

Check your PM.