Question Which collection of EBMM basses makes more sense to you?

[Movielife]

Stingray 4 H 3 EQ
Stingray 4 H 2 EQ
Big Al 4 SSS
Big Al 5 SSS
Stingray 5 HS

OR

Stingray 4 H 3 EQ
Stingray 4 H 2 EQ
Big Al 5 SSS
Sterling 5 HS
Stingray 5 HS

Is owning two Big Al SSS basses (one in 4 and one in 5) more attractive, or a Big Al 5 SSS plus a Sterling 5 HS?

Weird question, I know. I apologise!

Thanks

 

[syciprider]

Two BAs can cover mucho ground.

 

[adouglas]

(insert personal preference / "I'm not you" disclaimer here)

How do you think of 4 vs. 5 string basses in general?

To me, a 5-string bass can do everything a 4-string can, plus some. Take the B string off, or ignore it, and all you've got is a 4-stringer with a wide neck and J-bass-like string spacing.

So owning the same bass in both 4 and 5… what exactly is the point? The ergonomic difference, perhaps? That can be a really big deal to some.

I do own multiple basses, but they're all different in terms of electronics. To me, the purpose of the instrument is to produce sound, so I want to maximize the range of sounds I can produce. I notice that you own both a 3-band and a 2-band Ray.

Others may disagree about this line of reasoning. Each instrument is unique and has its own vibe… so a lot of folks wind up owning multiple examples of the same instrument.

Therefore…. I'd say the Sterling HS instead of the BA. Or, if you want the BA sound in a 5, then do that and lose the 4.

 

[Basswave]

(insert personal preference / "I'm not you" disclaimer here)

How do you think of 4 vs. 5 string basses in general?

To me, a 5-string bass can do everything a 4-string can, plus some. Take the B string off, or ignore it, and all you've got is a 4-stringer with a wide neck and J-bass-like string spacing.

So owning the same bass in both 4 and 5… what exactly is the point? The ergonomic difference, perhaps? That can be a really big deal to some.

Well to me I the difference is enough to have a 4 and 5 (thats just to me).
Example: slaping and chordal work.

One of my gigs is a 70's funk revival where its more comfortable on the 4 (not that I cannot on the 5) but the feel and technicque diffance is enough for me. Not to mention the sound is also different.

For other situations where I'm doing a l playing cords I prefer the tighter 17 mm spacing of the 5.

To answer Movielifes question

Both groupings sound great But I like number 2 since it has a Sterling in there as well.

 

[Elad_E]

I think it's kind of a moot point getting the exact same bass in 4 and in 5 strings.
now, if one of the BAs was an H model I would say theres more logic and appeal for me in that setup.

personally, I'd get every EBMM bass model (and some of them skinny 6 string thingies) if I had the financial means, otherwise I'll go for variety (though this is easier said than done for me as I'm a single H, 2 band Stingray geek).

 

[jlepre]

Yes or Yes, and YES!

 

[smallequestrian]

I'd rather have a Reflex HH with the gamechanger than two HS basses. Based on all the HH bases I've played by Musicman, the 25th/Reflex is the best sounding one.

 

[AlexBongoCrazy]

Yeah I think it would be a bit pointless to get the same bass in 4 and 5 string unless you get a different pickup config because you're looking for a different sound like if i got another bongo i'd probably get a double humbucker because there isn't much point getting exactly the same setup unless I needed a back up guitar or wanted something like a fretless neck

so i'd go with getting one big al

 

[Powman]

I vote for this grouping:

Stingray 4 H 3 EQ
Stingray 4 H 2 EQ
Big Al 5 SSS
Sterling 5 HS
Stingray 5 HS

I think having a Big Al 5 and a Sterling 5 makes more sense.

You also have 3 Stingrays in the mix. Sell one of them and get a Bongo.

 

[five7]

Go with the 5s and get a sterling. I keep a 4 around but never play it. My new sterling HS is the best MM I have owned. Killer tone and neck!

 

[jlepre]

All I can say is I wish "I" had this problem...

 

[oli@bass]

I don't really care what you do with your Big Al's, but...

Make that StingRay 4 3EQ an HH!!

If you haven't heard an MM with a neck'bucker, you ain't heard nothing yet!

Based on my experience with the 25th, I'm also with the others who are suggesting a Reflex or a Reflex GC instead of two others.

However, if you want to try as many different MM's as there are, I'd prefer the Sterling 5 HS over the Big Al 5 SSS.

Why the question? You have both on order anyways?

 

[Movielife]

There is a small financial hitch namely the landlord wanting us to move out NOW and we are having to spend a fortune on moving fees.

I may have to put the Big Al 4 SSS or Sterlng 5 HS on hold.

If I do...id make the Ray a double HH and the rest of the money would be for moving out...then id have to save again.

My plan is ruined I sold a lot to get all those on order.

I may still just get everything and deal with it!

Is a HH Stingray really a big jump above a normal Ray H?

 

[oli@bass]

There is a small financial hitch namely the landlord wanting us to move out NOW and we are having to spend a fortune on moving fees.

Ouch!

Is a HH Stingray really a big jump above a normal Ray H?

Well, look at it this way: You get the classic signature StingRay sound.... plus 4 other great new ones. Of all those, IMO, the neck H alone is every bit as cool as the bridge H alone.

Check out my http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-basses/42214-stingray-sound-examples.html: There's one sound files where I switch through all positions.

 

[strummer]

Stingray 4 H 3 EQ
Stingray 4 H 2 EQ
Big Al 4 SSS
Big Al 5 SSS
Stingray 5 HS

OR

Stingray 4 H 3 EQ
Stingray 4 H 2 EQ
Big Al 5 SSS
Sterling 5 HS
Stingray 5 HS

Is owning two Big Al SSS basses (one in 4 and one in 5) more attractive, or a Big Al 5 SSS plus a Sterling 5 HS?

Weird question, I know. I apologise!

Thanks

I'd take the second one, but that's mostly because I like 5-stings

 

[Elad_E]

There is a small financial hitch namely the landlord wanting us to move out NOW and we are having to spend a fortune on moving fees.

hire a UHaul, get a box of ice filled with cold beer bottles, call some friends, move the house, keep the basses.

 

[Movielife]

Thanks guys. Its a hard decision.

Re: Reflex...eventually id like a Reflex HH (4 or 5) in White, but Im going to wait until the end of the year when the Gamechanger option is here. So that will be bought eventually!

Re: Stingray HH 4 - Im 50:50 at the moment. Im not sure id use those tones but it seems rude not too. The only thing Im worried about is my finger/pick style is good, but my slap aint so good, so Im worried about the space.

Re: Big Al. I LOVE the Big Al. Part of me wants two, and White/Sunburst are my fave colours. 4 for the punk/rock and the 5 for finger funk etc. I like both 4s and 5s, so its a hard choice.

Re: Sterling 5 HS. Its definitely going to stay a HS as I love the single on my Ray 5 HS, I figured the Sterling 5 HS would be a nice series/ceramic sister to the Ray 5HS parallel/alnico.

I might still get all of them....I have to be careful.

If I stop one it would be the Sterling 5 HS OR the Big Al 4 SSS. Perhaps one Big Al is enough?!

 

[cellkirk74]

Think a moment about mine and add a Reflex 5 HSS with a game changer. And maybe a Bongo six someday...

 

[Movielife]

Think a moment about mine and add a Reflex 5 HSS with a game changer. And maybe a Bongo six someday...

What do you suggest ?

 

[cellkirk74]

I would go for at least one Bongo and a Big Al SSS and maybe skip the SR 4 and the Sterling. You will get a lot of ground covered alone with this.

Then save up a bit for a gamechanger.
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