Help! 20 hours to decide!

[sitonmybass]

I'm considering purchasing a black/rosewood SBMM Ray 35.

I truly am GASing for a Big Al 5 single H, though.

I really don't think the ever wonderful Mrs.sitonmybass is very keen on the idea of me purchasing it from a monetary standpoint but at the same time she is saying, "Get what you REALLY want."

If I had the choice of only one, I'd prefer the Big Al 5 single H, but truth be told, I'd love to have them both.
By the way, I currently own 7 fretted electric 5-strings and one fretted acoustic/electric 5-string.

I don't NEED another bass(es), but I WANT another bass(es), but I WANT another bass(es), but I WANT another bass(es), but I WANT another bass(es)...

 

[boristhespider7]

This is an easy one. Do not buy it. First, I like TPB, but when one sale ends, another usually begins not too long after. There's been like 5 of these sales since November. Plus, call Brandt there and he'll always work with you on a deal. Second, don't waste money on what you really don't want. You'll regret it. Third, with all due respect, get the genuine MM not the SBMM.

 

[RaginRog]

Since you have all those great basses, I wouldn't settle on an SBMM, save a little more and get the real thing.

...that's the "shallow" in me talking.

 

[Powman]

Hmmm. My vote goes to waiting for what you really want. You really want the Big Al. Admit it. The other purchase is just a good deal, great for someone who is getting their first Music Man style bass.

You are past that stage. You want to get a bass that really adds another dimension to your collection. And thats the Big Al. Admit it...

I almost bought an SB 14. But talked myself out of it as I really wanted the Bongo.

 

[Subscript]

+1 for waiting for what you actually want

besides, as someone already said they will have another promo

 

[sitonmybass]

First, I like TPB, but when one sale ends, another usually begins not too long after.

Good point. My first purchase from TPB was my Bongo 5 HH which was a "red tag" item; great deal. The second purchase was the Bongo 5 single H which was their "Thanksgiving" promo plus it was listed as a "scratch and dent;" another great deal.
I'm leaning more towards the Big Al 5 single H.
That being said, I was truly impressed with the SBMM SB14 that I tried out at GC.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I'd wait for the Big Al 5H.

I know what you mean about the GAS though. I was thinking that I'd be wanting the Big Al 5 (SSS), but I like the neck profile of the 25th (Reflex) more and those new Stingray 5 Classic basses are just killing me (especially if Ivory White is on option like the 4)!

So many choices, so little money.

 

[sitonmybass]

Second, don't waste money on what you really don't want.

My problem is that I really do want the SBMM Ray 35 and the Big Al 5 single H.
I guess there's no hope for me...

 

[Spanky(Andy)]

Hi sitonmybass,

Could you bear to part with one of your other basses to pay for what you really want? Surely there must be one or two of the herd that are getting less play time and can be parted with?

Cheers

Andy

 

[sitonmybass]

Hi sitonmybass,

Could you bear to part with one of your other basses to pay for what you really want? Surely there must be one or two of the herd that are getting less play time and can be parted with?

Cheers

Andy

I have considered this. However, it's difficult because my current stable of basses is nothing short of amazing. I rotate them all because I get the urge to play each and every one and since I play full-time they all get used on a regular basis. I really want to add to the current stable without parting with any.
When I said there's no hope for me, I meant it...

 

[cellkirk74]

I'd say wait for the Big Al 5. Play it, hear it and then decide if you are still in need for a Stingray 5. If yes, safe up some more time and get a classic....

 

[adouglas]

Wait for the Al.

SBMM are fine instruments, but you've already got multiple basses that can blow the Ray 35 out of the water.

So why get one? You won't play it as much. You're itching because you can get a deal. Relax.

The Big Al would give you something arguably as good as a Bongo, but different.

Waiting also demonstrates patience and maturity, which always impresses the ladies we're married to.

 

[ekb16b]

I'd get the Al if i were you, look at this thread and watch the video http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-guitars/42154-pb-johnny-hiland-jamming.html

BP is playing a bigal with some toggle switch by the upperhorn and a selector switch instead of the button, i dont know what it is but whatever it does it has to be awesome.

 

[zombi]

id wait til post-namm to make any decisions.

 

[EvilGuitarGuy]

buy the SBMM Ray 35 then next time you buy 1 get the Big Al 5 Single H but i prefer the bongo

 

[danny-79]

Yeah , id wait till the one you want comes along, ive never had any luck with impluse buying in my oppinion...
Dream of it....
Scam for the funding of it...
Hunt it down an pounce!!!! thay always taste so much better that way

 

[cellkirk74]

Maybe this is one of the two secret weapons

We all do not know what the gamechanger will look like...

 

[cellkirk74]

As i thought:

edge of white pickguard....

the bass is the game changer...the secret hit of the show

 

[sitonmybass]

SBMM are fine instruments, but you've already got multiple basses that can blow the Ray 35 out of the water.

So why get one? You won't play it as much.

I actually like to own at least one bass that I'm not "as concerned" with something unfortunate happening to it and I currently don't have such an instrument. Since I play full-time, it would definetly be in rotation with the chance of it getting used QUITE often. I would really love to get both the SBMM Ray 35 and a Big Al 5 single H but that's being overly hopeful and financially unrealistic.

 

[cellkirk74]

The old carpark problem. A Porsche wants to be driven.

Wait for the Al. Plus I do not know any other basses built as strong as the EBMM's, so there is really nothing to be concerned about besides theft IMHO.