muggsy
Well-known member
Not quite a year ago, I sold my stealth Bongo 4HH and planned to replace it with a single H Bongo. Loved the feel of the Bongo but didn't need the tonal variety provided by the second pickup. Simpler is better for me. I was hoping to find a used single H with the all-rosewood neck, but no luck so far.
In the meantime, I've completely fallen in love with my 30th Anniversary Stingray. Aside from the gorgeous trans red finish, figured neck and mahogany body, it just feels and sounds different to me than any other Stingray I've tried, and I mean that in the best way possible. So now I'm thinking about a Big Al 4H. Mahogany body, great preamp with the added flexibility (v. the Bongo H) of active/passive and series/parallel options. I really like the idea of the passive option. Plus I love the look of the roasted maple neck package: incredible figured neck and I've never owned a bass with an ebony board. Even better, unlike last year when chose fiscal responsibility over a rosewood neck BFR Bongo, I will have enough in the new bass fund to take the plunge in August if I choose. That said, I have yet to try or even see a Big Al in my local GCs, nor do I know anyone around here who owns one.
So can anybody speak to or compare the Big Al single H to the 30th Anniversary Stingray? I've done some searches but there seems to be much more discussion of the Big Al SSS than the single H. I know BP says the 30th is the best Stingray ever. I also know he's been similarly effusive about the single H in the Big Al, but I'm wondering if anybody has both or could discuss the tonal similarities/differences? Thanks!
In the meantime, I've completely fallen in love with my 30th Anniversary Stingray. Aside from the gorgeous trans red finish, figured neck and mahogany body, it just feels and sounds different to me than any other Stingray I've tried, and I mean that in the best way possible. So now I'm thinking about a Big Al 4H. Mahogany body, great preamp with the added flexibility (v. the Bongo H) of active/passive and series/parallel options. I really like the idea of the passive option. Plus I love the look of the roasted maple neck package: incredible figured neck and I've never owned a bass with an ebony board. Even better, unlike last year when chose fiscal responsibility over a rosewood neck BFR Bongo, I will have enough in the new bass fund to take the plunge in August if I choose. That said, I have yet to try or even see a Big Al in my local GCs, nor do I know anyone around here who owns one.
So can anybody speak to or compare the Big Al single H to the 30th Anniversary Stingray? I've done some searches but there seems to be much more discussion of the Big Al SSS than the single H. I know BP says the 30th is the best Stingray ever. I also know he's been similarly effusive about the single H in the Big Al, but I'm wondering if anybody has both or could discuss the tonal similarities/differences? Thanks!
