5-String Vote

[projectapollo]

Being new to the 5-string concept, and doing OK with it, I'm trying to narrow down my selection to just one instrument. Please vote and tell me why....

The Competitors:

 

[five7]

Big al, sexy mofo. Cellkirk's just swayed me.

 

[adouglas]

Of the choices listed I went Big Al, mostly because that's what I'd personally choose.

But then I've already got Bongos.

Both are neodymium. Both have 4-band EQ. Both are decidedly non-traditional.

Depends on how much button punching you want to do, I guess, and what your actual need for active/passive/three pickups is.

I've never personally experienced a Big Al, but I can tell you first-hand that the Bongo will get the job done for sure.

 

[jlepre]

20th SR5. Has the best tone of any EBMM I've ever owned, and I've owned pretty much all except the Big Al.

 

[Bass Control]

Why isn't a Reflex listed?

I voted Bongo because I was very happy with my Bongo's EQ and versatility. I moved on to the Reflex because of the added versatility of the switching system (I found myself using one setting with the Bongo blend knob, but in love with every position of the switches on the 25th/Reflex).

 

[Thornton Davis]

I voted for the Big Al-5 SSS. I own a Classic SR5 with figured maple neck. I love the feel of the highly lacqured neck on this bass. I also own a Big Al 5-H which is incredibly cool and versatile. A combination of the Roasted Maple Neck and BA-5 SSS would be perfect for me. As soon as the RMN becomes available again, I will place my order for a BA-5 SSS with it. I'm hoping there will be an announcement on RMN's made at NAMM next week.

Unfortunately, I missed the window of opportunity last summer to place my order.

TD

 

[Manfloozy]

Bill, whatever you choose it will be great, you have impeccable taste.

Your 20th is beautiful and a great player. Tough decision indeed.

I know you really dig the Big Al too... So a 4 and 5 set might be cool. Or if you let go of your BA4 a BA5 might be a great replacement.

The Bongo with Roasted neck is killer and the B string on Bongo 5s is the most potent thing I've personally ever heard.

BUT the Sunburst Roasted BFR oozes classy cool mojo like nothing else, and will certainly be a rarity.

Short answer: I have NO idea brother, they're all awesome. Have the wife pick! LOL

 

[projectapollo]

BUT the Sunburst Roasted BFR oozes classy cool mojo like nothing else, and will certainly be a rarity.

It is calling to me...... I hear it..... I am powerless against it....

 

[Kirby]

I am more of a classic tone so I would either grab the HS of the Big Al hopefully with gamechanger, either way you cannot lose

 

[syciprider]

Well, Sitonmybass err.. Project Apollo, I vote BA5 SSS. You just have to experience it to believe it.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I voted for the SR5 HH, but it was a tough decision. It depends though; is it your only 5-string? Is it your only bass? Any one of those basses will do a fine job.

 

[cellkirk74]

I voted for the Bongo. I would also recommend the Stingray 5 HH.

 

[strummer]

I voted Bongo. I always vote Bongo. Mostly because it's my favorite bass, but also because it should be yours.

 

[MrMusashi]

i like your 20th

MrM

 

[smokey]

+1 on where's the 25th or Reflex? I'd highly recomend considering either in your purchase options, but out of your listed choices:
I voted for the 20th, only because of the Mahogany tone block on those (and also in Reflex models). Creates a thundering low B. (Check out Ed Friedland's review / demo on you tube for evidence).
But as others have said, you have great taste and I doubt you'll be disappointed with any of them.
Cheers

 

[projectapollo]

+1 on where's the 25th or Reflex?

I currently own the 25th in a 4-string HSS BFR. Trying to add a 5-string to the stable while adding some variety.

 

[oli@bass]

Question back: Since you've already have tried all of them, which preamp/PU combo did you like best? Coil selector? Blend control? Coil switches? Do you like the passive tones?

 

[projectapollo]

Question back: Since you've already have tried all of them, which preamp/PU combo did you like best? Coil selector? Blend control? Coil switches? Do you like the passive tones?

I definitely like the pushbutton pickup selector switches on the 4-string 25th and Big Al more than the blender on the Bongo. I've not experienced the benefits of the passive settings, yet, as others have. The mahogany tone block in the 20th SR5 sounds terrific when solo'd at home. The fact that Tony Levin plays one helps, too. And I'm smitten with the look of the BFR all-roasted neck. Thus, the vote.

 

[MrMusashi]

if youre not in a hurry id suggest waiting untill you see what the gamechanger will bring..
one more week and youll know

MrM

 

[projectapollo]

if youre not in a hurry id suggest waiting untill you see what the gamechanger will bring..
one more week and youll know

MrM

That makes too much sense for such an emotional decision!!