Big Al- Alder vs. Mahogany

[Randracula]

Anyone compare an Alder Big Al against an African Mahogany one ? I have an Alder SSS and have heard things about the Mahogany ones (concerning tone) that i'm not hearing with mine.I know the change was primarily for weight reasons but i'm sure there has to be some tonal differences as well. Also wondering if anyone knows the proper specs for pup height on the Big Al 4 SSS ?

 

[projectapollo]

Also wondering if anyone knows the proper specs for pup height on the Big Al 4 SSS ?

I poked around once and could not find anything on pick-up height for a 3-pick-up EBMM bass. Seems to me they come from the factory at equal height, but I'm not sure of that. Would be great if an owner of a new Big Al could take measurements and let us know.

 

[projectapollo]

I know the change was primarily for weight reasons... ?

I've always wondered this.... given the hefty weight of the mahog 30th, why is switching to mahog in the Big Al a weight saver? Seems it should be heavier.... Different types of mahog, maybe? Just seems counter-intuitive to my simple fanboi thinker.

 

[syciprider]

I think it's a different mahogany.

 

[Randracula]

I think it's a different mahogany.

It's African Mahogany

 

[projectapollo]

It's African Mahogany

Mahogs of such different density would have different tone properties, then, I guess. Wonder what mahog the "mahog tone block" uses in the 20th SR5 and 25th. Same as Big Al body or the 30th body?

 

[Randracula]

Anyone ?

 

[syciprider]

The "mahogany" we all know is Honduran I think.

 

[lefenton]

My BA 4SSS is alder. It is heavier than some of the other EBMM basses I have played. I find the weight is a nice adjunct to the body shape though as it allows it to sit quite comfortably when standing. As for the tone, well, mine sounds amazing and has great sustain IMO.

When I was testing it at the store, I also picked up a black BA 4 SSS (with a black pg), which I would assume was the mahogany body as I was told it was just delivered there that week and this was after the mahogany was made standard. I preferred the feel and sound of the alder bodied one which I bought. The colour isn't offered regularly, so maybe a short run were done in alder??? Anyway, would be interesting to know what differences in the wood led to the change.

 

[syciprider]

The change was driven by weight and started with the release of the BA5. IIRC Dargin posted something to that effect.

 

[cellkirk74]

I played MadMatt's BA 5 and have a BA 4 with alder body myself. To me, the alder sounds a little more aggressive while the mahog has more bottom end.
But to be honest I can not really give an opinion because my bass has a maple board and Steels while Matt's had slinkys and a rosewood board.

The Strings and board will have a lot more effect on the sound than the body wood.

 

[Movielife]

I tested an Alder BA4 SSS for a weekend, and it didnt seem that heavy, in fact quite normal and manageable. The tone was great.

However, the 2 I have on order will be mahogany. The strings and technique will be much more impt with regards to tone difference. In addition, no two basses are ever the same.

 

[cyoungnashville]

?........The strings and technique will be much more impt with regards to tone difference. In addition, no two basses are ever the same.

This makes us best friends foh-ehh-vah, hope that's cool. Ur an f-n genius. I can tell by that post, u either are a badass player, or well on your way. Nice one broseph.

 

[Movielife]

This makes us best friends foh-ehh-vah, hope that's cool. Ur an f-n genius. I can tell by that post, u either are a badass player, or well on your way. Nice one broseph.

Cheers man! Thanks, coming from yourself that is a huge compliment! I am hopefully on the right path to improving my playing