Big wowzers

[Movielife]

I moved to my new place in April 2012. Its been VERYYYY busy. I mainly play my Ray 5 HS and Ray 4 H.

In fact, my other three have been in their cases and sealed in the shipping boxes since we moved!

(Did I say I was busy!).

Last night I checked the other three due to the cold weather and having a re-arrange in the bass room, and all I can say is I feel very lucky to have such amazing gear.

Yeah, I don't mind a nice P bass, or J, but they don't wow me when I open the case. I opened my Big Al 5 SSS and just though 'this is it, this is my pinnacle' as in the right brand for my playing and the aesthetics that I like.

Can't wait for my Bongo 5 HH. I am tempted to order a Bongo 5 HS...then be done for a few years or more and just enjoy what I've got!

 

[Thornton Davis]

I feel the same way about my Big Al 5-H.

TD

 

[tunaman4u2]

My Reflex HH5 & Bongo HH5 duke it out on daily basis.

The Bongo gets the edge for not being black though...

The only neglected bass I have is the Sterling HH4 as I've moved totally to fivers (And its black too!)

 

[Duarte]

Go for the Bongo HS. It's special, I only got rid of mine to try an HH, and honestly the HS had that edge. Then got rid of that to try a Sterling for a bit.

Wowsers. Wowsers trousers!

 

[tunaman4u2]

Duarte- Would love your take on the Sterling vs the Bongo HS, Which type of Sterling?

 

[Duarte]

It's a 1993 single H. Pretty beat up but plays well and sounds immense. The reason for the change was possible a bit mad...

Loving the Bongos (actually having 3 at one point), sound was incredible, extremely versatile, looking like the dogs bollocks - I began to feel as if I had become some kind of freak. All these expensive basses, only one can be played at once. I felt as if all the knobs and options were standing in the way of my playing, finding myself really enjoying a simpler bass more, I just seemed to actually play the instrument. As I said, sounds...mad.

And the Sterling is bloody perfect. The neck is sublime and it has that core sound, which I've decided is all that is needed. In everything. Also, nice 90's features! They sound nothing alike, and are hugely different to play. Love them both, love the Sterling more!

 

[drTStingray]

I know how you feel...........being the current owner of one of your old Bongos I find I tend to use my 2 band Ray most of the time because it's so simple.

But wowsers, trousers - bring the Bongo out and it can move enough air to really flap your trousers - phenominal EQ on a great bass guitar!!!

 

[tbonesullivan]

I understand how you feel. I have gone through P basses and J basses, and they honestly didn't do it for me. The lack of active electronics is a BIG thing on those, and the only USA made ones that fender currently has with actives also have those N3 noiseless pickups.

What I can say is that with my EBMM basses, I can get the sounds that I want without having to EQ the heck out of the bass. They just sound GOOD. They also feel great. I just took off the locking buttons on my SR4 and SR5, and replaced them with the EB locks, becuase they look better, and also the buttons are much closer to the stock buttons.

What's next for me? another stringray 5. Soon. VERY soon.

 

[tunaman4u2]

Screw you bastards & your simplicity!

After my guitarist has changed his 4th guitar... i say its time for me to fiddle too

 

[tbonesullivan]

I saw the Ed Friedland demo of the 25th anniversary bass, which is what the Reflex used to be called. SOO MUCH VERSATILITY. It was amazing all of the tones he could get out of it. I wants one.

 

[tunaman4u2]

This is like a super versatile P bass more than a super versatile Sterling. Its pretty awesome. Its certainly darker, but again, I think the Mahogany really brings out that warmth. I watched the Ed demo a million times!

I'd love this bass in burst finish & maple neck like you got for sure!

 

[tbonesullivan]

Why not offer to trade it to someone for a better color? It's a BFR, so if you don't like the black, you could probably trade it for a non-reserve one in a good color, or maybe even for a 25th anniversary.

 

[drTStingray]

Screw you bastards & your simplicity!

After my guitarist has changed his 4th guitar... i say its time for me to fiddle too

Ha ha - you play in a band with one of those guys as well eh!!! Our set lists are colour coded so we know when to leave a bigger gap between songs while one of our guitarists changes (which seems like every other song!!).

You're right - those Reflex are fabulous basses - even more flexibility than a Bongo as far as EQ and settings are concerned. I really want the one with the little switch at the top and 3 batteries.