Question Bongo 5HH V Big Al 5 SSS

[stoneboy26]

Ok - I have done some searching through here and can't really find anything that doesn't tell me how great both of these basses are.

I was previously a Stingray 5H owner and unfortunately had to sell it cover some bills however, I had previously played a Big Al 4 and was pretty keen to at one point at this to the stable.

A few weeks ago I was in a friendly bass store in another city and finally had a chance to sit down with a Bongo 5HH for a decent amount of time and compare it to other basses both in its price range and well above it. It came out tops. Unfortunately, this store has no Big Al 5 - Are there even any in Australia yet?

Having loved the 4 string, but needing some more EBMM 5 string action I am now stuck with the decision, ordering a Big Al 5 - or buying a 2nd hand or new Bongo 5HH (both of which I can get here today).

I currently play covers doing a lot of rock stuff from the 70s - today. I know I will be happy with either, just wanted to hear what the experts had to say.


Thanks!

 

[keko]

I currently play covers doing a lot of rock stuff from the 70s - today.

Those basses are two totally different worlds from my point of view, but for rock stuff from the 70's maybe could single coils of Big Al SSS do better work!

Maybe You should consider some dual pickup Stingray 5, 'cause of alnico pickups, which could bring You more vintage tone and some switching of HH or HS coils could give slight 70's spirit too!

Your money, Your choice, anyway!

I'm glad if that could help a little bit!

 

[T Alan]

How do the neck profiles compare?

 

[ZiggyDude]

I tried a Big Al a couple of couple of times since I am a bit prone to pointy guitars. The Bongo fits me and the Big Al does not - they feel really different. The Big Al neck felt "Little" somehow and I found it far too scrunched up in length and width. The former to where the neck is set in relation to the body and the latter just due to construction. I actually would like the Bongo 5 wider at the nut but have learned that won’t happen.

I also got some single coil hiss on the Big Al.

Not sure if that helps…….

 

[Duarte]

I also got some single coil hiss on the Big Al.

Well those singles are actually stacked humbuckers, so this was probably down to something else in your chain rather than the bass.

All I can say is that the Bongo 5HH is a keeper in my book. Best bass I've ever heard.

 

[dmarotta]

I have been alternating between both basses and have to say its a very tough choice if one has to choose. They are so different yet they both meet the requirements i have that both instruments can cover a wide variety of musical styles. Because I have used the Bongo the longest , I would probably choose it if that was my only bass.
Bottom line.... you will be very happy with either.

 

[Aussie Mark]

Once I'd played my Big Al for a few weeks I sold my Bongo. Not to say Bongos aren't great basses (I've owned 3), but the Big Al has greater tonal variety, is a more ergonomic bass to wear (and I always use to say that the Bongo was the most ergonomically comfortable bass on the market), and just looks plain sexy.

 

[stoneboy26]

Thanks everyone.

I figured I wouldn't be going wrong with either. Just a matter of deciding whether I can wait for delivery on a Big Al 5 or not!

And finding the extra cash!



And Mark - Your posts over at Ozbass are what prompted me to come and ask all the other experts here. Just in case anyone had had Big Al 5 experience.

Now to pick a colour!

 

[syciprider]

I would say Big AL. It's a significant step forward from the considerable leap that EB and the Bongo took for bass design.

 

[stoneboy26]

Yep - the biggest problem with the Big Al 5 is finding one in Australia - Might have to get onto some stores in the US and check pricing (esp shipping!!!)

 

[scottbass71]

Yep - the biggest problem with the Big Al 5 is finding one in Australia - Might have to get onto some stores in the US and check pricing (esp shipping!!!)

remember stoneboy26 US stores can only sell second had basses no brand new product.
If you were after a 4 string big al colin from guitar planet has one

Guitar Planet - Big Al Dargie Delight

 

[stoneboy26]

Argh!!! thanks Scott. Would love a Dargie but it needs to be a 5 string.

 

[naruki]

i'm not an expert but bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo

 

[Basswave]

Interesting thread, how different is the Big Al 5 neck compared to the Bongo 5?

 

[Powman]

Interesting thread, how different is the Big Al 5 neck compared to the Bongo 5?

I think the 5 strings are about the same size. The 4 strings are quite different with the Big Al being much more narrow (like a Sterling 4 String).

 

[adouglas]

i'm not an expert but bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo bongo

My signature resembles this. So does my EEG chart.

 

[2ndBassGuitar]

Too bad you weren't looking for a 4 string....I may move my unplayed DD II Bongo 4HHP for what I paid.

 

[Basswave]

I think the 5 strings are about the same size. The 4 strings are quite different with the Big Al being much more narrow (like a Sterling 4 String).

Thanks Powman

I like how the Big Al 4 I played a while back that I tried and it did remind me of a Sterling in neck feel.
(Like some I prefer the playability of the Sterling but the sound of a Stingray.)

I never tried a Bongo 4 (Just the 5) so I did not have an apples to apples comparison.

 

[stoneboy26]

For the record - I was able to secure a nice trade deal on a Lava Pearl Bongo 5HH locally. Should arrive later this week.

 

[tunaman4u2]

Bump
Considering doing a Bongo HHp 5 for a Big Al SSS 5 swap

Should I? I love the Bongo HHp 5 I have