Question Help - Bongo, Big Al or Reflex

[drTStingray]

I'm looking for some help from you guys. As you will probably know, and see from my signature, I'm really a Stingray guy............BUT for my next bass (and it will only be one bass, honestly so I have to choose) I'm looking to have a more up to date EBMM creation, with at least a four band EQ. I will admit to my SR4HH, with it's switching combinations, almost providing too many choices for me, especially live, but I'm drawn by the potential to get several more killer sounds.

I'm looking to choose either a Bongo, Big Al or Reflex, it will be a 5er, and almost certainly an HH (I can't imagine much use for a single coil for me, having used the SR5 in that mode and tried other basses in HS form).

I'm interested to know what you'd pick - my musical leanings are anything from Reggae, through, jazz, rock etc but lean towards 70s/80s R and B or fusion. My style is generally Jamerson or his successors up to date, and similarly for slap style, Louis J; Marcus; Mark King etc

I've played each of the three types (to be totally accurate it was an Al 4; and a 25th), and have picked up the following thoughts:-
1) Bongo - nice feel; looks great - incl headstock/body design; has some P bass in the underlying DNA (not surprising as I read Phil Chen's vintage P bass was used in the development stage); easy to play; killer bottom end and love the low mid control; the desire for one has firmly lodged in my mind.
2) Big Al - the best of the three ergonomically (only played sitting down) by a long way - v easy to play; a bit heavy in comparison (it was an alder one); vast array of tones (love the series/active availability - maybe because I'm used to it on the SR5); not sure about the shape (I like curvy instruments - only the headstock is curvy )
3) Reflex - easy to play; lovely shape - incl headstock/tuners/body design; white with black binding or vintage sunburst look killer; vast array of tones; worried I might scuff up that nice body finish (no pickguard).

I'm leaning towards the Reflex. Where would you place the money?

 

[Grand Wazoo]

Big Al 5 SSS (also the lighter of the 3, bonus point there mate!)

 

[keko]

My vote for the reflex, but it's very subjective, I admit that, 'cause I'm about to order one!

 

[five7]

Big Al 5 SSS (also the lighter of the 3, bonus point there mate!)

Very tough choice. The bongo will be the most ergo and the lightest. Mine weighs under 9 lbs.

 

[Grand Wazoo]

Very tough choice. The bongo will be the most ergo and the lightest. Mine weighs under 9 lbs.

 

[adouglas]

Consider this:

The Bongo H actually does have a four-band EQ... the fourth band is your right hand position. It's amazing how many different sounds you can get out of it by moving your hand around.

If simplicity is your thing then bag the idea of switches and options. Get a Bongo H.

 

[OldSchool Noob]

Okay - based on your comments ...

Bongo: You like the shape (and that's huge -- not everyody does), you like the tone and you want one.
Big Al: You're intrigued by the versatility but are dubious aboout the shape. The weight also concerns you.
Reflex: You like the shape and you like the playability.

Based on all of that (and my personal biases), I would suggest The Bongo and then the Big Al followed by the Reflex.

I think the Bongo nails the tone and the vibe you're looking for. The Bongo is not just an objective choice -- it's a feel thing -- something in you has to "Get" it. If you do then you'll have to have one. Nothing else will suffice.

I love the BA and it would be my strong second choice here. I'll buck the tide on the Reflex. I had an opportunity to play one recently and I didn't like the way it hung on me when standing. Beautiful instrument, great tones, just not my first choice, ergonomically.

 

[adouglas]

I think the Bongo nails the tone and the vibe you're looking for. the Bongo is not just an objective choice -- it's a feel thing -- something in you has to "Get" it. If you do then you have to have one. Nothing else will suffice.

<heading down to the basement to refuel the Mind Control Ray Generator>

 

[drTStingray]

Thanks guys for your input - it's a dead heat between the Big Al and Bongo so far - and as I don't much care for the Big Al body shape (apologies to those who do - only my personal taste I guess) you know what this means A Douglas your mind ray machine is far too effective

(Fran - I'm afraid the fact your Big Al is 1/3 of an ounce lighter than your Bongo does not change my mind here )

I could do with a bit of help from some of you others in deciding though - what do you think folks - I'm hoping there a few more of you with a view??

 

[cellkirk74]

If it is not for the body shape, it should be for the single coils. You already have a lot of H in your stable. I say BA5

 

[Kamakiriad]

I also say BA5. The Bongo is absolutely killer, but the Big Al is so cool. And the weight will definitely be a lot lower due to the mahogany body.

 

[adouglas]

I also say BA5. The Bongo is absolutely killer, but the Big Al is so cool. And the weight will definitely be a lot lower due to the mahogany body.

I seriously doubt it.

The Bongo is made of basswood, which is very light.

I held the legendary mahogany Open House Bongo once, and it weighs a ton.

 

[Grand Wazoo]

I seriously doubt it.

The Bongo is made of basswood, which is very light.

I held the legendary mahogany Open House Bongo once, and it weighs a ton.

It's denial isn't it? You are avoiding it aintcha?

look again LOL​

 

[adouglas]

It's denial isn't it? You are avoiding it aintcha?

look again LOL​

​

0.02 pounds isn't weight that's "a lot lower," is it?

There's lots of variation out there.

Besides, I don't believe you. I think you need to ship your BA5SSS to me immediately so I can weigh it.

 

[five7]

It's denial isn't it? You are avoiding it aintcha?

look again LOL​

If we lived closer I would bet you my bongo 5 weighs less than your BA 5, pink slip for pink slip.

 

[Grand Wazoo]

[/CENTER]

0.02 pounds isn't weight that's "a lot lower," is it?

There's lots of variation out there.

Besides, I don't believe you. I think you need to ship your BA5SSS to me immediately so I can weigh it.

I see you and I double it or my name is not Fran. You pay for courier costs back and forward and you can borrow it for 2 months. PM me for my address.

 

[Grand Wazoo]

If we lived closer I would bet you my bongo 5 weighs less than your BA 5, pink slip for pink slip.

I know exactly what you mean and I believe you but don't forget mine has the piezo bridge, the extra circuitry, the extra elements in the saddes, the extra rotary bit under the blend knob, and the piezo panel plate, hence there's more bits in mine than in yours (and I think the EBMM straplock pins are heavier than the oem's)

 

[Double Agent]

Thanks guys for your input - it's a dead heat between the Big Al and Bongo so far - and as I don't much care for the Big Al body shape (apologies to those who do - only my personal taste I guess) you know what this means A Douglas your mind ray machine is far too effective

Popularity of the BA in these parts aside, I think you know your answer. And I agree, I don't find the BA to be an appealing body style for me. Others love it and aren't crazy about the Bongo's looks. Still others like both basses. There are no wrong answers here.

Weight is a variable, almost any model can be light or heavy. My Bongo is 10.2 lbs., which is heavier than a lot of basses I've owned recently. Yet, after 1 gig and 2 lengthy rehearsals, it doesn't feel like a heavy bass. It is very playable and nicely balanced. Typically, basswood instruments tends to be lighter than mahogany instruments, though that hasn't been the case with the Big Als up to this point. But, I wouldn't stress too much about the weight. Lots of Bongos have a modest enough weight not to be a problem.

If it really is that close in your eyes, then get the one that is most appealing from a visual standpoint, which, in your case, seems to be the Bongo. I don't think you'll make a wrong decision either way, but if you are iffy about the looks of one and drooling over the other one, get the one that makes you drool the most.

 

[adouglas]

I see you and I double it or my name is not Fran. You pay for courier costs back and forward and you can borrow it for 2 months. PM me for my address.

I think I might have broken my keyboard due to typing a PM so fast....

 

[drTStingray]

I think I might have broken my keyboard due to typing a PM so fast....

Who will pay the duty for import/export

A better idea is that someone ship me both a Big Al and a Bongo (preferably similar weight) for 2 months and I'll agree to arbitrate now there's a thought

I'm quite surprised at the lack of vote for Reflex, comparatively - I'm guessing when Keko posts pics of his white one with black binding it will become the one everyone wants.

I'm leaning very Bongo wards - even single H - Fran your Big Al is the nicest I've seen and...............well I'm just getting very confused time to go and play the 2 band Ray I think!