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nurnay

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Aug 26, 2010
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Chico, CA
I debated the single H, but I *really* love the SSS configuration. Soooooo many tonal options. we play a lot of classic rock, but also oldies, blues, country, new rock, hard rock, you name it. I think the SSS will fit like a glove. :)

In that case it's only Big Al 5 left!

If You play rock stuff, maybe single H in series/passive will be the best for that?
I switch that position (bridge H) on my reflex when playing some rock stuff, tone knob full open!
Brutal cut through when drummer and guitar player "step on gas" when rockin'!

;)
 

keko

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Jun 10, 2009
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Zagreb, Croatia, EU
I debated the single H, but I *really* love the SSS configuration. Soooooo many tonal options. we play a lot of classic rock, but also oldies, blues, country, new rock, hard rock, you name it. I think the SSS will fit like a glove. :)


Oh, ..I see, ...than You did it well with SSS model! (didn't tried one, but have watched Ed Friedland's YT review, stunning bass)
 

DTG

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Jan 13, 2007
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Location
Ireland
Congrats dude, I love my 25 and sr5 but I really lust a big al 5sss
 

Powman

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Jul 30, 2009
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Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Excellent description and opinion Mr Douglas.

I have found I use passive for 2 things so far...recording some songs (not many) and if I am using distortion. So for more detail, I find we can get that nice old school passive thump and properly mix everything correctly and still hear the bass nicely. But most other songs record better in active mode. And live sound is another beast entirely. I might turn on just the middle PUP on the Big Al for a thumpy sound live but still keep it in active mode. It just cuts through the mix better.

Also, if I do want to use the Big Muff Pi, it sounds better if the Big Al is in passive.

Having said all that, we just did recorded some covers recently, but I used the Bongo. The guy recording said he has never heard a bass sound so good. He practically did not eq'ing at all to the Bongo. Just left it the way it is.
 

nurnay

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Aug 26, 2010
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985
Location
Chico, CA
Yeah, we don't usually have the luxury of a sound guy. When we do, though, they often come up to me and say how much they like what comes out of the Bongo.

Bongo will be my next purchase. I've wanted one for quite a while, I just think the Big Al will do more for what I need right now Plus I really love the look of that roasted beauty!
 

MK Bass Weed

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Nov 12, 2007
Messages
829
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New York and Philadelphia
Well, if you have to have passive, then the Bongo won't go there for obvious reasons.

But do you really need passive? You don't listen to CDs to hear what a victrola sounds like. You listen to CDs to hear music more clearly and powerfully.

Likewise, you don't play a Bongo in order to try to sound like a J bass played through an Acoustic 360. You play a Bongo to cause spontaneous genetic mutation and alter weather patterns.

I never have approached music from the standpoint of trying to fit into a particular sonic genre. I looked for a bass that would make the sound I had in my head for a very long time, and the Bongo is it. I wasn't trying to sound like someone on a record… I was trying to sound like I want to sound. I don't see anything wrong with putting your own stamp on a song.

If you want play Beatles music and sound exactly like McCartney, you need to duplicate his rig. But you can play Beatles music and sound great using different equipment… it just won't sound exactly like Sir Paul did back in the day.

Think about this: A whole lot of those classic rock records got remastered. Why is that? I suggest that maybe it was to make them bigger, punchier and clearer… as if they were played, perhaps, on a Bongo….

.


AD, this is the best thing I've read about the Passive vs Active or Vintage vs New Debate...even though that wasn't what this was all about!

I'm gonna use it myself someday! (I'll send you the royalties when I do"
 

nurnay

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Aug 26, 2010
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985
Location
Chico, CA
PayPal sent to projectapollo. Now comes the hard part... waiting for its arrival! I'll be sure to post pics when it shows up. :)
 

nurnay

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Joined
Aug 26, 2010
Messages
985
Location
Chico, CA
The Big Al has been sitting in Nashville for a couple days now. Should I be concerned that Craig Young might have hijacked my new bass?
 
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