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  • Sterling by MusicMan

oli@bass

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Jul 23, 2007
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Switzerland
A Sterling 5, now a Big Al 5....you're surely aware that you're slowly debongolizing...

Congratulations to that! :D
 

Grand Wazoo

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Oct 20, 2008
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Planet Remulak :)
Bongo is etched in our body like a tattoo can never be removed.

So Jack'o when are you getting this one, or is it already safe within the "Bovine Towers"?
 

bovinehost

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Jan 16, 2003
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Dall-Ass, TX
That's the picture of the exact bass from the "NAMM 2010 Bass Photos" thread (the pattern of the shell pickguard is exactly the same.) Are you getting that EXACT bass?

No, I'm cheating a little bit. It is a vintage sunburst BA5 but I don't think it's that exact one. According to the SLO rumor mill, the one I'm getting has a vintage white pickguard instead of tort. (Yes, I'll tort it. Of course.) It should be here before the weekend so I'll take plenty of bass porn photos.

As far as SSS versus single H, I was definitely leaning toward the H (I call it "Sterling Ball Syndrome") because.....well, that's what I know, that's what I love. But I did have a Big Al 4 SSS here for a couple of weeks on loan and was seriously enjoying the single coils. And while I was waffling, a highly-placed source deep inside SLO (let's call him "Dargie") said something like, "Get the SSS. How many humbucking basses do you have already?"

This made pretty good sense.

As far as the Sterling 5 goes, it's a wonderful bass. I have been playing nothing but that bass for the last few weeks. But I was jonesin' hard for a Big Al - have been, ever since seeing BP playing the prototype. Once the fivers were available, it was just a matter of time. LowMoJo is really going to like the Sterling 5. She's a beauty, too.

Listening to Paul (smalleq) gush about his Big Al didn't help me at all.

I have this feeling this is going to be fun! The rather traditional sunburst finish will make my throwback bandmates very happy, while the Jetsons body style will keep me firmly in the "bit odd" category.
 

davidjbass

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Nov 30, 2008
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278
Congrats! Let us know all about it when you get it. I have one just like yours except fretless coming and I can't wait for it to be here. I am counting the days. Bass Central told me the other day that is was in the middle of being made. It should'nt be too long.
Enjoy.
 

Big Poppa

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Feb 9, 2005
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18,598
Location
Coachella & SLO, California
Jackie

The big al is superb...I think that the key is that you are used to humbuckings and you need to really spend the time to find this basses unique sweet spot.

Dik that sound good...Im practicing coroporate gobbley gooky bs speak.

Its a bitchen bass. thats better.
 

bovinehost

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Jan 16, 2003
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Dall-Ass, TX
Congrats, wise decision and a beautiful bass, especially with a white pearl pg!!!

Did I get it right and the Sterling had to go already?

LowMoJo is taking stewardship of the Sterling 5. Boxin' it up right now, in fact.
He should have it before the weekend, too. GREAT bass (remember position four!).
 

cellkirk74

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Jan 14, 2009
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1,345
Location
Germany near Frankfurt
GREAT bass (remember position four!).

I did immediately when I read your post. I used Position 4 on my Stingray a lot with the band recently. I bet you can get close to it with the Big Al.

The Sterling 5 HH is still on my GAS-list right behind the Big Al 5 H. Well, but first comes the king and his henchmen that want me to pay taxes:mad:.

I am really looking forward to your detailed review of the Big Al 5, especially on the benefits of the mahogany body compared to the alder (if there are any).:rolleyes:

Again, congrats for a great bass!:)
 
S

sitonmybass

According to the SLO rumor mill, the one I'm getting has a vintage white pickguard instead of tort.

And while I was waffling, a highly-placed source deep inside SLO (let's call him "Dargie") said something like, "Get the SSS. How many humbucking basses do you have already?"
This made pretty good sense.

Once the fivers were available, it was just a matter of time.

The rather traditional sunburst finish will make my throwback bandmates very happy, while the Jetsons body style will keep me firmly in the "bit odd" category.

Vintage white pickguard sounds yummy for that bass. You did mean vintage white PEARLOID pickguard, right? Make sure we see pics of it before it's "tortified."

Good argument for the SSS.

"...it was just a matter of time." Tell me about it!

"...keep me firmly in the "bit odd" category." We like odd! ;)
 
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stretch80

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Dec 1, 2004
Messages
358
Location
massachusetts
That is way to pretty. It's the perfect Big Al. Glad someone grabbed the Sterling 5. I was tempted, but not funded.

Will the Big Al displace the Bongos ? ??
 
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