How would you describe the sound of the BIG AL: Sterling or Stingray or different?

[hans]

I already own a Sterling (1994) and now i´m interested in buying a Big Al (4 string, SSS pickup). Here in Holland (and Germany) i can´t find any local dealers to test play a Big Al.

I saw some great demo videos (Ed Friedland on YouTube and the guy from basscentral.com) but i still don´t get it:

can a Big Al sound like a Stingray and/or Sterling or is it a total different animal which of course sound like a MusicMan bass?

 

[melvin7822]

The Big Al was intended to sound completely different. There is definitely an inherent Music Man sonic footprint, but it will never copy Stingray or Sterling sonic territory.

 

[adouglas]

I already own a Sterling (1994) and now i´m interested in buying a Big Al (4 string, SSS pickup). Here in Holland (and Germany) i can´t find any local dealers to test play a Big Al.

I live an hour from NYC and can't find any here either.

These things are RARE.

 

[melvin7822]

Ditto that. There's only one I've ever seen local and I'm not convinced that didn't arrive there used.

 

[hans]

The Big Al was intended to sound completely different. There is definitely an inherent Music Man sonic footprint, but it will never copy Stingray or Sterling sonic territory.

not even close to the Stingray and/or Sterling sound?

 

[melvin7822]

Not even close.

 

[Movielife]

All buttons up in series pickup 1 n 2 - Sterling ISH!

The rest? Unique and very cool!

 

[syciprider]

Sounds nothing like a Stingray nor Sterling IMO. It's ideal for folks who for one reason or another want Music Man build quality but not the signature sound.

 

[Aussie Mark]

not even close to the Stingray and/or Sterling sound?

I'll be the lone dissenter and say that you can get pretty close to the single pickup Stingray tone with a Big Al SSS. Live, you would not notice any difference; on a recording, the difference is minimal, and most people would not be able to pick the difference.

 

[cellkirk74]

I'll be the lone dissenter and say that you can get pretty close to the single pickup Stingray tone with a Big Al SSS. Live, you would not notice any difference; on a recording, the difference is minimal, and most people would not be able to pick the difference.

The same in my experience. With middle and bridge in parallel, active you do get pretty close to the Stingray and the Sterling is close to the all buttons up setting. Great bass!

 

[hans]

thanks for all opinions, helped me a lot ... going to buy the Big Al asap.

 

[Holdsg]

The Big Al is probably more like the Bongo that either the Stingray oe Sterling. Best of all, its an EBMM so you know that any of the button configurations will produce a pleasing, useable tone.