Interesting Thread on TB About Big Al and Bongo

[ZiggyDude]

Someone wonders if the Big Al is going to replace the Bongo in the EBMM line.

is Big Al replacing the Bongo? - TalkBass Forums

 

[MudvilleStomper]

actually, that was me.


did you read the whole thing? basically i was wondering about two instruments that seem to occupy the same niche.

in the first post i said i would have liked to have asked my questions here, but after lurking here for some time, i figured i would get more criticism than actual input.. i was just wondering out loud really.

not knowing anything about the new Big Al Single H, i had immediate questions. i also know that the only one that could give me answers was the big guy in charge, and he's too busy and probably not interested in letting all of us into his inner workings anyway.

so i asked the question on that forum hoping that someone would chime in that could discuss the topic in a reasonable manner. i have since found out that there are physical differences between the necks of both instruments, and more than enough electronic differences to warrant the two models. and besides the usual "ugly bass no thanks" idiot remarks, the whole thread was a bit interesting to me.

you even replied to the message. i replied back to you. did you read that part?

actually, i really don't want to have this discussion on this forum. apologies to all.

 

[Subscript]

It's not like he's completely pulling it out of nowhere, he has reasons. Seems like a legit topic for discussion.

That being said, everyone here knows it's not the case.

 

[bovinehost]

I think this is a reasonable thing to ask about, nothing dumb about it at all. In fact, I answered it over on TB with a fairly reasonable reply - and would have done the same here.

Let's see if I can edit this thread (and title) enough to keep it and let's remember that there is a LOT of crosstalk between bass forums. I don't like certain things that happen on TB, but I also don't want people afraid to ask decent questions over here.

 

[bovinehost]

i really don't want to have this discussion on this forum. apologies to all.

It's your decision, but I think it might actually be the BEST place to have the discussion and YOU don't owe anyone an apology.

Having said that, if you'd rather I delete it, say the word and I shall make it so.

Jack

 

[Powman]

Interesting...I asked that same question myself since I had yet to try one. Then about 1 week ago I had the opportunity to try the one with single coils. Well, I thoroughly enjoyed playing it. The tonal options were cool. The neck is fast like the Sterling.

But it was not a Bongo. The sound of the Bongo is what I was looking for...deep rich lows especially with the HH model.

It would make a nice third bass for me since it also has a sound that is uniquely different from both my current Sterling 4H and the yet to arrive Bongo 4HH.

But no, it is not a replacement to the Bongo IMHO.

 

[Thornton Davis]

I think this thread should be put on hold until Thursday when we will all learn what the new product catalog will look like.

We could speculate for the next 48 hrs, but that could get some folks upset, so lets not go there.

We will all know soon enough.

TD

 

[Big Poppa]

Mudville you make some assumptions that are perplexing. I answer any question you guys have.

Let me tell you that it is a good question but we arent looking to replace anything or duplicate efforts. The primary differnce is the electronics...the pan control of the bongo is fabulous an what I consider to be the most high performance way of dialing in a tone. The problem is that it can really mess with the less sophisticated. Now on the other hands the seitching combinations on the big al give you a different dkind of control over the sonic choices you have..series parrallel active passive....They share the four band because I think it is a great active system

Feel free to ask away good quesion

 

[ZiggyDude]

OK - I apologize for using the D word. I guess anything that gets people scratching heads and coming up with ideas is good.

 

[MudvilleStomper]

thank you, Mr. Ball.

really, the whole reason i didn't post my questions, thoughts, etc. here was based on respect. lemme explain..

there is a bass manufacturer that makes two excellent basses that are absolutely identical except for body shape. cool, but why? especially when one is clearly preferred over the other.

this is something that i would never expect from EBMM. like you said, why duplicate efforts?

so i couldn't see the differences between the single H Big Al and single H Bongo. well, i could see some differences but with limited information on the H Big Al, and my limited knowledge of the H Bongo, i saw two very similar basses.

however, again out of respect, i didn't want to come here and say "i noticed this and this and it appears you are doing this" and have it misconstrued as "you're doing this but you should be doing this" especially when i had an admitted lack of information. as well, i didn't want my thoughts to provoke any kind of discussion that would be inappropriate for a manufacturer's website. perhaps i was just being overly cautious. it's a fault.

i appreciate your reply during a time when i know you have a lot of things on your plate, not the least of which are the torture photos. i eagerly await the reports from Winter NAMM when All Will Be Revealed...

Thank you very much,
Christopher

 

[bovinehost]

See? I think this is going really well, don't you?

 

[MrMusashi]

it is going exceptionally well

i would be surprised if the bongo disappeared. it seem to have a loyal following base, me included.
but then again i love eb products to the point i have bought 2 guitars too.
and i can barely play bass.. heheh

MrM

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I had wondered this question as well, so it was a good one to ask (and have answered).

Now, when are the Reflex 5HSS teasers coming out?

 

[Aussie Mark]

I can't possibly see how anyone could suggest that the Big Al could replace the Bongo in the model range, since they are significantly different basses. One's pointy, the other isn't.

 

[Jimmyb]

Aren't they different woods as well?

I'm catching on with this tone thingy.

 

[shakinbacon]

I think its a good question

Looking at it objectively, the niche is the non-traditional styled instrument with advanced electronics. From that standpoint the Big Al and the Bongo are redundant.

However, that view is too simplistic imho. I think there are many differences in actuality. Here are a few I can think of

1) Body wood
2) Neck finish
3) pickup selection control
4) pickup configuration options
5) Probably weight
6) Ergonomics

 

[Big Poppa]

yeah but when we were prototyping I was very aware that this had to be unique...Its a Music Man but it really is different.

Mudville I think that the problem is that sometimes people dont ask the question they fire away Questions are always welcome and good

 

[Big Poppa]

dont forget sonically different

 

[adouglas]

they are significantly different basses. One's pointy, the other isn't.

For some reason I suddenly have a desire for a toilet seat shaped like a Big Al.

 

[mixmastered]

One has a blend knob, the other has many buttons.

And i agree that TB sometimes isn't the best place to ask questions. You get funny and 'out-of-point' comments.