Question Looking for feedback and opinions on the Big Al SSS vs Single H versions

[mrfstop]

Well, I know I love my Stingrays.
And know I love my Bongos.
I have been looking online at the Big Al 4 string basses and thinking maybe down the road in the not too distant future, I might want to grab one and give her a rip!
I know the single H EBMM pu kicks major butt....in their other model basses.
I would guess it does the same in the Big Al.
I guess more than anything I am curious to hear what users of the SSS pu config. think?
Have spoke to a few users who love them.
But just wanted to open it up to others to share thoughts.
I wondered if the SSS still can kick out the traditional EBMM "Growl" like the humbucker models?
Without major amp adjustments to do so.

The Big Al body looks to be a bit smaller in body size than the Stingrays, I think?
From what I can tell from online pics at least.
Would you say it is more like the Sterling in sizing? weight?

Any input would be valued! Thanks

 

[Big Poppa]

OK here it is. We didnt design them to be twins...they should have something unique...but there should be unmistakable sonic DNA (lboy does that some pompous) Seriously when I play the big AL I 'm looking for more of a vintagey thing and usually play it passive and reach for the active buttons if I want to me more traditional mm....all switches off in active is a pretty neat deal.

 

[mrfstop]

Got cha....
"sonic DNA"....great way of putting it!
Wish they had a Big Al single H and an SSS model side by side at my local music stores....
Would be cool to road test them both together and see which one to get.
Sure I will like either

OK here it is. We didnt design them to be twins...they should have something unique...but there should be unmistakable sonic DNA (lboy does that some pompous) Seriously when I play the big AL I 'm looking for more of a vintagey thing and usually play it passive and reach for the active buttons if I want to me more traditional mm....all switches off in active is a pretty neat deal.

 

[cellkirk74]

I do have both a SSS and a H Big Al. I love the passive option with both and there are lots of great tones to get from the single coils. The SSS to me is especially great for recording since it is kind of a swiss army knife that does (almost) all the tricks. Mine is a fourbanger with maple neck and I really love it.

Thing is that since I have the Big Al 5 H roasted neck I do not play the others that much, especially with the band. To me right know it has my tone, either in passive parallel with the highs rolled nearly of for vintage vibes ore in active mode for the more modern tones.

Looking at your collection I would tend to say get the SSS, because it adds something new.

 

[Movielife]

For me, the H is cool, but the SSS....wow....that is a Gamechanger in its own right. Stunning tone options, great versatile positions for pups, and the passive option nails it.

In my eyes the Big Al SSS is the coolest bass thats hit the market in a LONG time.

BP nailed it with his comment

 

[mrfstop]

Hey thanks for the input!
Very cool you have both!
And a 5 roasted topping it all off.
I was Hoping to hear that the SSS would be like a "swiss army knife"...
THAT is what I would have expected from it honestly.
Just was un sure if it could produce the low mids and "growling" tone that the H Pu's do so well with.
Good to hear it can!

I agree totally.
I tried to mix up my EBMM's to incorporate a few of the rays with the HS config.
Wanting to have more than just the H or HH.
I really have been super pleased with both of the HS rays.
One having the maple fret board really has a great pop or snap to it.
The other 2008LE has more warm silky vibe to it, but with a few tweaks of the controls can quickly Growl with the best of them!

Thanks again!

PS, would love to have your 2009 Big Al SSS Olive Gold / Gold swirl
Saw that color combo on a Bongo that is for sale right now on Bass Central.
Beautiful color for sure!
Post up a few pics of her!

I do have both a SSS and a H Big Al. I love the passive option with both and there are lots of great tones to get from the single coils. The SSS to me is especially great for recording since it is kind of a swiss army knife that does (almost) all the tricks. Mine is a fourbanger with maple neck and I really love it.

Thing is that since I have the Big Al 5 H roasted neck I do not play the others that much, especially with the band. To me right know it has my tone, either in passive parallel with the highs rolled nearly of for vintage vibes ore in active mode for the more modern tones.

Looking at your collection I would tend to say get the SSS, because it adds something new.

 

[Movielife]

Dont worry, the SSS in all buttons up (Pup 1 + 2 in series) sounds MASSIVE. Its fairly 'Sterling H' ish with that tone, but with its own character.

Cool bass.

 

[mrfstop]

What I was thinking exactly....Wanted to be sure and ask others knowing more than myself about these Big Al's.
Good to hear from guys playing these and getting the real deal picture.
"the coolest bass thats hit the market in a LONG time"
I have felt that way about the Bongo's. I love the heck out of them!
I am sure I would feel that same way after an hour blasting away on a Big Al 4SSS.
Thanks for the feedback!

For me, the H is cool, but the SSS....wow....that is a Gamechanger in its own right. Stunning tone options, great versatile positions for pups, and the passive option nails it.

In my eyes the Big Al SSS is the coolest bass thats hit the market in a LONG time.

BP nailed it with his comment

 

[cyoungnashville]

the bigal 4 sss is the bass by which all other basses are judged by, in my world.

 

[melvin7822]

I have to agree. The Big Al SSS takes care of all my passive tone needs and the active tones are great too. I just wish that I didn't have the only lemon in existence as mine is in the process of heading back to SLO for the third time since having received it back in August '10. It hasn't shaken my faith though, all Music Man products are amazing.

 

[mrfstop]

the bigal 4 sss is the bass by which all other basses are judged by, in my world.

Very cool, thanks for the input....Sure a Big Al SSS will be in my future, sooner than later!

 

[mrfstop]

I have to agree. The Big Al SSS takes care of all my passive tone needs and the active tones are great too. I just wish that I didn't have the only lemon in existence as mine is in the process of heading back to SLO for the third time since having received it back in August '10. It hasn't shaken my faith though, all Music Man products are amazing.

Thanks for the feedback, sorry about the Bass woes
3 times in 6 months? yikes!

 

[Holdsg]

You asked about weight. Due to the "pac-man" like cutout (see avatar for example) there is less wood in the Big Al than the Stingray, and so it weighs slightly less. YMMV, of course. Many others, myself included, believe its ergonomics are just divine. You gotta play one to believe.

 

[mrfstop]

You asked about weight. Due to the "pac-man" like cutout (see avatar for example) there is less wood in the Big Al than the Stingray, and so it weighs slightly less. YMMV, of course. Many others, myself included, believe its ergonomics are just divine. You gotta play one to believe.

Thanks, wish I could get a hold of one to play and check out in person.
Been watching the 4 music stores locally...no such luck.
Will most likely just break down one day, sell off one of my Stingrays and buy a Big Al SSS online without playing one first

 

[Holdsg]

Also, I don't see any Sterling or SLO-specials in your collection, so you may not appreciate the Sterling Neck. I sure do, which is another reason why I think the BA4SSS is so comfortable to play.

 

[mrfstop]

ah ha, right...the Big Al has the thinner sterling neck....
Well, who knows? might love it? Curious to find out for sure.

 

[smallequestrian]

A SSS and an H are my only two basses. Right now I'm in an H type of mood. Just slides so perfectly into my Bands mix. I'm sure I'll be back into the SSS soon. I think I'm going to stick some flats on the SSS and go totally vintage with it.

I play the SSS exclusively in passive mode and the H in active. While the H sounds good in passive, my bass is kind of dark sounding, so I like to use the EQ to add a dash of treble, a decent amount of high mids and cut the low mids. That puts it pretty much perfect and very much in the range of your typical MM single H instrument.

If I'm playing the SSS and I want that more traditional MM sound, then I do as BP recommends and use the setting with all buttons up.

All that said, if I had your collection of basses, I think the Big Al SSS is a no brainer. The only things that would be different about the single H over your other options is the crazy shape, the slim neck and the passive mode. I don't think the passive mode by itself is enough of a draw for this one (its almost useless for me, but YMMV), so unless you really just want the wacky shape and the slim neck, I would go with the SSS.

 

[Aussie Mark]

My Big Al 4SSS is the best Musicman bass I've owned, hands down (and I've owned at least 12). Other people have already covered the sonic side of things in this thread, but what hasn't been mentioned is just how ergonomic the Big Al is. The Bongo was the market leader in that department until the Big Al came along - but the Big Al just "feels right" when it's on your shoulder. It weighs no more or no less than an average Stingray or Bongo, but it feels a lot lighter - the balance is perfect. And, all those knobs and buttons fall right in place under your right hand, for on-the-fly tweaking.

 

[mrfstop]

I hear ya ....all sounds good...
For SURE it is all stacking up to the SSS config....
I Just now need scratch my head and see what bass I can part with to put up on the block, in order to raise the cha ching for the SSS Big Al....
Thanks again!

A SSS and an H are my only two basses. Right now I'm in an H type of mood. Just slides so perfectly into my Bands mix. I'm sure I'll be back into the SSS soon. I think I'm going to stick some flats on the SSS and go totally vintage with it.

I play the SSS exclusively in passive mode and the H in active. While the H sounds good in passive, my bass is kind of dark sounding, so I like to use the EQ to add a dash of treble, a decent amount of high mids and cut the low mids. That puts it pretty much perfect and very much in the range of your typical MM single H instrument.

If I'm playing the SSS and I want that more traditional MM sound, then I do as BP recommends and use the setting with all buttons up.

All that said, if I had your collection of basses, I think the Big Al SSS is a no brainer. The only things that would be different about the single H over your other options is the crazy shape, the slim neck and the passive mode. I don't think the passive mode by itself is enough of a draw for this one (its almost useless for me, but YMMV), so unless you really just want the wacky shape and the slim neck, I would go with the SSS.

 

[mrfstop]

Thanks Mark!
And I see ya have another bass that's been on my G.A.S list ....The MM ray 30th in mahogany!
Great basses!
I do like the idea of the buttons for something different....
Looks cool as well...
Man, I started this thread....got really enlightened and now want the SSS....Time to do some thinking....hmmmmm

My Big Al 4SSS is the best Musicman bass I've owned, hands down (and I've owned at least 12). Other people have already covered the sonic side of things in this thread, but what hasn't been mentioned is just how ergonomic the Big Al is. The Bongo was the market leader in that department until the Big Al came along - but the Big Al just "feels right" when it's on your shoulder. It weighs no more or no less than an average Stingray or Bongo, but it feels a lot lighter - the balance is perfect. And, all those knobs and buttons fall right in place under your right hand, for on-the-fly tweaking.