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

[Jim C]

I've gone to buy a Big Al twice, but can not get into the 1 1/2" nut; especially since the standard 1 5/8" SR neck fits my hand better than any other bass I've ever played (currently own 4 old Fender Precissions and 2 - 70's Jazz basses).
Looks like I'm in the minority based on the increasing availability of 1 1/2" necks (Sterling, Big Al's, Classic Ray 34's, SB 14's, SR SLO, etc.)
Did just buy another big neck SR though!
Photos when I get back in town.

 

[cyoungnashville]

I've gone to buy a Big Al twice, but can not get into the 1 1/2" nut; especially since the standard 1 5/8" SR neck fits my hand better than any other bass I've ever played (currently own 4 old Fender Precissions and 2 - 70's Jazz basses).
Looks like I'm in the minority based on the increasing availability of 1 1/2" necks (Sterling, Big Al's, Classic Ray 34's, SB 14's, SR SLO, etc.)
Did just buy another big neck SR though!
Photos when I get back in town.

it grows on you. no one is a bigger pbass-ball-bat neck snob than i was. initially the smaller (less fat really) neck felt a little weird for me, but a week with the bigal, and i knew all the vintage lumber was going to get sold..... because of the neck!! these basses not only kill in the tone dept, also they are just fun to play. after a few days i noticed that i was able to pocket things a lot better and had more control over nuance than i ever had before, especially by the 12th-13th track. i had to change my thinking...those fat necks didnt make me groove harder..... they just made me work harder.

 

[mrfstop]

I think having to decide to part with any MM bass would be tough because they're all quality. Maybe the Natural Blonde HS??? You have the LE with the same configuration, less the maple board....but as always that's up to you...I hate unloading gear myself, but love putting new tools in the shed. Choices....

funny, I am TRYING to make myself think that same thing....thinking the blonde HS can go...but then I play it.....doubt that is going anywhere...it was my first EBMM stingray...and it is mint ++ and plays like butter....
I am thinking I might be listing the new 2010 classic...for a steal of a price .....I just find myself liking the newer stingrays with the contoured body and the 3 band EQ rather than the 2.....
I hope to make up my mind in a day or so....and list one or the other one on here....for awesome pricing!

 

[mrfstop]

permission granted! im honored. the big al was a total revelation for me. as soon as i laid hands on these axes, i instantly knew i was not alone on the planet, and had much in common w its creators. i was like..."dig.... someone else gets it. these cats are clearly smokin the same dope, and own the rights to epic tone. i will now stalk them, until they agree to hang out with me. i'd bet $100 they got otis redding and thin lizzy on their ipods."

hahaha perfect!! hahaha!!

 

[mrfstop]

I've gone to buy a Big Al twice, but can not get into the 1 1/2" nut; especially since the standard 1 5/8" SR neck fits my hand better than any other bass I've ever played (currently own 4 old Fender Precissions and 2 - 70's Jazz basses).
Looks like I'm in the minority based on the increasing availability of 1 1/2" necks (Sterling, Big Al's, Classic Ray 34's, SB 14's, SR SLO, etc.)
Did just buy another big neck SR though!
Photos when I get back in town.

I hear ya...I never ever laid my hands on the smaller necks...so i have no clue if i will take to it or not?
And I think THAT is why I have been dragging my feet on this subject honestly....
It would suck letting go of something I love so much to try something different and then dislike it.
And the feel of a neck is so important to a player ...
I hope a music store near me gets a sterling or big all in stock so i can actually play one sometime soon!

 

[Jim C]

The irony is that I had been playing a J bass for many years and started working on a project that I wanted more WHOMP for a bass tone; I grabbed the '83 Ray (that I've had since 84') that had been sitting in a stand for the last 5 years and I haven't put it down since. For me anything with 1 1/2" nut has alwyas been a little on the small side and many 1 5/8" P necks are not as comfy; every SR neck I've played (to include Ray34's and OLP's) have been very consistent in shape and a joy to play.

I realize that the factory is headed more toward the 1 1/2" neck as it must be what most players are after; as I understand it the Reflex, SR, and Bongo are available with the 1 5/8" width, and Big Al and Sterling only are available as a 1 1/2" width