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Movielife

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Jan 7, 2003
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Right chaps. This is a difficult set of decisions. My original plan to trade in two basses and get two new EBMMs and something else has basically now extended to ordering THREE new EBMMs at once. Im not rich, Ive got rid of two basses! This is also part of the 30th Birthday present to myself.
Ive only just switched to using 5s as well as 4s, and the Stingray 5 HS works excellently. Im very impressed.

So, Id like to add a few more 5s to my collection, but also add another 4 for the rock bands I play in where I tend to feel more comfortable on a 4 string.

I need to choose 2 5 string basses EBMM offer, and 1 other 4 string.
If you see my signature, youll see I have three Stingrays. I think, despite the fact I LOVE Stingrays, I need something else in the collection now as well.

Part of me wanted another Stingray 4, but I think that would be redundant. Ive told myself not to buy the exact same bass with different colours again! Ive done this before and one gets unused etc etc.

I think the Big Al 5 SSS gets my vote for 5 string number 1 in this order. Vintage Sunburst/Vintage Pearl Guard/Rosewood. However, I cant test one to be sure. Maybe I should get a Bongo instead?!

The second 5 string is between a Bongo 5 HH and a Sterling 5 HS (Ive always wanted a Sterling if im honest). I want the Sterling 5 HS in Tobacco Burst/Black Guard/Rosewood.

The 4 string will more than likely be a Sterling 4H. Im thinking of White/White/Rosewood. Simple plug and play single H.

I tend to side with rosewood as I like the look and softer feel. I have a Ray 4 H on order with a maple board and that’s probably enough maple for me. Who knows!

What do you guys think? Am I taking advantage of the great instruments on offer at the moment?

I did consider the Reflex, but the Big Al seems more my thing at the moment. I like the idea of 3 single coils as Ive got lots of humbuckers!

Which out of the basses Ive listed jump out at you and say ‘yes, this bass is EXCELLENT’, (im guessing they all are!).
 

Kamakiriad

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Apr 16, 2010
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St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
1) Big Al 5 SSS, rosewood.

2) Bongo 5 HH or HS. Rosewood.

3) Sterling 4 H, rosewood.

This sounds like a plan to me! :) But with regards to excellent basses jumping out, I have to be honest. I LOVE sterlings, and always wanted one - but just when I was about to go with a Sterling 5 H, I played the Bongo 6 and got that instead. And recently, a Sterling 4Hp came into my life, but I decided to go for a Big Al 4H instead. I like the Bongo preamp better, and it has more versatility, but if plug and play is what you're going for, a Sterling would definitely fit.

That reminds me, don't forget to consider piezo for bass #2 or #3...
 

drTStingray

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Aug 25, 2007
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Kent, United Kingdom
I agree with Kamakiriad.

You owe yourself a Bongo 5HH (turn up the ray generator, A Douglas!) - and I'm guessing the Sterling and Stingray 5HS won't be vastly different, apart from in body size etc - even the difference between ceramic and alnico will not be massive and you look set on a Sterling 4H, so will get ceramic with that bass anyway.

Whatever you choose, best of luck, and I'm sure you'll be pleased.

Just think, a couple of weeks ago you would have been bombarded by BA5SSS operator recommendations......................................now it's tilted towards Bongo 5!
 

Movielife

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Im thinking I should get a Bongo HH before a Big Al.

So:

1. Sterling 5 HS
2. Bongo 5 HH
3. Sterling 4 H

Id LOVE to be able to play fretless but Ive never even had the chance to try :(
 

Spudmurphy

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Aug 23, 2005
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Cardiff, United Kingdom
Come to the guitar show in Olympia in November and try the Big Al out on the Strings N Things stand.

There was one on display in the Birmingham NEC show last November and it certainly impressed a lot of people - just ask Wazoo!!
 

tommixx

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Nov 14, 2006
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Virginia
1. Reflex 5 HH
2. Big Al 5 SSS
3. Big Al 4 H

That is all...you would have 3 VERY different basses. FWIW I am in the same dilemma myself and I am getting a Black Sugar Reflex 5 HH to go with my 25th 4 HH and a Big Al SSS 4. I also have a Single H Ray 4 with SLO neck and a 3 Band EQ and an SR5 H in Black Sugar coming as well. I am SERIOUSLY thinking of getting a Reflex 4 H or HH because my 25th is just THAT good! I use the 25th about 75% of the time...I really can't wait to get the Big Al SSS 4. I think that bass will cover nearly everything I need to do on my current gig by itself.

Peace,

T
 

Movielife

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1. Reflex 5 HH
2. Big Al 5 SSS
3. Big Al 4 H

That is all...you would have 3 VERY different basses. FWIW I am in the same dilemma myself and I am getting a Black Sugar Reflex 5 HH to go with my 25th 4 HH and a Big Al SSS 4. I also have a Single H Ray 4 with SLO neck and a 3 Band EQ and an SR5 H in Black Sugar coming as well. I am SERIOUSLY thinking of getting a Reflex 4 H or HH because my 25th is just THAT good! I use the 25th about 75% of the time...I really can't wait to get the Big Al SSS 4. I think that bass will cover nearly everything I need to do on my current gig by itself.

Peace,

T

Thanks! At the moment Im going to wait until I can try a 25th/Reflex before I take the plunge on one of those. I can imagine they are tone beasts!

Have you had chance to play a Big Al yet? What are your thoughts?
 

Manfloozy

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Mar 9, 2009
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Naples, FL
Definitely grab a Big Al and a Bongo HH. If you like 5'ers definitely make the Bongo a 5'er. Add the third as a Sterling HS with the number of strings to taste. This will give you great variety.
 

Movielife

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Well, ive decided after a very careful amount of consideration, that the Sterling 5 HS is at the top of the list. I want the pre 08 Ray 5 electronics as well as the 08-onwards I have now. Plus, I think the shape is excellent.

Id rather try the Bongo before the Big Al...so I think its Bongo 5HH second.
 

OldSchool Noob

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Dec 20, 2005
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Minneapolis, MN
Do this and you'll be fine ...

ballfamily.jpg
 

Movielife

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Jan 7, 2003
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North West, UK
Oh heck. I just can't get the Big Al shape out of my head...sorry Bongo heads but for some reason that Big Al shape really works for me.

1. Sterling 5 HS
2. Big Al 5 SSS
3. Big Al 4 H

Now that's a lineup!!!
 
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