Stingray vs Sterling vs Big Al vs Bongo Vs Reflex Vs Anniversary Music Man basses

[MudvilleStomper]

In a steel cage grudge match 40 feet above the floor, the Reflex HSS owns all. It's not even close. And if they ever came in Sapphire Black? Forgetaboutit...

 

[nurnay]

I made the plunge pretty recently and LOVE my Big Al SSS. I play mostly classic rock, and the passive/active option is muy bueno. I can't imagine anyone NOT liking the tones you can get from the Big Al.

Here's my problem. I have two Bongos and LOVE LOVE LOVE them (5 HH w/P; 4 HS) - and I had been doing funk/R&B, but am now doing classic rock gigs. I've had Sterlings (still have a 4 HS), but... although I like the neck (not as much as the Bongo), too heavy, didn't feel right. I'm itching for a Big Al SSS, but have no way to go test drive one. Anybody out there that can tell me if I'd like the Al or if I should just get...ANOTHER Bongo?

 

[FatFour]

I tried all the MM basses and ended up with an SR4 because it just felt the most comfortable to play, even though I had planed on a Stirling because of the smaller body.

 

[Golem]

you're going to want to own all of them at some point.
so just start with one and work your way down the list.

Yessss boyzngurlz, it's TOO much fun.
Collect them ALL ! Have a great time
swapping EBMM bass with your friends.

Don't forget the Special Editions, and
remember, a COMPLETE set can be a
treasured family heirloom someday !

 

[adouglas]

Well, I've already got the membership certificate (suitable for framing) and it's actually framed and hanging on the wall of my office.

But I have to say, I think this whole collecting thing would be more fun if the secret decoder rings were more widely available. I think Jack has the only one at the moment.

 

[Golem]

`

After I put the tort PG on my SR30th
I woke up to a dead cat on my porch.


`

 

[Aussie Mark]

I've owned multiple Bongos and even more Stingrays, in all the pickup configurations. They are great basses. But my Big Al SSS overshadows them all - it is more ergonomic and has more tonal versatility.

 

[Old_Guy]

Oh I've had too many of the older models already... Didn't love the Stingray, have gone through a few Sterlings, but can't give up the two Bongos. Never have done a Big Al though...but it does seem to be what the current gig requires. Might swap out the Sterling 4HS for it.....I'm reading ergonomic; rock-tonal versitity (passive/active good), etc...

 

[adouglas]

Oh I've had too many of the older models already...

I do not understand this sentence.

 

[MadMatt]

Well, let me see, currently or at points in the past I have had: SR4HH, SR5H Fretless, 25th HH 4&5, Big Al 5SSS and a Sterling 5H. I have to say the Reflex/25th 4HSS is really what floats my boat right now. Its like the Big Al SSS but the Humbucker gives it something magical that I have not found anywhere else. I cant explain it... it maybe simply in my head but I dont care, as long as i am happy with it

 

[MSilvers]

To the best of my knowledge:

Stingray: Classic. 3 Band active (9V) EQ (five way selector if you have an HH), nice beefy neck, fairly heavy, iconic look, classic sound.

Sterling: Similar to Stingray but with a thinner neck and lighter.

Bongo: Similar neck to Stingray, 4 band EQ instead of 3 band, blend knob instead of switch, 18V pre-amp instead of 9V, kinda funky look, neck has a different feel as it's not as natural of a finish, only one offered in 6 string.

Big-All: Pick up selector buttons, lot's of different sounds (especially in SSS), active or passive, series or parallel options, 4 Band EQ (active) and tone knob (passive), thinner neck than Stingray and Bongo, really funky shape, only one with three single coil pick-up option.

Reflex/25th: Combined features from most of the other basses. Stingray-ish neck but overall lighter, pickup selector buttons, series or parallel, active or passive options, 4 Band EQ (active) and tone knob (passive), tone block, awesome.

Game Changer (Reflex): All features of Reflex but with any possible pickup combination (with two Humbuckers) possible including active and passive, series and parallel, in and out of phase options.

 

[bovinehost]

What's all this about choosing just one or two?

This thread makes no sense at all.

 

[strummer]

I know there has never been a thread like this but im going to change that. Which ones do you guys like better and explain why?

I like the Bongo best, it has the looks and the sound.

 

[keko]

I like the Bongo best, it has the looks and the sound.

I like the reflex best, it has the looks and the sound.

OK, NHF ...I'll get one Bongo soon or a later!

 

[MattOfSweden]

To me the Stingray's where it's at - love the tone, love the feel, love the looks. There are however other EBMM's on my list for the future though - a Bongo 5H and a Reflex/25th 5HH to mention two. Still kicking myself for parting with my 25th 5 HSS...

 

[bovinehost]

The Bongo is a gateway drug for other Bongos.

 

[kylierider]

I like the original..Stingrays for me all the way. I've tried the Bongo and just didn't get what all the hype is about...Saving pennies for a Big Al SSS as we speak.

 

[MSilvers]

I like the original..Stingrays for me all the way. I've tried the Bongo and just didn't get what all the hype is about...Saving pennies for a Big Al SSS as we speak.

I've had the same experience so far, though the few Bongos I've played were not set up very well.

 

[guenter]

The Bongo is a gateway drug for other Bongos.

This seems to be very true.

 

[Grga]

This seems to be very true.

I'd say it's a matter of fact