Big Al Bass?

[Musicman20]

Wow - for around $1,700 it better sound phenomenal...

It does, and the build quality is literally the best I've seen even for a higher priced bass (although I'm not talking Fodera obviously).

 

[Daniel Piper]

BONGO-BIG AL-REFLEX

These newer Musicman instruments are all nothing short of amazing.

Incredibly versatile preamp that never gets ganky or muddy. Low low noise too.

A company that doesn't offer Fender looks - without making coffee table basses.

 

[Showdown]

I don't mind the looks, but as someone who finds a good tone then sticks with it that 3 pickup version is just too much for me.

 

[Munjibunga]

If you can get past the looks, they're pretty decent-sounding basses. However, the one I tried at GC had faulty pushbuttons, and it seems I've heard somewhere that that is (or was) not uncommon with those basses,

 

[Thornton Davis]

If you can get past the looks, they're pretty decent-sounding basses. However, the one I tried at GC had faulty pushbuttons, and it seems I've heard somewhere that that is (or was) not uncommon with those basses,

There was a minor sticking issue with the buttons in the original (4 string) production run, but that was quickly corrected by the factory. FWIW, I've had my Big Al-5 H for 2 1/2 years now and never had a push button problem.

Personally I love the looks of the Al myself. I'm so tired of the P & J body style being recycled over and over.

TD

 

[BigBigGuy44]

Wow - for around $1,700 it better sound phenomenal...

In the grand scheme of things, $1,700 isn't that much for an instrument. Especially for the quality and features you are getting.

 

[Fletz]

Worried about what the bass LOOKS like for an audition? Hmmmm. I just got a beautiful white/white/maple big all 4sss with matching headstock. I have a live audition Friday (on stage for a set with a new band) and I'm bringing the Big Al. If I play well and we get on but they don't hire me because I'm playing an angular "bass from the Jetsons" them screw 'em. First of all, if you are in a cover band, you won't find a more versatile single instrument. Name a tone and hou'll find it on the SSS. Second, the balance and weight are amazing. The neck is ultra playable and the way it hangs is second to none. Third, the look will either repulse or attract people. However, if the bassist playing it sucks - it doesn't matter. This bass is a monster tone wise, it's a looker (either way) and it is a top quality instrument. It sounds great and feels amazing.

 

[Fletz]

 

[Epitaph04]

Amazing how so many people trash something solely based on not looking like everything else out there. What the hell's so bad about something different?

 

[Musicman20]

Amazing how so many people trash something solely based on not looking like everything else out there. What the hell's so bad about something different?

Ay, agreed. I love the traditional P/J shapes, more so the Ray shape, but I have a LOT of time for the Big Al, Bongo and Reflex.

If we all liked the same things, it would suck. All the hot girls would be gone in seconds. HAHAHAH.

 

[Fletz]

Amazing how so many people trash something solely based on not looking like everything else out there. What the hell's so bad about something different?

If Geddy didn't play a steinberger, what would people have said about that?

 

[Daniel Piper]

That is a sweet lookin bass.

View attachment 345201

I think I could be very happy with a (SSS) Big Al.


If I am ever parted from my reflex

 

[ezstep]

Amazing how so many people trash something solely based on not looking like everything else out there. What the hell's so bad about something different?

I seem to remember several comments about a commode seat bass that started the same way. Of course, it moved to become a pretty mainstream bass and very few comment on the toilet seat look anymore.